The Hoonaloon Books Blog

Gunapayuta - A Pictorial Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha (CBBEF, Taiwan)

2011-11-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

This unusual illustrated Buddhist text from Taiwan is particularly interesting.

The original text by Gunapayuta was in Thai. This volume is in Chinese and English, translated by Bhiksu Jan Hai (who translated from Thai into Chinese) and Z A Lu (who translated from Thai into English).

Gunapayuta`s original illustrations have been coloured by Yann-Fang Lee.

Full details can be found in our listings and additional images will be posted on ABE, hopefully within the next 48 hours.

Please do bear in mind the 20% discount we are allowing on all items we sell on sites run hy ABE (www.abebooks.com, www.abebooks.co.uk etc ) before 27 Nov 2011. The discount has already been deducted from our prices on those sites, so all you have to do is make your selection and place your order (see previous posting for details).

Hoonaloon Book Bonanza

2011-11-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

The Hoonaloon Books 2011 sale is now on.

During the period 1 Nov 2011 - 27 Nov 2011, all of the books we have listed on ABE sites will be discounted by a massive 20% !

We will continued to add new titles regularly, and these also will be discounted until the end of the sale.

Please note, that this offer only applies to books we are selling via sites run by ABE (www.abebooks.com, www.abebooks.co.uk etc) and that the prices show on these sites have already been discounted - all you need to do is make your selection and place your order.

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to get in touch.

Collectable, Signed and Limited Editions

2011-10-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

4416

4417

4418

Here at Hoonaloon Books we have a comprehensive supply of signed books, limited editions, proof copies, small press and foreign editions.

Details of said titles can be found using the links provided and are pretty much guaranteed to fill you with surprise, delight and awe.

Here are three such titles from our listings ;

At 4416 we have `A Relation or Journal of the Beginnings or Proceedings of the English Plantation settled at Plimoth (sic) in New England 1620`, a limited, numbered edition ( 36 of 2050 ) reprint of the original document.

At 4417 we have Lord Graham of Edmonton`s `From Tyne to Thames`, reflections of a life dedicated to the Labour Party and to the Co-Operative movement. This is a signed copy and also an association copy, being signed with a view to it`s being presented to an individual with a long-standing involvement with the Co-operative movement in Derbyshire, probably on the occasion of their retirement.

At 4418 we have a numbered, limited edition (735 of 1,000) copy of Emily Diamand`s `Reaver`s Ransom`, signed by the author and complete with slipcase.

If anyone would like to see additional images of these books, there are some posted on our listings on ABE , or you can always contact us directly and we`ll happily provide some more.

As always, full details, price etc can be found using the links provided.

These are just a few of the more collectable titles amongst our total stock of around 4,000 books, so please feel free to browse our listings and we`re sure you`ll find something to interest you !

Any questions, just ask.

Anne Taintor - I`m Becoming My Mother - MJF/Fine by arrangement with Chronicle, New York circa 2004

2011-08-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

As you`ll appreciate, with 3,500 - 4,000 books in stock at any one time, it can be difficult to decide which to highlight in the blog.

Sometimes we include a particular title just because it makes us laugh. This is the case with number 4310 in our listings, Anne Taintor`s I`m Becoming My Mother*.

* Should anybody be interested, I myself am not becoming my mother - she`s quite capable of being herself !

Janet Aylmer, Hugh Thomson - Darcy`s Story - Copperfield Books - New Illustrated Edition

2011-08-25T03:31:00.000-07:00

Janet Aylmer is the author of In the Footsteps of Jane Austen, Julia and the Master of Morancourt, Sophie`s Salvation and others.

Her Darcy`s Story, first published in 1996, takes Jane Austen`s Pride and Prejudice as it`s starting point, but presents the story from Mr Darcy`s point of view, whilst aiming to remain faithful to the original tale and characters.

To judge by the 36 (!) reviews posted on Amazon, the book has divided Austen fans. A quick trawl through reader`s comments shows this all too clearly ; "Fantastic", "enchanting", "delightful" said some. "Disappointing" and even "dreadful" said others.

Personally, I think the author can take a quiet pride in the fact her book gets such strong responses - think how bad it would be if people had ignored it altogether or merely expressed indifference ! All I can suggest is that you read it and form your own opinions.

The New Illustrated edition first appeared in 1999 and our copy is a 2003 reprint of that edition. The Hugh Thomson illustrations are taken from the 1894 Allen and Unwin edition.

Our copy can be found at number 4309 in our listings and is not expensive if anyone fancies giving the book a try.

Philippa Pearce, Helen Craig - A Finder`s Magic - Walker, 2008 1st Edition (First Edition)

2011-08-25T01:54:00.000-07:00

At 4284 in our listings we have a first edition of Philippa Pearce`s book A Finder`s Magic, illustrated by Helen Craig.

I strongly suspect that this is one of those times when no additional comment from me is really necessary and, as they used to say, a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Accordingly, here are some images of the copy in question ;

As always, details, price etc can be found by visiting our online shops at ABE, Antiqbook and Mare Libri.

Any questions, just ask.

Lads, Lasses and Man`s Best Friend

2011-08-12T02:22:00.000-07:00

4260

4261

4268

4271

(see also 2179, 2669, 3017, 3815)

More pearls from the East Midlands ;

Of interest to history buffs will be Sgt Eric Walton`s From Hepthorne Lane to Rangoon and Back Again, the story of how a coal miner`s son from Clay Cross came to be present when the Japanese agreed a cease fire in Burma. In addition to details of his wartime service, Eric Walton has interesting observations to make concerning his experience of civilian life, including a post-war career in the coal industry, under both private and public ownership.

Narvel Annable is noted for producing mysteries set in Derbyshire, but is also a writer of non-fiction, mostly (though not always) of a biographical and/or historical nature.

The Wirksworth Creative Writers booklet is very typical of the self-published works of local writers` groups up and down the country. At one time I was an avid reader of such things and I personally would say that the vast majority contain at least one undiscovered gem. Better value for money than the average bestseller.

Dennis McCarthy is a noted Nottinghamshire author, broadcaster and dog lover, who has collaborated with cartoonist Pete Dredge on more than one occasion. His works are always popular in the area and this account of life with an eccenric Irish Water Spaniel is no exception.

As always, use the links provided for further information, or if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

More About Trains

2011-08-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

1940

1951

Let`s linger amongst the locomotives once again, with these two items ;

1940 - A Fairclough - The Story of Cornwall`s Railways - Tor Mark, 1970

1951 - Stevens and others - Shackerstone Railway Society - SRS, c. 1973

As ever, more details can be found using the links provided, or feel free to contact us if you have a question.

Cheers,

Nick & Ann-Marie

Hoonaloon Books

www.abebooks.com

www.antiqbook.co.uk

www.marelibri.com

http://hoonaloonbooks.yolasite.com

Olivia C Aykin (Elaine Olivia Tinn) - Live a Little, Die A Little - 1988

2011-08-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

The author served as a private in the Royal Auxiliary Service during World War Two, on attachment to the Royal Artillery.

Years later (1988 to be exact), having started a new life in Malta, she came to feel that insufficient attention had been paid to the role of women in the services during the period 1939 - 45. This scarce self-published volume is her contribution to addressing the balance.

Full details at number 4265 in our listings.

A must for adventurous whippet fans....

2011-08-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

A lovely first edition copy of this true story of pensioners Terry and Monica, their narrowboat Phyllis May and Jim the reluctant whippet and their adventures across the English Channel, through Belgium and France to the Mediterranean.
With a charming illustrated dust jacket plus further smaller black and white drawings by Christopher Corr.
Price £4.95 ( + £3.21 UK 2nd class postage).
See the links to our selling sites (Abe and Antiqbook) for more details or contact us direct.

Railwayana and Railway Ephemera

2011-08-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

These recent additions to our stock will be of particular interest to railway enthusiasts and collectors of railway memorabilia.

The British Rail Eastern Region (Northern Area) Supplementary Operating Instructions from 1972 are at 4242 in our listings, while the British Rail Southern Region Supplement to the Electrified Lines Instructions is at 4243.

Our stock is currently listed on Abebooks, Antiqbook and Mare Libri - use the `Buy Books` links provided to see further details, condition, price etc, or if you prefer you can deal with us directly by e-mail - hoonaloon@btinternet.com .

Other railway publications can also be found in our listings.

If railway-related events are of interest to you, you may wish to see `Let`s Talk About Trains`, posted earlier today at http://bookshelvesandbrownale.blogspot.com .

Gloria Morgan - Kinmers Lea - Callie-Co Books - Nottinghamshire - 2008

2011-08-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

Born in London but now based in Nottinghamshire, author Gloria Morgan named her book after the original name of the North Notts town of Kimberley.

The book involves an unlikely pair of allies, Edwin, an ordinary 12 year old boy and his ninety year old Gran. During the course of the book, the two become involved in events which combine the Battle of Hastings, a kidnapping plot and a wild ride to Nottingham Castle which takes place a century before the days of Robin Hood.

Copies of this admirable volume can be found at numbers 3068, 3261 and 4205, with the added bonus that 3261 and 4205 have been signed by the author.

Further details can be found using the `Buy Books` links provided, or you can deal direct by e-mailing us on hoonaloon@btinternet.com, provided you`re happy to pay by Paypal.

Any questions, just ask.

Brigadier Ethel Roberts - Lydia Longbone - Salvationist Publishing & Supplies- Undated (Salvation Army)

2011-08-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

An interesting and unusual recent addition to our stock is The Home Life and Adventures of Lydia Longbone : Told in Letters From One School-Girl to Another by Ethel Roberts.

Published by Salvationist Publishing and Supplies, Ltd, and featuring an preface by the Salvation Army`s Commisioner Hitching, the book was obviously intended to promote the work of that organisation.

It is undated, but ther Commissioner`s preface was dated 1928. there is a Salvation Army

presentation sticker at the front, possibly dated 1946. The problem with prize and presentation stickers is that often organisations laid in a supply of books for these purposes and sometimes did not issue them for some time, so that the date of publication is somewhat earlier than the presentation date. This book may well be a case in point as the pictorial hardcover and general style of the book would have been anachronistic for 1946.

The book is number 4237 in our listings and details can be found at www.abebooks.com , www.abebooks.co.uk , www.marelibri.com and www.antiqbook.co.uk . Of course we are always happy to deal directly with customers who prefer that, and with that in mind our e-mail adress is hoonaloon@btinternet.com .

It is unfortunate that the pictorial hardcover does not scan particularly well. More pictures are available on request, though.

Any questions, just ask.

Localism in Literature

2011-06-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here at Hoonaloon Books, we fly the flag for regionalism with our stock of books with a strong Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire connection (95 titles at present).

Here are a few recent additions to our stock ;

4108 - Sarah Cole etc - Archaeology and Conservation in Derbyshire

4109 - John N Merrill - Matlock ; A Practical Guide... * Signed copy*

4114 - Howard Atkinson and others - Poetry Nottingham - Vol 41, Number 3, Autumn 1987

4123 - Glover and others - Richard Arkwright and the Mills at Cromford

As ever, details can be found using the `Buy Books` links provided, and any questions can be e-mailed to us in the normal way.

Anyone interested in literature locally might to see `Hucknall Book and Craft Day` (25 June 2011) at http://bookshelvesandbrownale.blogspot.com .

Thomas Miller - Gideon Giles The Roper - Nicholson and Sons - Late Nineteenth Century

2011-05-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

Thomas Miller was born in Gainsborough and was raised by his mother in circumstances of some hardship. As a boy he worked on a farm owned by a relative but this seems to have been short-lived and he was soon back in Gainsborough.

After this false start he was taught basket-making by his step-father and in 1831 he moved to Nottingham where he intended to make a living in that trade. It was whilst living there that his first book, The Song of the Sea Nymphs, was published. It was also during this period that he married and started a family.

During his time in Nottingham he and his family lived at Coalpit Lane and he had a shop in Swann`s Yard (off Long Row) for a time. On market days he had a stall at the junction of South Parade/Exchange Walk, which he continued with even after he became a published writer. When tending his stall he was known to recite poetry in the hope that people would stop to listen and be tempted to buy one of his baskets.  He wrote a number of poems of his own during this period, some of which were published in the Nottingham Journal. Nottingham and Derbyshire are frequently mentioned in his novels and poems, and in fact the central character in Gideon Giles spends an evening at the Old Ship on Pelham Street. I gather the building that housed The Old Ship is no longer there.

In 1835, the Millers moved to London and there he found a mentor, the Countess of Blessington, who introduced him to the London-based literary world of the time. Presumably his new life suited him as he began to churn out novels and poems prolifically, with Gideon Giles being his best-known title.

