Squashed compresses literature to its essential core. Chew through St Augustine in 40 minutes, or Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations” in 50. No “Da Vinci Code” yet, though I’m sure that’s just an oversight. If you’re doubly impatient, try Epicurus’ Maxims (5 minutes). My favourite: The wealth required by nature is limited and is easy to procure; but the wealth required by vain ideals extends to infinity. Official motto of the dot-com boomer!
