Windsor Books

The old pro (pronzini) did it again. I did not like Matt Cape
and for the most part I was glad that this was a short book. But the last chapter changed everything. Including how I rated this book. (before the final chapter I was going to rate this book a 3) I have been a fan of Bill Pronzini for over 20 years and this is far from one of his best. Read Blue Lonesome or Wastland for Strangers if you want to see him at the top of his game.

When I started Steps To The Graveyard Easy, I was unsympathetic to the protagonist Matt Cape. He was a man with a stable family, good job, and someone well thought of by most people. He purposely turns all of this upside down and abandons everything and everyone to ostensibly find true "freedom" by heading for the open road. But was this his real motive for giving up everything? Along the way, Pronzini paints a picture of Cape that seems to stretch one's thoughts about him and his actions to the point of being unbelieveable. But, that's the genius of Pronzini's writing and one soon finds great empathy and positive feelings for Matt as the meanings of his actions become known.

While not as long as King's The Stand or as broad in scope as Long's The Descent, this is a book that feels like it and if it were any longer would be superfluous.

This is a suspensful story with a good plot and with chartacters that are completely believable. This book has several moral dilemmas, along with a great murder/mystery, that are resolved quite nicely and the twist ending begs the question "What would you do?"

Outstanding book from the very start to the last word. I think it is Pronzini's best since A Wasteland Of Strangers.

All his life Matthew Cape has been considered a good person, a kind and honest man whom works hard and is faithful to his wife. In the middle of a day, his world is turned upside down when Anna walks into her bedroom and sees Matt with another woman. After Anna confronts him and leaves Matt packs up and leaves home for parts unknown.

He travels all over the country seeing new places and enjoying the wild side of life. In San Francisco, con artists Tanya and Boone Judson take him in but Matt manages to turn the tables on them and regains his money. Though something Judsons let slip and through photographs, Matt travels to Lake Tahoe where he comes in contact with true evil and takes a stand that will either mean his salvation or his damnation.

This novel is neither pretty nor neat but it is an honest reflection of the human condition. Bill Pronzini, author of the famous Nameless Detective series, lays bare the soul of his protagonist in such a way that readers will come to accept his choices he made. STEP TO THE GRAVEYARD EASY is literary noir that is dark, brooding and very haunting, a book that the audience will long remember.

Harriet Klausner

This book is very good. Most of the things I read about in this book I had aleady read about in the movie magazines of the 70's and 80's. Unlike the movie magazines there is the truth to the stories in the book. I espically like learning about Tom's younger years, and his relationship with his family. There was a little to much about Englebert Humperdinck and Gilbert O'Sullivan, after all this is a biography about Tom Jones. The discagraphy was interesting. Some of the albums must be UK or European releases. Same for the singles. The continuity of the book could have been better, there was too much jumping from one decade to another though out the book. The information about Elvis and Tom's friendship was well documented, as was the friendship between Tom and Gordon Mills. I've been a fan of Tom's since I was about twelve and this book is something I've dreamed about owning. It holds a special place on my keeper shelf.

There are performers and then there are great performers like Tom Jones. This book covers everything you ever wanted to know about Thomas John (aka Tom Jones) Woodward from his early days near Pontypridd, Wales to his heart-stopping Las Vegas shows. Author Colin Macfarlane strips away the glitz and glamour so you meet Tommy as a handsome toddler from the Rhondda Valley, then Tom, the rebellious teen "Teddy boy" . . . and finally Tom, the mature, savvy, very sexy man known to many as simply The Voice. His childhood, courtship and marriage, family life, climb to fame, private dreams, even some embarrassing moments that made Tom blush -- all those juicy little details that inquiring minds love to read are here throughout the pages of TOM JONES, THE BOY FROM NOWHERE. A legend from the Land of Song, Tom Jones -- the music, the man -- is captured in this book as a real person, not some cardboard character out of Hollywood. Thanks, Colin M! acfarlane, for letting us glimpse the real man whose star will forever shine.

This book offers a no frills version of Tom from his early days in Pontypridd, South Wales right through to when he made it to the big time in America. It is a fascinating early insight into the Boy From Nowhere's life with genuine interviews with members of his family who were there from the start. Colin Macfarlane tells a good story as he lived in in Tom's home vilage of Treforest when he wrote it. Tom has said it is the best biography of him and there has been talk by Tom Jones, Colin Macfarlane and Welsh film director Karl Francis turning it into a movie.