Miller returned to Gainsborough for a while in the 1870s, intending to promote his next book, Our Old Town. Unfortunately, the book was not well received and he fell on hard times. This was nothing new for him; in 1851, a begging letter from Miller to Dickens had been rebuffed, with Dickens writing to Edward Bulwer-Lytton that he felt Miller had been ill-advised to pursue a career as a writer ; "I fear he has mistaken his vocation".

Fortunately, the poet Tennyson was more sympathetic and, as Miller enterd an impoverished old age,  approached Disraeli on his behalf. Eventually, Miller was provided with a pension to live on. He died in 1874 and, like many interesting and notable characters, was buried in West Norwood Cemtetery. For those of us who take an interest in such things, there is a community/conservation/preservation group, Friends of West Norwood Cemetery, whose site can be found at http://www.fownc.org/ .

I many ways, Miller`s story is a sad one. Despite some success as a poet and novelist, his literary career never provided him with financial stability and he must at times have wondered if basket-making had been the better option ! Nevertheless, he has achieved a certain literary immortality, as we can see from the many modern reprints of his work. He may not be the best-known 19th century English Victorain writer, but equally, he`s not been forgotten.

Our copy if Gideon Giles is indeed a fine and dandy little volume and can be found at number 3988 in our listings, along with full description, price etc. As always, any questions, just ask.

Judith Veronica Lang - It`s Good Everywhere But Better Somewhere Else - Helikon Kiado

2011-04-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Here at Hoonaloon books we pride ourselves on our record as purveyors of the unusual and specialists in the off-beat.

One such instance is to be found at number 3898 in our listings. Veronic Lang`s book It`s Good Everywhere but Better Somewhere Else (Helikon Kiado) is thoroughly bilingual, being in both Hungarian and English.

A work of non-fiction, it looks at the subject of immigration into Hungary and is centred around 18 interviews. The interviewees are "those English, American, French, Italian and other nationals who didn`t come here because they have Hungarian blood, and not even in hopes of making a fast buck. So for what ? Their motivation is an exciting and never boring question mark."

Respondents include Charles Dickens` great-great-grand-daughter, now a resident of Budapest.

This title is not currently showing up in our online listings, but should appear within the next 24 hours.

.

Donald Suddaby : Lost Men in the Grass through the Eyes of the Illustrators (Alan Griff)

2011-03-05T02:36:00.000-08:00

It`s always interesting to see how different illustrators interpret and represent the same piece of work.

Examples of this appear at 3869 and 3870 in our listings where we find two different editions of Lost Men in the Grass by Donald Suddaby aka Alan Griff.

First up, here is the dust jacket from 3869. This edition dates from 1945 and was published by the OUP. The author is credited under the psdeudonym Alan Griff and internal illustrations are by Eric Newton. (his work appears in both 3869 and 3870). For reasons which will become apparent if you check our description of this item, we are unable to tell you the name of the dust jacket artist.

3869

The dust jacket illustration to 3870 is signed `Haworth` and the artist`s name may have been Carl Haworth. This 1950 Cumberledge/OUP edition credits the author as Donald Suddaby (his full name was William Donald Suddaby). The approach taken here is very diiferent to the earlier one ;

3870

The internal illustrations are done to a very high standard as even a philistine like myself can tell. Interestingly, the title page to 3869 is illustrated with a likeness of a winged insect, whilst the title page to 3870 is not illustrated at all.

3869

The next Newton illustration is from 3870 but appears in both books ;

3870

I`m sorry for the shadow to the left-hand side as you look at it, but didn`t want to press down on the spine.

So there you have it - the same book through different eyes.

Surprisingly, there is little on the web about author or artists. Suddaby, as you may know, was born in Leeds in 1900 and was a prolific writer of children`s books. He is best remembered for his science fiction and fantasy work, but did also produce books that you might loosely class as historical fiction. As far as we know, he did not write any titles aimed at adults. If anyone has further information on author or illustrators then, as ever, we`d be glad to hear from you.

I believe Donald/Alan had a grandson, Mark J Suddaby who is also a published writer.

And now, the boring stuff. To read more details of the books mentioned, or to see more images, use the `Buy Books` links provided. If considering making a purchase, please read the descriptions fully, particularly in the case of 3869.

Any questions, just ask.

George Mellor - Look Back at Loscoe - Happy Walking International - 1997

2011-01-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

GEORGE MELLOR - LOOK BACK AT LOSCOE ; A DERBYSHIRE COLLIERY VILLAGE IN THE TWENTIES - HAPPY WALKING - 1997

Born in 1917, George Mellor was the son of a miner from Loscoe, Derbyshire. He spent six years in the armed forces during World War Two (Somalia) and on his return went into the teaching profession.

During the period of his retirement he became an accomplished amateur artist, poet and local historian. Sadly, he died during 2010.

This is the story of his childhood and of growing up in the Heanor/Loscoe area, illustrated with the author`s own sketches.

This warm and often funny account of Derbyshire life and history is rather scarce now, but well worth looking out for.

We currently have one copy on sale, which is at number 3809 in our listings. It should appear online within the next twelve hours.

Notorious Knits and Kitschy Stitches

2011-01-26T02:05:00.000-08:00

The Museum of Kitschy Stitches : A Gallery of Notorious Knits by Stitchy McYarnpants (Debbie Brisson) is a book compiled from "vintage catalogues, patterns and advertisements" by a self-confessed "master of fashion disaster".

I think we can safely assume that the photographic likenesses contained therein date from the `60s to early `70s. I presume the vibrant (is that the right word ?) colours were a reflection of the optimism of the area. The actual styles, however, can only be the symptoms of some kind of clinical condition.

Did people really look like that ? If so, why ? My best guess is that it was some sort of crime prevention exercise - dressed like that, people would rarely leave home, let alone get involved in any activity that might draw attention to them.

On a personal note, I recall as a child that my mother would occasionally nod towards people passing by and comment jokingly "promise me you`ll never dress like that." At the time her sense of humour went over my head, but now after all these years, I see what she was getting at !

Anyway, a selection of the relevant fashions is reproduced here for you to savour.

These are just a few of the more tasteful examples - I was worried some of the others could cause nightmares to those of a sensitive disposition ! If you are unwise enough to require a copy of the book, it is number 3802 in our listings and should appear online within the next twelve hours.

Yaffle and Flambo Revisited

2011-01-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

Some time ago (30 August 2010 to be exact), I asked if anyone new the true identities of author Yaffle and illustrator Flambo.

I`ve now had a reply via blogger from someone using the name Weedking, to tell me that Yaffle was in fact Bernard Boothroyd , a columnist with the sinister-sounding New Leader 1929 - 33, later humour editor for Reynolds News and eventually editor of Peace News. Boothroyd was also apparently the man who discovered the cartoonist Giles.

According to Weedking, Flambo was "almost certainly" Montague Phillip Medoza aka Philip Mendoza aka Mendoza aka `Flam`, an illustrator often associated with pulp-fiction covers, but who actually engaged in a range of illustrative work. Mendoza had apparently illustrated Yaffle/Boothroyd`s New Leader column for a time, and also contributed full-page pieces to the same publication.

For more on Mendoza, my informant recommends `Philip Mendoza (Montague Phillip Mendoza)` which was posted on Tues 6 March 2007 at http://bearalley.blogspot.com/ .

Weedking has no blog and has not provided me with a way to contact him/her, but I would like to use this chance to express my thanks for this information, and also to share it with others.

Much obliged, Weedking.

The three illustrations here are from Yaffle and Flambo`s Foiling the Reds ( Labour Research Department, 1926) which you`ll find at 3553 in our listings. As you`ll see, in the top illustration a fiendish-looking individual has stolen a copy of the New Leader from three other characters, possibly lending credence to the suggestion that the artist was the New Leader`s Mendoza.

If considering buying this, please read our description carefully, including the condition details. Cheers.

P.S. Just out of curiosity, what was New Leader ? I`m vaguely aware of an American journal of that title, which began in the `20s and only ceased production a few years ago, but presumably Boothroyd/Mendoza were contributing to a UK publication of the same name ? If anyone knows, that would be interesting. I have an inquiring mind, as you can possibly tell.

Andrew Polkey - The Civil War in the Trent Valley - Walk & Write, Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire -

2011-01-08T02:07:00.000-08:00

Born and raised in Derby and having worked in both Nottingham and Burton, teacher Andrew Polkey felt that there should be a book on the English Civil War as it affected the Trent Valley. Like many peple, he eventually concluded that if he wanted it doing, he`d have to do it himself !

Fortunately, Derbyshire-based publisher Walk and Write agreed with him, and the result is this mighty fine paperback book.

This is one of around half a dozen books on the Civil War that we have in stock at present, and I like to think we are currently catering for those who are new to the subject as well as those with some prior knowledge.

It`s at number 3778 in our listings. Any questions, just ask.

As you`ll appreciate, we only post details of a small section from our stock on this blog, but the whole online literary emporium can be found using the links provided. Cheers.

Jean Grose - Those Seaside Days - Poppyland - 1986

2011-01-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Jean Grose - Those Seaside Days - Poppyland Publishing - 1986

Poppyland Publishers of North Walsham in Norfolk were (are ?) specialists in publications relating to East Anglian life and culture.

Published during the `80s as part of their East Anglian Memories series, this book concerns itself with memories of East Anglian family holidays in the `40s. Enlightening and enjoyable, educational and entertaining, this worthy tome appears at number 3786 in our listings.

Don`t forget that this blog only comprises a few `edited highlights` from our online emporium. To check out our full range of titles and subjects, use the `Buy Books` links provided.

Back to the Seventies Once Again

2010-12-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

Let`s get into our time machine and go back to the `70s once again !

Yes, it was a groovy time to be young and fab in London`s West End, particularly if you happened to work for Purnell, who you may recall brought us Top Pop Scene (this blog, 16 December 2010).

Rather less long-lived was sister publication Girl ! Girl ! Girl ! , which brought it`s young readership "Fabulous Features on Fashion, Pop Stars, Astrology, Boutiques, Beauty and Boys" plus much, much more.

As with Top Pop Scene, one detects a slight Reithian streak, a determination that it`s young readers should be encouraged to be more culturally adventurous, however much they themselves may have wanted to immerse themselves in a world of fickle fashion.

Thus, while our budding `70s girls are asked to address themselves to a number of semi-rhetorical questions ("So You Want to be Model ?" , "Are you Ready to go Steady ?") and to respond in some way to a variety of exhortations characterised by the over-use of exclamation marks ("Boys ! Boys ! Boys !", "Swing into Style !", "It`s Fun to Run a Party !"), they are also advised to consider the musical accomplishments of Bob Dylan, Jethro Tull`s Ian Anderson and others. Perhaps the publishers took themselves a bit seriously, but it`s quite endearing really.

I was not female in the `70s, or at any other time, so the finer points of this splendid seventies publication may be lost on me, but it does make a fascinating period piece. I would be interested to know whether the Derek Long who contributed two short stories to this august publication is the freelance writer who wrote `The Mystery of the Italian Ruins` for Amalgamated / Fleetway some years earlier, though I suppose it`s unlikely.

As far as I know, this was the first Girl ! Girl ! Girl ! annual. Others appeared for a few years and after that it apparently ceased to be produced.

This peerless piece of popular culture can be found at 3770 in our listings.

Aldous Huxley - Science, Liberty and Peace - Chatto and Windus - 1947 (First Edition)

2010-12-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

In the aftermath of World War Two, many of the assumptions made by people in the western world at the time had taken a knock.

Prior to the war, there had been a belief, fairly widespread, in the civilising value of culture. As the atrocities committed by the Nazis, many of their leaders highly cultured men, came to the public`s attention, that belief was no longer viable.

At the same time, while the Allied forces had (eventually) brought Russian communism into an alliance with the capitalist UK and USA in a common fight against fascism, few were persuaded to embrace the Communist cause and only a handful of Communists were ever elected to the UK Parliament.

Many prominent thinkers of the time were moved to put pen to paper as they considered the implications of the situation. Among them were three of the Huxleys ; Julian, T H and Aldous. Aldous` contribution came in the form of this book, Science, Liberty and Peace.

Aldous is probably best known as a novelist and writer of short stories and screenplays, but in fact he wrote widely in a number of different genres including non-fiction on a variety of subjects. Science, Liberty and Peace may sound on the face of it like some sort of `30s Marxist tract, but in fact it advocates a political philosophy of decentralisation as a `third way` avoiding the pitfalls of monopoly power of whatever sort.

Huxley`s interest in Eastern philosophies, his advocacy of psychedelic drug use and his tendency to collect `-ists and -isms` (at various times he embraced humanism, pacifism, Hinduism, mysticism, vegetarianism, parapsychology, the Alexander technique and much else) can make him seem rather an odd and anachronistic character. This book is in part influenced by an American group called the Decentralists who, perhaps sadly, seem to be largely forgotten now, but who Huxley name-checks a few times. At a time when the more progressive-minded in the UK, whether left, right, centre or green, are looking into the implications of decentralisation, maybe his ideas are worth a second look.

