The British hold very little taboo when they’re laughing, and although this often seems insensitive to other cultures, the bedrock of our sense of humour is a strong sense of sarcasm and self-deprecation. The British can be very passionate – and if you doubt that try going to a football match - but our passion is often hidden deep in our humour so that foreigners often fail to not only recognise the deadpan delivery but are never too sure if they’ve been involved in a serious altercation that could kick-off at any moment or just a little bit of friendly banter.

This is a list of books that will make you laugh out loud