This book came as a big surprise, as it relays in a unique way, the life of a boy from the valleys who had a lot of cheek and a voice that astounded. The fascinating thing about this book is the insight the author Macfarlane gives when it comes to looking at Tom's manager Gordon Mills who bluffed his way through life and ended up being a millionaire. Engelbert Humperdinck also appears as a sort of cameo actor in the Jones life story. This is a good tale, well written, and it is obvious Macfarlane talked not only the man himself but sources very close to him. This biography is a one off, a true reflection of the man that sticks in the mind months after reading it. Well done Macfarlane, let's see more books from you!

This is an excelent, simple book on making windsor chairs. The format of the book is one of pictures with two or three lines of text describing the pictured operation. A good step by step reference for when you're building a chair.

I was very pleased to see the detailed steps of windsor chairmaking explained and displayed in the photos. It's not rocket science but I would never have known how to begin this project without this book. Because of the clear instruction given in this fine book I'm going to attempt my first chair.

I have built two chairs under the guidance of Mike Dunbar. Mike also trained Jim. The procedures are very similar, so this book gives you insight into what Mike is teaching. There are some differences, but I don't think they will matter to you if you can translate the information in this book into a chair. I have shared a couple of images above to show you that it can be done. That chair started as a pile of rough lumber. Now it is one of my favorite chairs.

I have never made a chair, but have performed all the fundamentals for this project, but with this book I now have the confidence and a plan.
This book is very well formatted and the pictures are perfect for the process descriptions.
If you want history of these chairs, this is the wrong book for you. If you want t obuild one of these chairs...you've come to the right place.

I just finished reading "Village Diary" by Miss Read for the second, maybe the third time. I just ordered it this year and keep it, along with about six or seven of her other Fairacre books, on my nightstand.

I found it to be perfect for nighttime reading...a gentle visit to a folksy little village where the contemporary world rarely intrudes. Miss Read's observations of human nature are masterfully brought to life in this captivating little journal. Fairacre's citizens are not perfect - far from it - but there is a down-to-earth honesty and natural country-folk goodheartedness about them that has the same effect on me as it used to have when I snuggled down on my grandmother's lap to hear her stories. And as another reviewer observed, even Mrs. Pringle gets my vote. In fact, she is one of my favorite characters. Her observations of life often make me laugh out loud (much to my husband's consternation at times.) Miss Read often refers to her as the "old harradan" and "my curmudgeonly school cleaner". But there is something about her that has one knowing that beneath that crusty exterior is someone who just wants to belong and be part of a loving village family. The scene in the schoolroom where she finds out that Miss Read is not breaking her heart over Mr. Mawne is an example. "Her belligerent countenance softened, and a rare smile curved those dour lips. For a moment we sat smiling at one another across the inkstand, ..." There is a wealth of understanding and affection in those two sentences that goes far deeper than the every-day irritations we bring upon one another.

Her descriptions of the village, of the delights nature brings at the various seasons of the year, the vicar's ever-present moulting gloves, Mr. Willet's "stained mustache", little Joseph Coggs... (I'd love to put my arms around that little guy and hug him!).....all of these details bring untroubled reflections to the reader's heart....reflections as warm as hot chocolate and a fireside doze.

All of Miss Read's books are like this. If you're looking for action, edgy dialogue and a fast-paced plot, you won't find them in these writings!

I think that more people need to read - and write - books like this!

Village Diary

I loved the way that this book was written in particular, broken down by month. Each chapter flew by. Gossip about Miss Read and Mr. Mawne, the coming of new babies, weather, the pageant and other goings-on of the village made this book hard to put down.

Fairacre is a most lovable village and one that is close to my heart. Even Mrs. Pringle with her meddlesome ways will squirm her way in there. You will find yourself looking for every Fairacre book there is, staying up all night, not being able to get enough of this delighful little village!

I agree with everything my fellow reviewer says, but bemoan the fact that at this point, only our two reviews exist for this superb book! What a travesty, especially when books such as "Geek Love" (which I regretfully had to read for a book group) and other low-grade trash were/are bestsellers. Oh well. If you're lucky enough to happen across "Village Diary" or any and all of Miss Read's books, you'll know why this is a five-star review. The other reviewer here gives an excellent general overview of "Village Diary," but let me add that the HUMOR in this book is of the laugh-out-loud variety.. I believe it was the New York Times that described Miss Read as having "an almost beery sense of humor" and that truly nails it. There's nothing saccharine or maudlin or cuddly-sweet, it's just plain funny. Without being disgusting, profane, or dumb. Plus, there are perfectly exquisite sentences that I just had to read out loud to savor all the more. The only thing that bugs me is that on the reissued covers of the Miss Read novels, there appears a quote from Jan Karon to plug the books. Frankly I consider Jan Karon the biggest plagiarist around, as in my opinion, she stole her entire Mitford idea from Miss Read's Fairacre and Thrush Green novels. And as an author, Jan Karon doesn't even come close to Miss Read. The other thing I'll say is that although written in 1955, Village Diary is completely fresh and relatable in 2008. It only makes you wish you could excise the rotten parts of today's culture which really weren't around back then. This is a great book, and I think you'll love it.