This book will be at number 3761 in our listings and should appear online in a day or two. Any questions, just ask.

The Original Robin Hood

2010-12-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

3760 - John Sheffield - The Original Robin Hood - Privately Published by the Author, Nottingham, 1986

This title by John Sheffield was originally published in 1982 by Sheffield and Broad ( possibly he was the `Sheffield` in that partnership ?). This edition, which has a few minor amendments when compared to the original, was privately published by the author in 1986 and I believe was re-issued a few times thereafter.

As regards the great Notts/Yorks rivalry, Mr Sheffield is a firm believer that the character of Robin had his origins in Yorkshire, and backs this up with what appear to be impressive arguments. He is at pains to point out that these stories were part of an evolving tradition and drew on various pre-existing stories from the outset.

You may like this booklet for the author`s scholarship. You may want to read the stories. You may be a fan of folk tales, or of the Robin Hood myth. However that may be, this is an interesting and unusual booklet that would be a worthy addition to anyone`s book collection.

The book will appear in our listings at number 3760, and should show up online within a day or two.

Any questions, just ask.

Travelling Through Time With Top Pop Scene

2010-12-16T11:17:00.000-08:00

Let`s travel back in time with Top Pop Scene annual and re-live the heady days of the `70s rock, pop and soul scene.

That era seems to have acquired a reputation for badly-dressed rock bods playing enormously long, enormously dull live sets at massive venues. I`m more of a jazz and blues buff myself, but even I know that the `70s rock and pop was actually extremely varied in style and content.

This annual rather makes the point, with articles about artists as far apart as Peter Skellern, Yes, David Cassidy, Junior Campbell, The Who, Lynsey de Paul, The Osmonds, Roxy Music, the Temptations and Osibisa (twenty bands are featured in all).

It is, of course, desperately retro, but nothing wrong with that.

For full details, see the description at 3759 in our listings.

Joyce Lankester Brisley - Beyond Milly Molly Mandy !

2010-12-08T02:47:00.000-08:00

Joyce Lankester Brisley (1896 - 1978) was an English author and illustrator, something of a tradition in her family as her sisters Ethel and Nina were also illustrators.

She is best known for the Milly Molly Mandy series, but also wrote other children`s books - largely fiction, but also including books of a religious nature. Her My Bible Book was published in 1964, and The New Testament Story, which seems to comprise the parts of My Bible Book relating to the New Testament, was published in 1973.

For more on Ms Brisley, you might look to visit these two ;

http://jayneferst.blogspot.com/2007/08/joyce-lankester-brisley.html

or

http://www.thedawnshops.com/

Our copy of The New Testament Story can be found at 3736 in our listings.

"Your Faithful Servant" - Admiral Blake and the English Civil War

2010-12-08T02:03:00.000-08:00

We`ve already touched briefly on the English Civil War a couple of times*, but that needn`t stop us returning to the subject.

A recent addition to our stock is Your Faithful Servant, described as containing "insights into the life of the Cromwellian Navy from the letters, despatches and orders of Robert Blake, General at Sea". (The term `General at Sea` is a new one to me - did they have `Admirals on Land` ?)

The book is published by the Admiral Blake Museum at Bridgwater. The authorship is generally attributed to D J Sebborn (sometimes David Sebborn), but while his name does appear, this is not made entirely clear in the copy we have.

The English Civil War is an interesting period in history and well worth looking into. We`re happy to be able to offer two or three very affordable introductions to the subject**. As ever, use the links provided to search our stock.

* See `Colonel John Hutchinson and the Civil War in Nottingham`, Bookshelves and Brown Ale, 2 November 2010 and `George Courtauld, John Hutchinson...`, this blog 2 November 2010.

** Other items in our stock with a Civil War connection are ;

1883) Young - An Illustrated History of the Great Civil War 1642-1648 (Spurbooks)
2552) Plowden - The Women All on Fire (Sutton)
3697) Brown - A Guide to the Civil War in Nottinghamshire (Notts County Council)
3698) Unknown - The Civil War 1642-51 (Pitkin)

Ospreys of Lakeland and Loch

2010-12-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

I believe Ospreys spend winter abroad, which just goes to show there is much we can learn from our feathered friends !

While we await their return, these two attractive and informative booklets may be of interest ;

3712

3730

3712 is an RSPB booklet - we have one or two RSPB publications in our current listings I believe - whereas 3730 is published by the author`s own company, P3 Publications.

For more details, use the links provided. Cheers.

L P Harvey - Islamic Spain 1250 - 1500 - University of Chicago - 1990 - First Edition

2010-11-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Now retired, L P Harvey is a noted expert on Middle Eastern Studies and has been Head of the Department of Spanish and Spanish American Studies, King`s College, London ; Cervantes Professor of Spanish at King`s College, London and Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.

His published works include Islamic Spain 1250 - 1500, Muslims in Spain 1500 - 1614 and Makers of Islamic Civilization ; Ibn Battuta.

At 3704 in our listings you will find a first edition copy of Islamic Spain 1250 - 1500.

While softcover copies are relatively easily available, hardbacks in general and the first edition in particular are less easy to obtain. Opinions of the value of this book vary wildly. However, taking into account a variety of factors, including the economic climate, we`ve opted for what we believe to be a fair and reasonable price, all things considered.

For a full description and details of price. postage etc, please see our listing using the links provided. To aid you in your cogitations, here are some pictures of the book in question.

As always, if you have any questions, just ask !

A Little `80s Romance

2010-11-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

In times of recession and economic uncertainty, many people find solace in a little romance. Fortunately, we are here to assist in this matter by offering you the chance to acquire these classic items ;

At 3699 in our listings we have Secrets, `The Magazine with Super Stories`, issue number 2635 dated 7 June 1986. This issue contains, inter alia, stories by Margaret Clayton, Madge Gilfoyle, Olive Jeffrey and others, plus recipes, beauty tips etc.

At 3700 in our listings we have Red Letter, `For Women Who Love Good Stories`, dated 19 Fenruary 1983.Among the delights contained within are stories by Sheila Lewis, Phillip Leigh, Rosemary Alexander, Susan Sallis and others, plus regular features.

These publications must have been quite anachronistic even at the time, with their use of non-glossy paper and the emphasis on stories rather than features. The stories are all told in text rather than comic strip form.

It`s quite difficult to guage the readership they were aimed at. I cannot see any reference to the youth culture of the `80s, except for one solitary advertisement for Patches magazine in Red Letter ( "Girls ! Free in Next week`s Patches - One of These Super Pop Badges" ). I`m guessing that Red Letter and Secrets were not aimed primarily at teens and twenties.

For full descriptions, price etc, see our listings using the links provided.

George Courtauld, John Hutchinson, Sir Edward Verney, Mrs Anne Staunton, Ian Brown and John Bunyan

2010-11-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

George Courtauld, author/compiler of The Pocket Book of Patriotism (you`ll find a copy at 3481 in our listings), believes that the English are woefully ignorant of their own history. Up to a point I agree with him, but I do wonder if it depends what aspect of that history you have in mind - the continuing popularity of books, events and societies connected with the local/regional history of a particular area indicates to me that people perhaps just approach the subject differently now. Different approaches to history need not be mutually exclusive of course !

Specially for history buffs, here are a few facts concerning the English Civil War ;

1) John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim`s Progress and others, was a soldier in the Parliamentary cause. I assume that`s the reason why so many editions of his books feature illustrations of the characters in Civil War-era clothing.

2) Sir Edward Verney, the King`s Standard Bearer, told one of the King`s advisers that he was not happy with the way his monarch behaved ("I do heartily wish the King would yield"), but felt tied to the King by bonds of loyalty ("I will not...forsake him"). He indicated that his true beliefs were not in keeping with the King`s philosophy, and that he regarded death as a way out of this conflict of loyalties and would "choose rather to lose my life...than to preserve and defend those things which are against my conscience". In the event, he refused to put on protective armour before riding into battle at Edgehill carrying the King`s Standard. He died still clutching the flag.

3) An equally brave and principled man, but on the Parliamentary side, was Colonel John Hutchinson, variously MP for Nottingham, Governor of Nottngham Castle, JP for Owthorpe in Notts and later Sheriff of Nottingham. Nick`s article `Colonel John Hutchinson and the Civil War in Nottingham` can be found online at Bookshelves and Brown Ale.

4) When Parliamentary forces attacked Staunton Hall in Notts, they met stiff resistance from Mrs Staunton and "a group of twenty servants and others too unfit for the military" ! Eventually, the redoubtable Mrs Staunton gave up the fight and made her escape along the Great North Road. After the war, she was allowed to return "without any molestation" . Her husband was fined "for bearing arms for the King", but his fine was later halved as compensation for vandalism and theft by Roundhead soldiers after the unequal battle.

These few facts bring us neatly to a couple of forthcoming additions to our stock ;

Ian Brown* - A Guide to the Civil War in Nottinghamshire (Nottinghamshire County Council, 1992)

Unknown - The Civil War 1642 - 1651 ; A Pitkin Guide (Pitkin Pictorials, 1993)

We are temporarily off-line , but these two will appear at numbers 3697 and 3698 in our listings in the not-too-distant future.

Any queries, just drop us an e-mail and we`ll get back to you ASAP.

* other titles by Ian Brown also available.

Hoonaloon Books

2010-10-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hoonaloon Books will be back online in a few days time.

In the meantime, any messages can be sent via our Antiqbook shop.

Cheers,

Nick & Ann-Marie

Hoonaloon Books

2010-10-18T12:23:00.001-07:00

Hoonaloon Books are going to be offline for a couple of days, but expect to be back on track circa 24/10/10. Any outstanding orders/messages/queries will be processed pronto over the next couple of days. Thanks for your patience !

All the Best,

Nick & Ann-Marie
Hoonaloon Books
http://hoonaloon.blogspot.com/

N S Thompson at Beeston International Poetry Festival

2010-09-27T02:07:00.000-07:00

N S Thompson, a lad with long-standing literary leanings, makes a rare Midlands appearance during the Beeston International Poetry Festival.

Thompson will appear at the Flying Goose Cafe as part of an evening devoted to writers published by Smokestack Books on Tuesday 19 October 2010.

Further details from Smokestack Books via their website or from John Lucas via the Shoestring Press website.

This is the first year of the BIPF, which will run from 16 - 28 October 2010 and will feature a wide range of poets, including Mahendra Solanki, Cathy Grindrod and Wayne Burrows.

Anon - Our Father Which Art in Heaven - T Nelson and Sons, 1880

2010-09-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

This interesting example of 19th century religious fiction for the young shows the danger of jumping to conclusions. Dated 1880, it gives the impression of being the first edition, since no previous editions are mentioned on the reverse of the title page. However, a quick look at ABE shows that there is at least one earlier edition on sale (1876) and that some later ones also give the impression that they too are the first edition !

The reason for this was that publishers of this era often saw no point in providing edition information for children`s books - that was something for adult books only. Even so, I am a little surprised in this instance - the market for highly decorative volumes of religious and/or instructive books to be used as church/school prizes was a lucrative one for many publishers, and it`s surprising that no-one thought this might one day become a collectable item, given the care that`s been lavished on it in production.

There isn`t quite the market there once was for books of this sort, but they still do make an attractive addition to anyone`s collection and are in fact a piece of history in their own right.

Interestingly, this one has a handwritten gift inscription (usually they had prize stickers) indicating that it was given to one Mary Clarke as a Sunday School Prize in Christmas 1880. There is one other word, which is not easily readable, but I believe it is `Ilkeston`, the name of a town in Derbyshire.

As you`ll see, the book is showing it`s age a little, with noticeable wear to the cover. On the other hand, it is remarkably good for 130 years old.

The book is number 3613 in our listings and should be online within 12 hours.

As you`ll appreciate, this blog only contains a few `selected highlights` from our stock, but you can use the `Buy Books` links to explore further.

Words of Comfort and Consolation - Scripture Gift Mission - Undated Antiquarian Booklet

2010-09-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

An interesting recent addition to our stock is this tiny booklet of Bible quotations. Published by the Scripture Gift Mission, it is undated. Looking at the paper used for the pages, I would guess that it was produced during World War Two and was subject to the wartime economy measures in book production that were then in force, but that`s pure speculation. One possibility is that it was produced in such tiny form in order that soldiers could easily keep it in a uniform pocket, rather in the style of those Armed Forces Bibles one comes across now and again. But that`s me speculating once again !

This booklet is number 3612 in our listings and should appear online within twelve hours of this posting.

