How to be an Alien (1946) was the first book by George Mikes. It poked gentle fun at the English and their relationship with foreigners, written from his perspective as a fresh immigrant from Hungary. The book is characterised by much humour, affection and a total lack of rancour or bitterness. Perhaps influenced by the works of the prolific and (in the English-speaking world) little-known satirical writer Frigyes Karinthy, Mikes demonstrated not only his knowledge of English society but an insight into the English language.