Emanuel Litvinoff

‘The Cardinal and the Corpse' marks the beginning of Petit’s loose partnership with writer Iain Sinclair. There’s a nod towards narrative here involving a book-search launched by graphic novelist Alan Moore and a dealer (the dapper but barking Driffield), but it’s little more than an excuse to showcase a number of authors and other miscreants.

Albert has to chose between his wife Ursula and Molly, the cook in his factory. One empties his wallet regularly, the other other feeds him heartily.

A man who has become a slave to buying luxuries tells his wife that he is being interviewed for a higher-paid position at work.

Harry Steffans and his coloured wife, Annie, find it difficult to rent a flat.