As you`ll appreciate, this blog only contains a few `selected highlights` from our stock. Use the `Buy Books` links provided to browse our full listings.

Wardle (Compiler) - Courage - (Wartime tribute/fundraiser for lifeboatmen) - 1939

2010-09-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

At times of war, there tend to be many unsung heroes, so it`s fitting that in 1939 Edmund Wardle compiled and published this little tribute / fundraiser for the RNLI.

I`m unsure who Wardle was, though I believe there was at one time an artist of that name. If it helps clarify the question, his address as publisher is given as The Red House, Lyminge, Kent.

Appropriately, the book contains a Foreword by the much-decorated Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger John Brownlow Keyes (the First Baron Keyes) who was himself a remarkable man as you can see if you visit his Wikipedia page. Although his title, medals etc are listed in full on the title page, I notice that for the purposes of the Foreword, he chose to be Roger Keyes, Admiral of the Fleet.

The book is made up of various quotations on the subject of `courage`, though I would have to say Wardle has allowed himself considerable leeway in terms of subject matter. his choice of sources is eclectic to say the least ; opening the book at random, I came to pages 34/5 - Theodore Parker, Horatius Bonar, Goethe, Sir Philip Sidney and an Irish proverb.

For interest`s sake, here are a couple of quotes taken from this interesting and unusual book ;

"Courage respects courage." - Stevenson

"`Tis want of courage not to be content." - Charles Churchill

As you`ll appreciate, this blog only contains a small sample of the books we have in stock. Please use the `Buy Books` links provided to browse our listings. Wardle`s `Courage` is at number 3611 in our stock and should appear online within the next 12 hours.

Frank Hauser (poet), Peter MacKarell (illustrator) - Dinosaur Days - The Whittington Press - November 1975 - Limited Edition

2010-09-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

I`m told Frank Hauser was for many years Director of Oxford Playhouse. More importantly, though, he wrote poems about dinosaurs !

This copy was part of a limited print run of 500 copies printed for Heal`s Books and Prints by The Whittington Press (there was a subsequent edition in 1976 which produced rather more copies).

As you`ll see, Peter MacKarell`s illustrations complement the poems excellently and expeditiously (if that`s the word I want).

Anyhow, as i often say, the best way to sell poetry is to provide a sample quote. This is my personal favourite ;

"Rest in peace, my dinosaur, rest your giant bones / All too soon the men will come with cars and telephones / All too soon they`ll stumble on psychology and wars / All too late they`ll hamker for the days of dinosaurs."

Says it all, really ! Here`s another picture ;

This is number 3573 in our listings. As ever, a full description plus price and postage details can be found online and the `Buy Book` links alongside this blog are there to help you search our stock.

Yaffle and Flambo

2010-08-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Who were Yaffle and Flambo ? That`s the question we ask ourselves.

At present, all we can tell you is that the pseudonymous `Yaffle` was the author of Foiling the Reds, a satirical play of the `20s published by the now defunct Labour Publishing Company, and that `Flambo` was his equally pseudonymous illustrator.

The Labour Publishing Company was the brainchild of G D H Cole. You may know Cole as a Guild Socialist and associate of George Bernard Shaw and the Webbs. You may know him, as I do, as the author of a number of detective stories, often written jointly with his wife. Lastly, and I`ve saved the best for last, you may know him as having been immortalised by Oliver Postgate in the form of the cantankerous woodpecker Professor Yaffle in the children`s TV series Bagpuss !

Sadly, there seems to be no evidence that G D H `Professor Yaffle` Cole was the same person as Yaffle the playwright, and I would think it`s unlikely the notoriously humourless Cole would have been the creator of such characters as Sir Ezekiel McQuinkerdook or the vampish Lola.

In truth, if this book was not fairly collectable now, we would never have considered stocking this particular copy. As you`ll see from the pictures below, the cover, and particularly the spine, have seen better days. However, it is rare and still sought after by collectors, who may well jump at the chance to acquire a reasonably priced copy even if it is not perfect. I must admit, though, that our decision to stock the copy offered to us was heavily influenced by the volume`s excellent illustrations, all by the mysterious `Flambo`, and all very much in the `20s style.

Anyway, that`s enough talk from me, here are some images for your delight and delectation !

Elsie J Oxenham - The Abbey Girls at Home - The Children`s Press - 1968

2010-08-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Elsie J Oxenham was the pen-name of Elsie Jeanette Dunkerley (1880 - 1960). The choice of pseudonym was inspired by her father, William Arthur Dunkerley, who you may know better as writer John Oxenham.

She was said to be one of the `Big 4` most popular writers of stories for girls in her day, and continues to command a following. (The other three were Elinor Brent-Dyer, Dorita Fairlie Bruce and Angela Brazil in case you wondered ! )

She was at various times involved with the British Camp Fire Girls, The English Folk Dance Society and the Girl Guides, and drew on her experiences in these organisations for her books.

Undoubtedly, her best-known books are those in the Abbey Girls series, but in fact she had 89 books to her name, though two of these were published posthumously, after a relative came across the drafts among Ms Oxenham/Dunkerley`s effects.

A copy of The Abbey Girls at Home is at 3521 in our listings.

These Oxenham-related sites may be of interest to Elsie`s enthusiasts ;

http://sites.google.com/site/ejosociety

http://www.abbeygirlsofsa.com/

Linda Peters - Adventure at Brackendale - The Children`s Press - 1969

2010-08-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

I`m guessing that youthful admirers of Linda Peters would have been taken aback (to say the least) to learn that `Linda` was in fact Bolton-born Arthur Catherall, a veteran of both the RAF and the cotton industry.

Arthur was fond of pseudonyms and was also known as A R Channel, Dan Corby, J Baltimore, Peter Hallard, Trevor Maine and Margaret Ruthin.

He was an accomplished writer of books aimed at both youngsters and adults. The ever-informative Jim Mackenzie points out that he was a more-than-usually interesting writer who "disliked unnecessary violence" and "fostered a truly international spirit". This internationalism seems to have been borne of his wartimne experiences, serving in the RAF from 1940 - 1945 in Bengal, Burma, Europe, Africa and the Far East.

Our copy of Adventure at Brackendale is at 3517 in our listings.

To read Mr Mackenzie`s admirable account of Catherall`s career in creativity, check out

www.collectingbooksandmagazines.com/catherall.html

Jane Shaw - Susan Interferes - The Children`s Press - 1968

2010-08-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

Glasgow-born Jean Bell Shaw Patrick (1910 - 2000) aka Jane Shaw was the author of number of books aimed at a young female readership, the best-known being the `Susan` books. Originally, she had considered going into teaching, but a change of heart saw her take up a post at Collins, where children`s editor Jocelyn Oliver encouraged her to try her hand at writing.

In her youth she was noted for her sharp tongue, a characteristic she shares with Susan`s sidekick Midge. Midge also shows a youthful inclination towards writing - possibly there is an element of self-mockery in her portrayal of this character !

Susan Interferes tells the story of a trip to Switzerland undertaken by Susan and Midge, and the events that befall them. While it retains the humour for which the series is noted, it also has "an altogether more sombre tone between the comic episodes" according to Shaw fan Jim Mackenzie.

If you`re tempted to try the book yourself, our copy is at 3516 in our listings.

Alternatively, you can find out more about Shaw by visiting these sites ;

http://www.collectingbooksandmagazines.com/shaw.html

http://www.theweeweb.co.uk/authors.php

http://www.booksellerworld.com/

Thanks for your interest,

Nick & Ann-Marie

Hoonaloon Books

Country Houses

2010-08-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Written by Mike Higginbottom and illustrated by John Severn, Country Houses of Nottinghamshire is at number 3471 in our listings.

At present, our Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire Local Interest section comprises around 60 books, all well worth looking at if you have an interest in local history, architecture, wildlife and culture.

Please use the `Buy Books` links provided to find out more.

Many thanks,

Nick & Ann-Marie

Hoonaloon Books

Lomax Guthrie - The Diary of a Spycatcher - The Children`s Press - London and Glasgow -

2010-08-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Unconnected with either Oreste Pinto or Peter Wright, The Diary of a Spycatcher is a vintage (`60s ?) children`s book published by the Children`s Press, a subsidiary of Collins (originally William Collins and Sons and now part of Harpercollins).

For anyone interested in The Children`s Press, this link may be helpful - www.dandare.info/biblio/seagull.htm. Apparently, the original Children`s Press was a pre-war Collins imprint. In the late `40s, they relaunched this series, republishing some of the pre-war stories in new packaging. Given the artwork etc, I do not believe that the book we are looking at here dates from the `40s. It`s possible that it`s a `60s reprint of a story from the `40s, but I doubt that, and indeed there seems to be a general consensus that it first appeared circa 1968.

As to Lomax Guthrie, I have been unable to find any information about this writer. Being a bit of a jazz and blues buff I am inclined to suspect that `Lomax Guthrie` was a pseudonym based on the names of folk/blues singer Woody Guthrie and his friend/mentor/biographer Alan Lomax, but that is pure supposition on my part.

The story is aimed at girls with a taste for adventure and seems to be set in Wales, though the heroine is Scottish. The author, whoever he/she may be, has a nice writing style ;

"Well, there I was, friendless on the train, surrounded by strange faces, bound for an unexplored land, or one at least unexplored by me. I was travelling from Scotland to Wales, from one Celtic twilight to another, as I poetically wrote that night.

I must admit that I did use some rather soppy expressions then, but you must remember I was only 15 at the time, and possibly young for my age. I loved to use several long words where one shorter one would serve equally well, and I am often guilty of dramatic exaggeration for effect. I did think of scrubbing the whole diary and re-writing my tale with classic simplicity...My father laughed like a madman and said "Leave it as it is, Don`t change a word." So here it is, complete and unabridged."

Buy the book and find out how young Margaret became a spycatcher after changing at Crewe !

Pat O`Callaghan - Meet Me at the Lamp Post : A Childhood Fifty Years Before the Millenium

2010-07-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

Written and illustrated by the author, Pat O`Callaghan`s Meet Me at the Lamp-Post : A Childhood Fifty Years Before the Millenium details the author`s childhood in Derbyshire ;

"Local towns and villages grew with the increased demand for coal and iron...these settlements had a unique character...My childhood was spent in just such a village, Swanwick, where we lived in a terraced cottage, number 56 Brailsford Row."

Full description and price can be found using the `Buy Books` links provided. The book is number 3469 in our listings.

Any questions, just ask.

A R DANCE - NARROW MARSH - SIGNED COPY - ARUNDEL BOOKS - 2008

2010-07-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Alan Dance`s historical novel Narrow Marsh attracted a number of favourable reviews on publication. One enthusiastic individual commented ;

"It works as a piece of fiction, but also it works as a piece of social history, telling us about the impact of the dawn of industrialisation and it`s effect on local people."

I know this, because I was the person who wrote that review ! ( The full review can be found online at Bookshelves and Brown Ale, dated 20 December 2009. For the record, yes I know it`s considered `bad form` to quote yourself. I`m not too worried about that, though.)

By a spooky co-incidence, we now have a signed second-hand copy of Mr Dance`s book on sale in our listings. You can find it at number 3453, or just search for it in the normal way using the `Buy Books` links provided.

We try to have a number of local/regional titles available at any given time, and it`s a pleasure to add this excellent book to the list. For what it`s worth, I can confirm that the signature is genuine (it`s hardly likely anyone would forge it) as I`ve seen the author`s handwriting before.

For a full list of the 3.000 or so books we have in stock, please feel free to click on the `Buy Books - Hoonaloon Books` link. Thanks.

N S Thompson - Poems / Letter to Auden / Beeston International Poetry Festival

2010-07-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

In my posting on this blog dated 18 June I speculated as to whether the author of this booklet which we have in stock was the same person as the N S Thompson who writes literary criticism and poetry.

Mr Thompson has been good enough to give me a ring to confirm that he is one and the same person, and that this booklet was a limited edition of 500 which he had published whilst in India and then sold at poetry readings in pubs etc.

More to the point, he has continued to write poetry, and has a new book coming out soon, `Letter to Auden`, which will be published by Smokestack Books of Middlesborough during October 2010 (enquiries to www.smokestack-books.co.uk ).

At around the same time he will be giving a reading as part of the annual Poetry Festival at Beeston, Nottingham, and a tentative date of 19 October 2010 has been set for that.

The Beeston International Poetry Festival doesn`t seem to have an online presence at the moment, but I believe further information can be had by contacting John Lucas at Smokestack Books using the link above.

FOOTNOTE

We currently have a stock of over 80 books of poetry, with style and content ranging from the very traditional to the ultra-modern.

There is a temporary computer blip which means that, while all are individually online at each of the three sites we use (ABE, Antiqbook and Mare Libri), not all are showing up in the Poetry section in our shop on ABE.

We are working to resolve this. You can view the full list by using the `Buy Books - Hoonaloon Books` link provided, and any of the titles listed can be ordered from whichever of the three sites you prefer to use.

Helen Grant - The Vanishing of Katharina Linden - Penguin - 2009 - Uncorrected Proof Copy

2010-07-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

"On the day Katharina Linden disappears, Pia is the last person to see her alive. Terror is spreading through the town. How could a ten-year-old girl vanish in a place where everybody knows everybody else ?

Pia is determined to find out ehat happened to Katharina.

But then the next girl disappears..."

An uncorrected paperback proof copy of Helen Grant`s novel is to be found at 3429 in our listings.

Julia Golding - Wolf Cry - Oxford Children`s Books - 2009 - Uncorrected Proof Copy

2010-06-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

"Set in Viking times, Wolf Cry is the epic story of Freydis, left for dead following a raid on her father`s stronghold, and her friendship with Enno, the extraordinary African slave over whom she is expected to rule."

Uncorrected proof copies of Ms Golding`s book are at 3388 and 3318 in our listings.

We have a number of uncorrected proofs on offer - mainly modern fiction, but some history etc.

Knowing that the recession is taking it`s toll on the finances of many of our customers, we are making every effort to provide range of books to suit every pocket - the cheapest book we have on offer is at 99p, the most expensive at £99.95 !

Use the Buy Books links provided to search our stock of around 3,000 books.

Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani - I Do Not Come To You By Chance - Weidenfeld and Nicolson - 2009 - Uncorrected Proof Copy

2010-06-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

The first novel from this Nigerian writer.

"Kingsley is fresh out of university, eager to find an engineering job so he can support his family and marry the girl of his dreams".A chain of unfortunate circumstances bring him into contact with an uncle, known to his peers as Cash Daddy. "The charity Cash Daddy extends has consequences...(Kingsley) soon realises that nothing in this world comes for free."

This is one of a number of uncorrected proof copies we are offering for sale. Most are modern novels, but some are non-fiction, mainly history.

We realise the recession is affecting many people badly, so in addition to diversifying in this way, we are also making every effort to provide books to suit every pocket. At present the cheapest book we have on offer is priced at 99p, the most expensive at £99.95 !

Use the `Buy Books` links provided to see if we have the book for you.

Cheers,

Nick & Ann-Marie

Hoonaloon Books

Godfrey Cox - Will There Be Anything Else ? : The Story of a Shop : Revelations of an Alfretonian

2010-06-25T03:33:00.000-07:00

Godfrey Cox - Will There Be Anything Else ? : The Story of a Shop - Published by the Author - Undated

Alfreton (Derbyshire) man Godfrey Cox was already known as the author of a children`s booklet The Salt of the Earth when he decided to tell the story of his life and experiences.

More than just the story of a shopkeeper, this looks at such areas as Bringing Up Babies, The Hungry Thirties, War Again, The Desert, The Aftermath and Another Generation Takes Over.

While the book does concentrate a lot on local history, it also tells us of the author`s wartime experiences. A devout Christian, he served in various parts of the world but ultimately came to embrace the pacifist cause.

See our listings for more history, auto/biography and Notts/Derbyshire local interest. Our overall stock numbers around 3,000 books in all.

Daniel Depp - Loser`s Town - Simon and Schuster - 2009 - Uncorrected Proof Copies

2010-06-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

Daniel Depp - Loser`s Town - Simon and Schuster - 2009

Depp`s hero is former stuntman-turned-private investigator David Spandau.

"When he`s called in to help A-list actor Bobby Dye, who`s entangled with B-list gangster Richie Stella, everyone will find out the movie business makes the cocaine and heroin racket look like child`s play."

Presumably Depp is well-placed to make this judgement as he worked for a time as a Hollywood screenwriter.

Uncorrected proof copies of this, his first novel, can be found at numbers 3333 and 3389 in our listings.

We have just under 200 crime fiction titles in our listings and just under 30 crime non-fiction. If you enjoy a good murder, we may have just the thing for you !

Margo Lanagan - Tender Morsels - David Fickling Books - 2009 - Uncorrected Proof Copy

2010-06-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Margo Lanagan - Tender Morsels - David Fickling Books - 2009

"A dark and vivid novel from an author acclaimed for the fearless range of her imagination, the emotional intensity of her stories, and the virtuosity of her writing."

Uncorrected proof copies of this worthy tome can be found at numbers 3316 and 3387 in our listings.

Please use the `Buy Books` links provided to find the details, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

At time of writing, we have between 200 - 300 children`s books in stock, with both antiquarian and modern titles to be found in our listings. We cater for the tastes of most types of junior booklover !

N S Thompson - Poems - Red Fox, Delhi - 1972

2010-06-18T03:15:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I speculated in print as to whether the author of this booklet is the same N S Thompson who is the author of a number of books of poetry, literary criticism and the like.

Subsequently, the man himself was good enough to give me a ring and confirm that this is an early work of his, published during a short stay in India in a limited run of 500 and sold by him at poetry readings etc. He is still writing and has a new book, Letter to Auden, coming out in October , published by Smokestack Books of Middlesborough

Anyway, I`ve long believed that the only way to sell poetry is by proving quotes, so here are a couple from the `Poems by ...` booklet that jumped out at me ;

"this hard coming/travelling/over a grain of sand/reaching/worlds as petals/touch/the guiding hand/over a universe of leaves/so lost/I wonder/miss no paths of speciality/there is so much/in the day"

"screech owl/spit venom bones/relics of mice/turned hard as stones/fly by night/come what may/must lose your sight/with break of day"

As you can tell, these early works are very distinctive in tone. I quite like them myself, though these things are necessarily subjective.

The booklet, which is signed by the author, is at 3358 in our listings, where you will find full details of price, condition etc. It is a small, slender booklet and should not cost much to post to most destinations. We carry a fairly comprehensive stock of poetry to suit a variety of tastes and pockets, so feel free to use the `Buy Books` links provided to browse, ask questions or even purchase said items. Thanks.

Any questions, just ask

Nick

David Beeston - A Strange Accident of State : Henry VII and the Lambert Simnel Conspiracy

2010-06-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

David Beeston - A Strange Accident of State : Henry VII and the Lambert Simnel Conspiracy - Published by Author - 1987 - First Edition

"On June 16th 1487, a major battle took place near the village of East Stoke in Nottinghamshire.

After three hours of savage fighting, and six thousand fatalities, the forces of King Henry VII triumphed over those of the pretender Lambert Simnel - a decisive victory which marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and strengthened the foundations of the newly-established Tudor dynasty."

A copy of David Beeston`s booklet is to be found at 3352 in our listings. This relatively slim publication should be fairly cheap to post.

Yaba Badoe - True Murder - Jonathan Cape, 2009 - Uncorrected Proof Copy

2010-06-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ghanaian-British writer Yaba Badoe has led a varied life, working variously as a civil servant in Ghana, A BBC trainee in England, a teacher in Spain and Jamaica and currently as a journalist and documentary film-maker. Somewhere in the midst of all this she was for a time a Visiting Scholar at the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana. It makes me feel tired just thinking about it !

True Murder tells what happens when "a passionate, unlikely friendship between two troubled adolescent girls unearths dark and troubling secrets."

Our copy, which is an uncorrected proof copy, will appear in our online listings in the next few days.

Any questions, feel free to contact us using the `Buy Books` links provided. Thanks.

Michelle Cliff - Everything is Now : New and Collected Short Stories - University of Minnesota Press, 2009 - Uncorrected Proof Copy

2010-06-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Funny how the short story goes in and out of vogue periodically. Me personally, I`ve always had a fondness for short stories. They require an author to be concise and while it`s a form that maybe imposes certain restrictions on writers, that`s not always a bad thing.

Born in Jamaica but resident in America, Michelle Cliff has been an established writer since the `80s, noted mainly for her novels, short stories and prose poetry, though she has also compiled/edited anthologies and written various articles.

This collection reproduces two of her previous short story collections ( Bodies of Water and The Store of a Million Items) in their entirety, together with 14 previously unpublished titles.

It isn`t as yet showing up amongst our online listings but should appear in the next few days.

Any problems/questions, we can be contacted using the `Buy Books` links provided.

Peter Beaumont - The Secret Life of War - Harvill Secker - 2009 - Uncorrected Proof Copy

2010-06-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

Peter Beaumont is the Chief Foreign Correspondent for The Observer newspaper. His book The Secret Life of War : Journeys Through Modern Conflict is amongst our forthcoming attractions in the sense that the copy we have to sell - a Harvill Secker uncorrected proof copy - does not yet appear among our online listings. It should appear within a few days however.

The book sounds interesting and pertinent to today`s world ;

"Once it was simple to write about war. States or ideologies clashed ; battles were fought between national armies or movements. But war has changed.

War has become `privatised` by small armed groups, states have fragmented ... Drawing on the author`s experiences...The Secret Life of War focuses on the human cost of war ... to the combatants, to civilians and to the author, as one who bears witness.

Often travelling unembedded* and without bodyguards in some of the world`s most dangerous locations, he has managed to achieve a rare closeness with his interview subjects, a sense of intimacy with soldiers and other combatants even in the midst of ongoing violence."

Not easy reading perhaps, but should appeal to those with a taste for the thought-provoking and topical.

*I don`t know what this means either !

Ann Goddard - Goodbye Old Pick (mining history) - Tribute to Staffordshire miner Charles Lawton

2010-06-07T01:54:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Old Pick, a tribute to Staffordshire (later Derbyshire) miner Charles Lawton (1839 - 1921), is held to be the best account of daily life in the Staffordshire mines and fully reflects the hazards of mining life in that era.

If you are interested in mining history, you may like to visit http://www.healeyhero.co.uk/ , or to look at the following articles ;

Brinsley Headstocks Revisited (30 November 2009)

Around and About #1 : More About Mining on the Notts/Derbyshire Border (30 November 2009)

Brinsley Headstocks and Other Such Things (17 November 2009)

all to be found at the Bookshelves and Brown Ale blog. The articles themselves, which are by me (Nick) are not necessarily anything special, but the pictures and links may be of interest.

The Holy Bible Illustrated - Collins Clear-Type Press -

2010-06-07T01:37:00.000-07:00

This attractive illustrated pocket-sized Bible from 1958 is amongst our `forthcoming attractions`. Purchased last week, it hasn`t yet made it into our online stock, but should appear within the next 48 hours. On an initial glance at the book, it seems to be in very good/excellent condition, but all details will be provided when it`s listed. Any questions, just ask - we can be contacted using the `Buy Books` links provided.

Thanks for your interest,

Nick and Ann-Marie

Hoonaloon Books

Julia Skinner - Did You Know ? Nottingham : A Miscellany - Francis Frith Collection, 2008 - Book Number 3248

2010-06-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

Compiled by Julia Skinner, Nottingham : A Miscellany provides you with Fascinating Facts, A Quiz, Historical Photographs, Ghost Stories, Sport, Recipes and Regional Dialect.

Informative, entertaining and arguably even scintillating, a copy of this peerless publication should be purchased promptly. For further details, use the `Buy Books` links provided.

Cheers,

Nick and Ann-Marie

Hoonaloon Books

David Haslam - Nottinghamshire Tales of Mystery and Murder - Countryside Books , 2002 - Book Number 3247

2010-06-03T04:01:00.000-07:00

At number 3247 in our listings we have a healthy slice of murder, kidnapping and other forms of mayhem for your entertainment, an informative look at on the dark side of Nottingham life and history from a local writer with a long-standing interest in this sort of thing.

If you like this you may also like Steve Jone`s Sinister Side of Nottingham - I think we still have one copy of that left in stock.

As ever, use the `Buy Books` links provided for further details, and if you have any questions, just ask !

All the Best,

Nick & Ann-Marie

Richard Hell - the Voidoid - Codex - 1996

2010-06-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Richard Hell is an American writer, musician and singer/songwriter.

During the `70s he was involved in the New York punk rock scene, which was more musically diverse than it`s later London equivalent, playing in a variety of bands which at the time were regarded as `new wave` or `alternative` in different ways. With old friend Tom Verlaine he was a member of the short-lived Neon Boys and later Television, but left the latter before they got a recording contract.

Deciding to go with a more rock `n` roll orientated band, he teamed up with ex-New York Dolls Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan to form The Heartbreakers (unconnected with the Tom Petty band of the same name), again departing before the band got a recording contract. This time he formed his own band, The Void Oids. His new band were influential but were so different from what most people think of as `punk rock` that they achieved only limited success. At the time of recording their second (also their last) album he was by his own account troubled by drugs and depression. Musically, he`d created a few gems along the way, but in terms of a career, one of his own songs sums it up ; "Time and time again I knew what I was doing/Time and time again I just made things worse."

Understandably, Hell turned away from music and became involved in writing, which had always been a big interest for him - I believe his mother is/was a writer, though I don`t have any details. After the launch of his first novel, Go Now, UK-based publisher Codex acquired the rights to a work of his from the early `70s, The Voidoid. I`m told they described their version as the first time The Voidoid had been published. I`m not 100% certain that they ever made that claim, and I`m not 100% certain it`s strictly true - I think Hell may have produced his own low-budget, self-published version in limited numbers in the `70s, though I could be wrong.

In terms of content, it`s very much influenced by William Burroughs. We`ve categorized it as fiction for the sake of convenience but it isn`t a conventional piece of writing - I wouldn`t class it as a novel or short story, for instance.

Now aged 59, Hell continues to write novels and has branched out into poetry and collaborations with artists. He has occasionally dabbled in films and has dipped his toe into the world of music again, but it is pretty clear he would not consider a return to life as a full-time musician. Some time ago he was one of the hosts of America`s National Book Awards and appeared healthy and relaxed, something that could not always be said of him in the past. Considering how his life could have gone, perhaps it`s true that living well is the best revenge !

As usual, see the `Buy Books` links provided for further details.

Thanks for your interest.

Curtis Yorke - the Level track - Hutchinson`s Famous Copyright Novels

2010-05-29T01:51:00.000-07:00

You`d think someone with a name like Curtis Yorke would be a 1960`s American soul singer (by the same token, you`d think someone called Charles Garvice would be a 1930s dance band leader, possibly with a pencil-thin moustache). This is not in fact the case as Curtis Yorke was actually a late 19th/early 20th century writer called Susan.

Susan Rowley Lee, nee Long, was the wife a man called Richmond Lee and died during May 1930. This is pretty much all the information readily available about her, except for the fact that under the name Curtis Yorke she turned out novels by the truck-load.

Her earliest known work was the two-volume Hush ! in 1888 and her last seems to have been Maidens Three in 1928. Between those two, she put out a number of books, often with what now seem to be bizarre and intriguing titles ; Carpathia Knox, A Record of Discords, Between the Silences, Once !, The Brown Portmanteau and Other Stories, A Romance of Modern London, The Wild Ruthvens, The Mystery of Belgrave Square. She seems to have had around 3 novels a year published at times, which may imply that she wrote serials for magazines and that some enterprising publisher put the serials out in novel form.

For a while the world seemed to have forgotten about Curtis/Susan, but I gather A Romance of Modern London has been republished in the British Library Historical Collection series, so maybe this literary lass is in for a revival !

Charles Garvice - Miss Estcourt - Hutchinson`s Famous Copyright Novels

2010-05-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Charles Garvice (1850 - 1920) was said to have been the most successful novelist of his day. Various statistics concerning his sales are produced in support of that contention, but that need not detain us here.

He is believed to have produced around 125 novels under his own name, a further 25 under the name Caroline Hart and is said to have been one of the writers employed to produce stories credited to Bertha Clay after the death of the original `Bertha`, writer Charlotte M Brame.

As if that wasn`t enough he also edited/compiled an anthology, apparently called The Red Budget of Stories, wrote one non-fiction book, A Farm in Creamland ; A Book of the Devon Countryside and two plays ; The Fisherman`s Daughter and, with A F Abbott, Marigold.

It is said he cared little for literary reputations or the verdict of posterity. Perhaps this is just as well. Titles such as Lil the Dancing Girl, Nameless Bess or The Triumph of Innocence, Her Ransom and The Ashes of Love or Fickle Fortune attracted little critical acclaim, but gave pleasure to millions and enabled Mr G to buy the farm in Devon he dreamed of.

Most of his work is said to be shameless romantic melodrama. Whether that`s a criticism depends on your point of view !

Charles Garvice`s Miss Estcourt can be found in our listings using the Buy Books links provided.

Bertha Clay - The Mischief of the Good (by Charlotte M Brame..or is it ?)

2010-05-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Charlotte M Brame (1836 - 1884) was a prolific writer of novels aimed at a young working class women. Contrary to popular belief, she was not American but English and was born and died in Hinckley, Leics, though she had lived in various different parts of the UK during her life.

Apparently she was pursuing a lucrative writing career in the UK when she was approached by US publishers Street & Smith during the 1870s to write a series of `dime novels` for the American market. As she was under contract to a UK publisher, she decided to work for them under a pen-name. Reversing her initials from CMB to BMC, she decided to become Bertha M Clay.

In fact Charlotte Brame and Bertha Clay were not the only names she used. When one of her novels, Dora Thorne, was a runaway success, some of her subsequent works were credited to `The author of Dora Thorne` or even just `Dora Thorne`. She also used the names Florence Norton, Caroline M Burton and CMB.

When she died, Street and Smith were reluctant to lose such a lucrative source of income. Deciding that `Bertha Clay` should enjoy a kind of literary life after death, they employed other writers to cobble together finished works from her notes concerning planned novels. It`s generally accepted that

subsequently a number of `Berthas` were probably put together from scratch by others.

The best-known writers to have been linked to books credited to Bertha Clay were Charles Garvice, Thomas Hanshew (Hamilton Cleek) and John Corryell (Nick Carter). Others include William J Benners, Willam Cook, Frederick Dacre, Frederick Dey and Thomas C Harborough. I like to think they eventually all found honest jobs !

As to who actually wrote The Mischief of the Good, I wonder if we`ll ever know.

Our copy was an English publication, but clearly aimed to mimic the American dime novel format. Further details from our listings as usual.

Any questions, just ask.

Michael Poole (Reginald Heber Poole, Anthony Thomas) - Under Ringwood`s Rule - (Book Number 3243)

2010-05-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Reginald Heber Poole (1885 - 1959) was a prolific freelance writer contributing to many schoolboy magazines of the `20s and `30s. He is remembered mainly for his school stories, often with a sporting theme, but also dabbled in detective fiction, including a number of Dixon Brett and Sexton Blake stories.

His works rejoice in such great titles as The Amazing Moky Mystery, Barnston Comes Back, Broxton`s Silver Spur, Detective Dexter`s Trap, The Duffer of Danby and The Reformers of Wrexton. His six Sexton Blake* stories (all from 1920, all published anonymously) included The Case of the Russian Jewels, Unjustly Branded and The Trail under the Sea. His Dixon Brett stories all featured a character called Black Eagle,whose name appeared in the title of each one (Black Eagle`s Last Round, Black Eagle`s Millions) . Some of these seem to have been published under his real name, with others credited to Anthony Thomas.

Surprisingly, this kind of work could be very lucrative - Poole`s peer Walter Tyrer went from humble origins in a tough area of Liverpool to a sumptuous residence on the banks of the Thames largely on the basis of his freelance work. Oddly, while Tyrer also cut his teeth writing school stories, he is best remembered for his detective fiction, whereas with Poole it tends to be the school stories that are remembered.

However that may be, our copy of the now rare Under Ringwood`s Rule is at 3243 in our listings. It is not in perfect condition, but equally it could be worse (see our listings for full description and other details). We`ve kept the price reasonable partly because the book is showing it`s age a little and partly because the market for school stories is not as buoyant as it once was.

Any questions just ask.

* If this sort of thing interests you, you might like to visit The Sexton Blake Blog using the link provided. There are a number of reviews there, and also a number of links to relevant sites. Cheers.

Jane Austen at Hoonaloon Books - Pride, Prejudice, Sense, Sensibility and more

2010-05-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Jane Austen was not wildly successful as a writer during her own lifetime, though subsequently her mix of romantic fiction and social comment has ensured her a degree of literary imortality even as other writers have faded from the public mind.

Sometimes the attention lavished on her work takes predictable forms - BBC costume dramas and the like. Sometimes it is rather more unexpected - Edward Said in Culture and Imperialism spends 16 pages discussing Mansfield Park, and the world of reggae has produced a track called Sense and Sensibility by the late Keith Hudson, though whether Hudson was especially familiar with Austen`s work is unclear.

Austen appreciation societies crop up all over the place ;

http://www.pemberley.com/

http://www.jasa.net.au/

http://www.jasna.org/

http://www.janeaustensociety.org.uk/

Our own stock of Austen novels includes these admirable items ;

302 - Emma - Nelson & Doubleday, New York - Hardback, no dust jacket

303 - Pride and Prejudice - Nelson and Doubleday, New York - Hardback, no jacket

2926 - Northanger Abbey / Persuasion - Collins Clear -Type Press, London & Glasgow - Hardback with slipcase (Library of Classics series)

3229 - Sense and Sensibility - Everyman`s, London* - Hardback with dust jacket (Everyman`s Library)

3235 - Emma - Knopf, New York - Hardback with dust jacket (Everyman`s Library) (pictured)

3236 - Pride and Prejudice - Knopf, New York - Hardback with dust jacket (Everyman`s Library) (pictured)

For full details of these, use the `Buy Books` links provided. In case anyone needs to know, if I recall correctly, only 2926 is antiquarian.

Thanks for your interest.

Footnote

*3229 - Dustjacket design, endpapers etc the same as the two Knopf publications listed, but in fact published in London with the publisher named as Everyman`s Library and a Shaftesbury Ave address.

Cate Swannell - Heart`s Passage - Book Number 3233

2010-05-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

CATE SWANNELL - HEART`S PASSAGE - REGAL CREST - NEDERLAND, TEXAS

SAMPLE QUOTE ;

"Somewhere, water was dripping. The sound echoed off the cold, rust-stained walls, deep in the bowels of Sydney`s Central Criminal Courts. Down here, in the holding cells and interrogation rooms, the damp was rising. Everything smelled dank and wet and rotten.

The woman stat silently, her senses pounded into submission, all her energy focused on surviving minute to minute. Pale blue eyes flittered around the room, absorbing all the details. She sucked them in as if each piece of minutiae could somehow, at any moment, become a matter of life and death."

FROM PUBLISHER`S BLURB

"Jo Madison is a yacht skipper in the Whitsunday Islands of Australia`s Great Barrier Reef. She has a dark and violent past she is trying to leave far behind her, and the last thing in her mind is love. But when Cadie Jones, long-time partner of a US senator, sails into her life, her priorities change."

HOONALOON`S COMMENTS

This is number 3233 in our listings. Originally it will have been a print-on-demand book, but we only have the one second-hand copy which is in stock in the UK, as are all the books we list. Please use the `Buy Books` links provided to find further details of price, condition etc.

Thanks for your interest.

Sunday Night and Monday Morning - Stories by Robert Harris, John Harvey, Jon McGregor, Julie Myerson and others

2010-05-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Sunday Night and Monday Morning : New Fiction From Nottingham was published by Five Leaves during 2005. It features stories from David Belbin, Clare Brown, Stephan Collishaw, John Harvey, Tom Cox, Matt Haig, Julie Myerson and others.

Most of the stories made their first appearance in this volume, though a couple were reprinted from Granta and The Guardian and three were extracts from novels which at the time had not yet been published.

It`s number 443 in our listings, and details can be found by using the `Buy Books` links provided. Thanks.

1899 Book of Common Prayer / Hymns Ancient and Modern

2010-05-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

This 1899 Book of Common Prayer first appeared on The Hoonaloon Books Blog under the heading Forthcoming Attractions (17 May 2010).

Unfortunately, due to the large amount of stock we had waiting to be listed, it hasn`t yet been added to our online catalogue.

Our plan is that it should appear during the first half of next week, at which point, full details of price and condition will be available.

Any questions, we`re just an e-mail away.

Zen and the Magic of Roundabout Maintenance : A Brief History of Time (For Bed)

2010-05-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Roger Planer (author) , Nigel Planer (Foreword) - Zen and the Magic of Roundabout Maintenance : A Brief History of Time (for Bed) - Fantail (Penguin) , London - 1992

"It was another lovely day in the Magic Garden. The sun was shining through the trees. Mr Rusty was polishing the Roundabout. Dylan was helping Mr McHenry in his greenhouse. Ermintrude was chewing grass. No one was in the slightest bit worried about the single European currency or the ozone layer. Then Dougal arrived."

A whimsical/humorous look at the history of the Magic Roundabout, with the story told as if by the characters themselves. Less of a book about the series, more of a humorous book inspired by the series.

Number 3225 in our listings, as you can see by using the `Buy Books` links provided.

A A Milne - Now We Are Six / Hatevesek lettunk (In English and Hungarian)

2010-05-20T03:37:00.000-07:00

This bilingual edition of A A Milne`s Now We Are Six first appeared on The Hoonaloon Books Blog as a Forthcoming Attraction (17 May 2010).

It has been added to our listings at number 3211. When I checked earlier, it was appearing on Antiqbook and ABE, but not yet on Mare Libri. Use the `Buy Books` links provided to find further details.

If you`re fond of A A Milne, you might like to read my review of his classic crime novel The Red House Mystery at http://bookshelvesandbrownale.blogspot.com/ - it appeared 3 January 2010 if I recall correctly. As an extra bonus you get to see a picture of the rather nifty copy which I have in my collection.

All the Best,

Nick

Yash Ghai , Jill Cottrell , Lord Lester of Herne Hill , Dr S Muraldir and others - Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Practice : The Role of Judges in Implementing Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

2010-05-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

This title first appeared in The Hoonaloon Books Blog as a Forthcoming Attraction (17 May 2010).

It is now number 3216 in our listings. At time of writing it is not yet showing up online, but I would expect it to appear on Antiqbook and Mare Libri this evening, and on ABE within 24 hours. Use the `Buy Books` links provided to search for it, or e-mail us if you have any questions.

Goswami Kriyananda - The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga

2010-05-20T02:34:00.000-07:00

Goswami Kriyananda`s book first appeared in The Hoonaloon Books Blog as a Forthcoming Attraction (17 May 2010).

Details are now online at number 3195 in our listings - use the `Buy Books` links provided for description, price etc.

Kafka, Tolkien and the Bible

2010-05-19T03:39:00.000-07:00

It`s rare that we stock new books here at Hoonaloon, and those we do occasionally acquire tend to be from small, independent publishers.

This month is a little different as we do have half a dozen brand new books from biggish publishers on offer at present ;

Item 3200 - Rudyard Kipling - Beloved Kids
Item 3201 - Rudyard Kipling - Beloved Kids
Item 3202 - J D Rateliff - Return to Bag-End
Item 3203 - J D Rateliff - Return to Bag-End
Item 3204 - Holy Bible (US paperback)
Item 3205 - Franz Kafka - Metamorphosis - Pictured above
Item 3206 - Sun Shuyon - A Year in Tibet

The Kipling book is a collection of the author`s letters to his children. The Rateliff book is Part Two of his History of the Hobbit series. 3204 and 3205 are modern reprints. 3206 is a Chinese writer`s account of a year spent in a remote Tibetan mountain area filming a TV series.

All of these have spent some time on the shelves of a shop, so we have checked the condition just as thoroughly as we would a second-hand book. For full details of condition, edition and price, please use the `Buy Books` links provided.

Knowing that things are difficult for many of our customers at present, we`ve kept the prices for these very reasonable.

Robert Sheckley - Draconian New York - Forge/Doherty - Book Number 3199

2010-05-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

Fond of all things cultish and cutting-edge ? This might be for you.

Robert Sheckley`s anti-hero is the strangely-named Hob Draconian, founder of the Alternative Detective Agency, which he began "in order to avoid working regular hours". Ex-hippy Hob has spent three decades on Ibiza "hanging out there, taking life easy".

"Hob`s idyllic life is interrupted when a gambling consortium tries to buy the land he rents so that it can build a casino." Soon enough, "Hob ends up in a race for his life. But even when his neck`s on the line, he`ll make a shrewd and funny observation, the kind that only an ex-hippy fatalist like Hob could make."

"If the Marx Brothers had been literary rather than thespic fantasists...they would have been Robert Sheckley." - Harlan Ellison.

"Some of the breakneck zaniness of a Ross Thomas thriller and some of the oddball humour of a Donald Westlake caper. But Mr Sheckley...has an engagingly madcap manner all his own." - The Wall Street Journal.

This book has not been issued in the UK. There a number of cheap copies available from sellers in the US, but they tend to be ex-library copies. There are also some copies available within the UK, but they tend to be expensive.

As I`m feeling kind and generous today, our copy (we only have the one) isn`t expensive. Just for the record, it`s not an ex-library copy - we very rarely stock those -and is in our stock in the UK.

Any questions, just ask.

Caroline Hadley - Stories of Old : Bible Narratives for Young Children Book Number 527

2010-05-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

Caroline Hadley`s Stories of Old (number 527 in our listings), is one of the more attractive and rare of the books we are currently offering for sale. Published by Frederick Warne and Co in the Warne`s Birthday Library Series, it dates from the late nineteenth century.

As is always the case when quite a bit of gold gilt has been used, it`s difficult to get a picture that does it justice, but this picture should give you the general idea.

Despite it`s age and general rarity, it is not ruinously expensive by today`s standards. Use the `Buy Books` links provided to see a full description.

John Terry and Henry Brewis - Ducks in Detention - Farming Press

2010-05-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

Farming Press, as the name implies, began life as a publisher of non-fiction books and magazines aimed at the farming community. Like so many companies, it went through many changes including a number of changes of name and/or ownership.

During the `70s and `80s they had some success with a number of books by a popular TV vet of the time - the name escapes me, unfortunately.

When public interest in that series began to dwindle, FP turned to Northumbrian cartoonist and poet Henry Brewis to keep a foothold in the light entertainment market.

This paperback was the third title in John Terry`s `school farm` books - the others were Pigs in the Playground and Calves in the Classroom, and was illustrated by Brewis, whose work was proving lucrative for FP.

Our copy is number 3194 in our listings, and should begin to appear online later today or tomorrow.

Another popular title in the FP catalogue was Ian Campbell Thomson`s autobiographical The Hired Lad. A copy of the FP edition appears at number 3173 in our listings, and we also have a copy of a later edition from a publisher called Drum at 2850.

NB - We`d be the first to admit we tend not to be the cheapest source for paperbacks. In point of fact, we rarely stock paperbacks at all unless they are quite distinctive - foreign editions, self-published works, the output of small publishers etc. Against that, we rarely if ever stock paperbacks that are not at least VG in terms of condition, and normally we are able to offer relatively cheap postage, especially within the UK.

Forthcoming Attractions

2010-05-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

After a fairly busy time spent acquiring new stock we find we have a small mountain of books awaiting our attention !

At present, none of the books shown below appear in our listings. We`re planning to update our listings on a daily basis, and hope to be up to date by Friday 21 May at the latest.

These are just a small selection of some of the more interesting and unusual items we`ve bought recently. As you`ll see, variety is the spice of life here at Hoonaloon Acres !

Full details of condition, price etc will be shown in our listings very soon. For the moment, we`ll content ourselves with just showing you the covers, but if you have any questions, just ask.

Andrea Levy - The Long Song - First Edition - Book Number 3180

2010-05-14T04:11:00.000-07:00

Andrea Levy`s parents came to Britain from Jamaica in 1948. In her mid-thirties she attended writing workshops and decided this was the thing for her. With commendable determination, she set about writing the kind of books she had always wanted to read as a young woman - entertaining novels that reflect the experiences of black Britons.

This his her fifth novel, the others being Every Light in the House Burnin`, Never Far From Nowhere, Fruit of the Lemon and Small Island. The latter won numerous prizes, including the Commonwealth Writers` Prize and has been adapted into a BBC TV series.

The Long Song is a historical novel set in Jamaica in the last days of slavery.

Our copy is number 3180 in our listings - at time of writing the details are not yet online, but should appear over the next day or so. Use the `Buy Books` link provided to find out more.

I suspect the images we are providing will not do justice to the stunning cover design, but hopefully they should give you some idea how it looks.

Miles Tripp (Michael Brett, John Michael Brett) - Kilo Forty - Book Number 3095

2010-05-14T02:16:00.000-07:00

Bomber pilot turned solicitor turned writer Miles Barton Tripp wrote under three names - Miles Tripp, Michael Brett and John Michael Brett. Although many of his books concerned themselves with crime, or at least involved criminal behaviour, his interest was more to do with characterisation and the exploration of human behaviour than the untangling of mysteries and/or the shooting of bad guys.

Kilo Forty, which has also been published under the title Death is Catching, was one of his earlier works. It concerns itself with a man who has only one enemy - but that enemy, he believes, is Fate.

For details of the first edition copy we have for sale, please check our listings by using the `Buy Books` links provided. Please note that customers wishing to order and pay by credit card will need to order through ABE. Thanks.

Helen De Courcy Wilson - The Time of Threshing - Book Number 1920

2010-05-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Helen De Courcy Wilson`s The Time of Threshing is one of the rarer items we have in stock. The condition of the cover is a little below par, but the contents are in VG condition. Given the level of rarity and likely age , a copy that was VG or better throughout would be nice, but not probable. (though improbable things do happen, of course - that`s half the fun of life !).

Can she write ? I hear you asking. Judge for yourself ;

"The Monday morning following Hestia`s arrival at the rectory broke in that soft, shrouded atmosphere which is often the precursor of a radiant day.

Sketched by dawn, this forerunner of sunshine showed strong soundness of purpose by the time Hestia was dressed.

Leaning from the wide-open casement of her room, she watched the steady progress towards fulfillment of the panorama. As the sun burst through the mist and rose high in the sky it transformed the garden into a dazzling mosaic."

(Start of Chapter Ten)

For further details of condition, price etc, use the `Buy Books` links provided. Thanks.

Lowdham Writers` Group - The Video Room - Book Number 3144

2010-05-12T04:42:00.000-07:00

The Video Room ; A Lowdham Writers` Group Anthology

Here at Hoonaloon Books we`re enthusiasts for all things regional and local.

The poetry and prose contained within this volume originated in the minds of ;

Catherine Haynes (her poem `I Am the Wind is a gem !), Mary Bowditch, Margaret Meadows, Francesca Bratley, David Purnell, Martyn Williams, Jack Elton, Hilda Smith, Julia Burrows, David Maxwell-Harrison, Sue Laver, Terence McCulley and David Scarrott.

This and many other books are on sale within the Hoonaloon Books online literary emporium - use the `Buy Books` links provided to investigate further.

For a further flavour of East Midlands life visit http://bookshelvesandbrownale.blogspot.com/.

Cheers,

Nick

Lowdham Writers` Group - Shooting The Past - Book Number 3053

2010-05-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

SHOOTING THE PAST ; A LOWDHAM WRITERS` GROUP ANTHOLOGY

Here at Hoonaloon Books we`re enthusiasts for all things local and regional.

This slim but perfectly formed collection features the short stories and poems of Francesca Bratley, John Childs, Catherine Haynes, Sue Laver, Margaret Meadows, David Purnell, David Scarrott, Hilda Smith and Martyn Williams.

For further details, see our listings ot http://www.antiqbook.com/, http://www.marelibri.com/ and http://www.abebooks.com/.

Cheers,

Nick

Beatrice Radford - The Bell in the Forest - Book Number 2796

2010-05-12T01:38:00.000-07:00

Beatrice Radford was the author of a number of children`s books - The Bell in the Forest, An Old-Fashioned Servant, The Dauntless Three, Kitty`s Summer Holidays, all published by Christian publisher SPCK, who still exist today if memory serves me right.

Little is known about Ms Radford - it`s possible this was a pen-name.

As you`ll see, this is a very attractive book, undated but with a prize sticker at the front dated 1917. At the back of the book are several pages detailing SPCK`s other publications of the time.

Use the `Buy Books` links provided to find out more, or indeed to place an order.

Cheers,

Nick

Book Number 2794 - Henryk Sienkiewicz - Quo Vadis

2010-05-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Henryk Sienkiewicz was a Polish journalist and novelist of some distinction, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1905 for his "outstanding merits as an epic writer".

Quo Vadis, meaning "where are you going ?" is a phrase with Biblical connotations. Apparently the question is put to Jesus in the apocryphal Acts of Peter and also in the New Testament (John 13:36).

Sienkiewicz`s book is a historical novel about the love of a young Christian woman for a Roman patrician during the rule of the Emperor Nero. Sienkiewicz was noted for his meticulous research and accordingly, this novel contains depictions of a number of historical characters. Some are more or less household names - Nero, St Peter, St Paul - others more obscure, such as the Roman general Aulus Plautius.

The book, which has a strong Christian message, was hugely successful and has given rise to three films and a TV series.

The copy we have on sale (item number 2794 in our listings) was published by the International Collectors Library (New York). As you can see, it is attractively bound - in fact the pictures we`re providing here don`t really do it justice.

There is a little wear to top/bottom of spine, but overall it is both well-preserved and well worth having ! For a full description, price etc, use the `Buy Books` links provided. Any questions, just ask.

If wishing to order the book, please note that customers wishing to pay by credit card will need to order through ABE.

Walter Bagehot - the English Constitution

2010-05-10T04:38:00.000-07:00

Topically enough, one of our more recent acquisitions is this rather attractive copy of Walter Bagehot`s The English Constituition.

Most World`s Classics titles on the second-hand market either have no dust jacket or have one that`s seen better days, but we were fortunate enough to acquire a few that actually had dust jackets in very reasonable condition (the others include Five Elizabethan Comedies and Henry Fielding`s Joseph Andrews).

This title hasn`t actually been added to our listings at time of writing, but should appear within the next 24 - 48 hours. As ever, use the Buy Books links provided to find more details and/or make a purchase.

All the Best,

Nick & Ann-Marie

Raduga Round-Up - Raduga Publishing Company

2010-05-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

Moscow - based publishers Raduga have an extensive English-language catalogue for export.

I do not know, but assume they are the descendants of Soviet era state-run Russian publishers such as Foreign Languages Publishing House, Novosti and Progress.

Here are a few Raduga publications we currently have in stock ;

Book number 1460 is Mark Twain`s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, accompanied by 34 reviews and articles on the book from various writers including Brander Matthews, Robert Bridges, Thomas Sergeant Perry, Andrew Lang, Walter Besant, W D Howells, John Macy, H L Mencken, Van Wick Brooks (should that be Van Wyck Brooks ?), Ralph Ellison, T S Eliot and Philip Foner.

Book number 3087, The Warmest Country, contains stories, essays and legends by Armenian writers, including Gourghen Mahari, Kamari Tonoyan and Abig Avakian. Translators include Alex Miller, Anthony Moss and Linda Noble.

Book number 3094 , The Peak of Success, is a collection of fantasy stories by modern Soviet writers. Authors include Yuri Nagibin, Alexei Tolstoy, Mikhail Bulgakov and Andrei Platonov. Translators include Graham Whittaker, Amanda Calvert and Pieta Monks.

Given that Alexei Tolstoy died in 1945, one could wonder just how `modern` these modern writers are ! More of Alexei Tolstoy`s work can be found elsewhere in our listings.

As usual, you can find further details and/or order these books if you so wish by using the Buy Books links provided. Customers wishing to pay by credit card will need to order through ABE, otherwise you can choose between ABE, Antiqbook and Mare Libri.

Edward G Jerrome and the Blackie and Son True Adventure Series

2010-05-08T01:53:00.000-07:00

Edward G Jerrome, a Headmaster from Bath, was the author of the Blackie and Son True Adventure Series.

These informative and attractive little booklets with their distinctive colourful covers cover a wide range of subjects and are interesting in their own right as well as making great period pieces.

At present we have five in stock ;

1417 - Tales of Life-Saving , 1418 - Tales of the Sea , 1419 - Tales of the Air , 1420 - Tales of the Atlantic and 1421 - Tales of Invention.

The booklets are inexpensive (£3.44 each) and, as they are small and slim, should not cost too much in postage.

Treat yourself to a True Adventure !

Sarvodaya , Gandhi and Narain

2010-05-06T04:24:00.000-07:00

Gandhi first coined the word `Sarvodaya` whilst working on a Gujerati translation of the works of Ruskin. It is normally translated as `the uplift of all`, though Gandhi himself once rendered it as `the welfare of all`.

The Sarvodaya movement still exists today in many parts of the world, long after the death of the man who first conceived it.

The first item in today`s blog is an April 1957 issue of an Indian newspaper/newsletter named Sarvodaya. There are no contributions by Gandhi himself in this issue, but there are articles on such subjects as Towards a More Democratic Order, The Importance of the Individual and A Revolution in a True Sense.

Item number two is a booklet by Indian political thinker Jayaprakesh Narain. At one time an advocate of violence, Narain underwent a period of disillusionment with his beliefs and allies before emerging as a sort of Indian Sam Webb, advocating democracy and peaceful revolution. One assumes A Picture of Sarvodaya Social Order dates from this later period of his life.

These two are items 1699 and 1700 in our listings. For details of content, condition and price please see our listings using the Buy Books links provided. Any questions, just ask.

HAROLD JENKINS ON WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

2010-05-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Harold Jenkins, Regius Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature in the University of Edinburgh, was a noted Shakespearean scholar of his day.

His cheerfully-titled lecture `The Catastrophe in Shakespearean Tragedy` was delivered by him on 3 November 1967. The circumstances surrounding the lecture were a little poignant since, as he comments in his opening remarks, "if it had not been for the death of John Butt I should not have been here." Naturally, he pays tribute to the late Professor Butt before proceeding with his lecture.

His talk is wide-ranging and could not be easily summarised here, but he looks at Hamlet ("a play which has brooded deeply on the nature of man`s existence") , Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra , Othello ("Othello, both in conception and execution, shows a dramatic mastery unexcelled even in Shakespeare") and King Lear ("the most universal of tragedies"), as well as a medley of Shakespeare`s greatest hits !

As always, full details of condition etc can be found among our listings using the `Buy Books` links provided. Customers wishing to pay by credit card will need to order through ABE and not Antiqbook or Mare Libri.

Sun and Stone

2010-04-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

`Megalithic Stone Structures : Why ?` is a self-published booklet by author W A Gawn, dating from July 2000.

Born in County Antrim in 1933, the author grew up in an area noted for "numerous stone structures dating from the Neolithic to Norman times".

He "extensively examined the structure of energy fields around objects both large and small and their interaction with each other..In order to make the study of the movement of earth energies easier (he) developed a method of `deviceless dowsing` ."

He wrote and published this booklet in the hope that "new light will be shed on some of the unanswered questions with regard to ancient stone structures and our place in, and our interaction with, nature."

The booklet is number 3114 in our listings and should appear online in the next day or so.

F Marion Crawford - Literary Renaissance Man

2010-04-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

F Marion Crawford is best-remembered for the more gothic aspects of his work but in fact, like many of his peers, he was a noted `genre-hopper`, producing works of non-fiction as well as fiction in a variety of styles, turning his hand to historical fiction and popular romances as well as the horror/mystery/supernatural/fantasy material which we associate with him today. A prolific writer, his output included numerous books, short stories, articles and a play.

Amazingly, his original intention had been to pursue a career as a singer of classical music, and he only turned to writing on the advice of a relative after he became discouraged with that original intention.

An 1898 edition of his `Taquisara` is number 192 in our stock, and full details of price, condition etc can be found among our listings on ABE, Antiqbook and Mare Libri *. As you`ll see, it does have some foxing etc, but is looking pretty good for 112 years old ! I believe it leans more towards the `popular 19th century romance` end of the Crawford spectrum, with it`s talk of Neapolitan Notaries, Cardinals and Countesses.

More images are available on request, or if you have any questions, just ask - we`re only an e-mail away !

* Please note, customers wishing to pay by crefdit card will need to order via ABE.

George Muller and Al Cody

2010-04-21T03:01:00.000-07:00

Time for another listing in our online newsletter.

I`m a great believer in a bit of contrast and variety in life and take a perverse pride in the eclectic mix of books we offer - Margaret Thatcher next to Alexei Tolstoy and so on.

Picking two books more or less at random from our shelves, I found these two nestling together ;

James J Ellis` book is an antiquarian volume on "George Muller...who received £1,500,000 in answer to prayer and faith alone". Mr Ellis had previously written books on the lives of Bunyan, Livingstone, Luther, and Arnot. The first three would be very interesting, I would think, but who was Arnot ? However that may be, his book is number 1007 in our listings.

By contrast, Al Cody`s Thunder River trail eschews matters theological and enters the world of the six-gun and the stetson hat. I`d be prepared to bet `Al Cody` was not the writer`s real name, though I`ve not been able to check that out. (Handy tip ; if your shelves contain an unhealthy dose of pulp fiction, it might be worth googling the authors - sometimes `real writers` like Jack Trevor Story wrote westerns and thrillers under assumed names. Also, some authors, such as `Desmond Reid`, were not real writers at all, but were `house pseudonyms` used for the works of a number of different authors).

According to http://www.fictiondb.com/, Mr Cody`s literary output included such evergreens as The Sheriff of Singing River, Empty Saddles, Outlaw Valley and Gun Thunder Valley. He seems to have written prolifically, if perhaps a little lacking in variety. His characters were strangers to existential angst and introspection, I feel sure !

His book is number 1003 in our listings.

For details of condition and price, please view our listings on the Antiqbook, Mare Libri and ABE sites. If wanting to purchase, please note that customers wishing to pay by credit card will have to order through ABE. Antiqbook and Mare Libri don`t like sellers to include details of postage charges in their listings, but we can always be contacted by e-mail.

We use this blog purely to shamelessly plug items from our stock. If anyone`s misguided enough to want to read book reviews by me, you`ll find them scattered about on our other blogs.
Cheers,

Nick.

Back to the `50s

2010-03-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

Let`s go back to the `50s with the next three books.

As you can see, post-war austerity was not uppermost in the minds of these authors when they penned their works.

Deirdre O`Brien`s cover artist seems to have been intent on transmitting a bit of period Hollywood chic - nothing wrong with that. Elisabeth Hargreaves` artist has gone for more of a stylish-but-wistful romantic fiction type approach, doubtless hoping readers would take the book on holiday to read on the beach (one imagines them eating their ice-creams at Skegness whilst dreaming of Cannes or Monte Carlo). Countess Barcynska`s artist nicely straddles two genres - traditional love `n` romance with just a hint of Hollywood glamour.

Gritty realism was not these author`s thing, one imagines.

Bringing you back to the sordid world of commerce for a moment, O`Brien`s book is number 2898 in our listings, Hargreaves is at number 2897, whilst Barcynska is at 2884.

All very escapist, but it has a certain charm !

Attractive, Interesting , Antiquarian , Inexpensive

2010-03-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

There`s a common belief that all interesting and attractive antiquarian books must by definition command a price beyond the reach of mortal man. In fact, that`s very much not the case - a quick skim through the listings of any reputable online antiquarian book dealer will show you that, while there will almost certainly be some expensive items, the bulk of antiquarian books are easily affordable to the majority of people.

To prove the point, here are a couple from our own listings that are interesting, attractive and unusual but hardly likely to break the bank ;

This is the cover of item number 2587 in our listings, Cox (ed) , The Scallop ; Studies of a Shell and it`s Influences on Humankind by Eight Authors ( Shell Transport and Trading, London , 1957 ). Certainly one of the quirkier titles to grace our shelves at present, but also a very attractive and interesting book. Everything for the scallop enthusiast with a taste for good books ! Available from us priced at £2.95 plus postage. It is a little heavier than most, but the postage shouldn`t be too expensive.

At 2608 in our listings, we have Chalmers-Mitchell (ed) - The Pageant of Nature ; British Wildlife & it`s Wonders (Cassell, London , 1923) - Volume 2 only, unfortunately - which retails at £5.43 plus postage. A bulkier book than The Scallop, it will cost a little more to post, but again, the combined cost should not be prohibitive given the relatively low price.

For full descriptions of the books in questions and how to order, visit our online shops at http://www.abebooks.com/ , http://www.antiqbook.com/ , http://www.marelibri.com/. Please note, customers wishing to pay by credit card will need to order via ABE Books.

Paperbacks for the People

2010-02-22T02:45:00.000-08:00

Here at Hoonaloon, we stock relatively few paperbacks, and the few we do stock tend to be deeply obscure ; foreign editions, self-published works, the output of small independent publishers.

It all goes to make life interesting, and , let`s face it, there is literary life outside London and New York and the big publishing companies don`t have a monopoly on good books by any means.

Here are a fairly random selection of paperbacks we`re curently offering for sale. Sorry, but we only have one copy of each.

Glyn Williams - the Reluctant Farmer (self-published). In 1979 the authr was told he had multiple sclerosis and should rest more. He decided to write the story of his life of 50 years as a farmer. "In this time there had been a revolution in the farming industry, more than in the previous five hundred years". Details to be found by clicking on this link ;

http://www.antiqbook.com/books/bookinfo.phtml?o=hoonal&bnr=1796

Edward Ashpole - Where Is Everybody ? The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (Sigma)

"Edward Ashpole`s book is about how life, as we know it, came to be and the possibilities for life elsewhere in the Universe." Details at ;

http://www.antiqbook.com/books/bookinfo.phtml?o=hoonal&bnr=1800

Karl Spracklen - The Cup (Parrs Wood Press)

Set at the end of the 19th century. "The world is changing - and as it changes, Chorley and Lancashire change with it." Central character Humphrey Whittle reflects on an earlier time, "a time of heroes, when Chorley Rugby Football Club swept all before them in the first rugby football knock-out cup. A time when Humphrey was the captain of the team, a young man starting out in a life of business and politics."

http://www.antiqbook.com/books/bookinfo.phtml?o=hoonal&bnr=1764

Brian Holdich - India Revisited (Brian`s Books) (signed copy)

From the author of My Indian Journey. "Humour and tragedy go hand in hand as India Revisited...documents a second fascinating stay in "the land of fantasy, dreams, colour and intrigue" which is, for many, a country of utmost hardship".

http://www.antiqbook.com/books/bookinfo.phtml?o=hoonal&bnr=1758