Village Diary was first published in 1957 by Dora Jessie Saint (Miss Read), a British school teacher turned author and is the second in the beloved Miss Read series. The Miss Read series, while originally published over fifty years ago is not dated. It is a wonderful vacation for a reader; an invitation to return to a gentler time. Once a reader visits Miss Read's world, they will want to take up residence in the wonderful village of Fairacre. Miss Read truly is Jan Karon's predecessor.

In Village School, Miss Read concentrated on the school children and the villagers were secondary characters. In Village Diary, she spends a year with the inhabitants of Fairacre in the Cotswold. Each chapter encompasses a month of the year and gives a glimpse of the inner workings of village life. Vignettes about situations and people are strung together to form a delicious novel.

Miss Read invites us to see what is going on with familiar characters (from Village School) and also introduces us to some new characters. There's Amy, who is a bossy college friend; Mr. Mawne, who is thought to be husband material; a new baby; battles between neighbors; and a pageant. And it's all told with a sense of humor, a sharp eye for human behavior, and a personal look at the changing life of an English village.

In our fast-paced, stress-filled world, Village Diary is a welcome respite for a weary soul. The series is my all-time favorite. Once you visit Fairacre, you'll want to stay awhile.

Armchair Interviews says: Start with Village School and then take a journey with Miss Read through more village life adventures with Village Diary. When those adventures are complete, move on to Storm in the Village.

The young border lord was named Thomas Kerr of Smailholm, later of Ferniehirst.

As always, Nigel Tranter portrays Scotland's history in a way that entertains light readers, but is in depth enough for serious history buffs. I have read several of his books - the best being the James V Trilogy - and I am always ready for more!

With few exceptions (Cecelia Holland, Dumas Pere, and Robert Graves, for example) historical novels tend toward the gothic or didactic. WARDEN OF THE QUEEN'S MARCH was the first Tranter I read, and it moved me to run out and buy everything of his I could find in print.

Tranter's novel tells the story of Mary Queen of Scots' reign from the point of view of a young Border lord, Thomas Ferniehill of Smailholm (or "Smellum" as the Queen calls him), who is passionately devoted to the Queen and is involved in several key junctures of her tragic reign. I believe that very few of the characters have been invented for the sake of narrative, and Tranter's depictions of James Stewart, Earl of Moray, and of the preacher John Knox are articularly memorable.

The book covers the entire reign up to the start of Mary's captivity in England. Darnley, Bothwell, Rizzio, the "Four Marys," Kircaldy, and all the greats (as well as the infamous) of Scotland during that troubled time make their appearance. And the character of Ferniehill makes an admirable filter for all the high melodrama of the times.

This is historical fiction at its best. A marvelously written book, it captures the essence of a most intriguing part of Scottish history. The narrative is peppered with three dimensional, historical figures, brought vividly to life by a master storyteller, and the progression of historical events is well crafted, keeping the reader turning the pages.

This is the story of Thomas Kerr, a young, Scottish border lord, who from the time he first met Mary, Queen of Scots, became her most devoted and loyal subject. It was to be a life long devotion. It is through his eyes that the reader sees the events and intrigues surrounding Mary's tragic and tumultuous reign unfold, a young ruler beleagured on all sides by the coldly implacable ambitions of the men surrounding her. The reader sees Scottish history in the making from the time of Mary's return to Scottish shores at the age of eighteen, after a fifteen year sojourn in France, until the time of her ignominious departure for England seven years later.

The paths of Thomas and Mary were to cross many times throughout those turbulent years of her reign, as men's ambitions would seek to wreak havoc. Thomas Kerr could always be counted upon to provide whatever service would be of assistance to Mary, as well as whatever protection was at his disposal to keep her, as well as her devoted ladies-in-waiting, safe. In the end, however, even he, her most loyal subject, could not stem the tide of the inevitable tragedy that was to befall Mary, some of which was of her own making. His last sight of her was when he bid goodbye to her, as she sailed away from her native Scotland to England, hoping to find safe harbor and help from the wily Queen Elizabeth I.

This novel is so steeped in Scottish history and rich detail, so as to leave the reader with a distinct feeling for the past about which the author has written. If one is a lover of historical fiction, with a penchant for Mary, Queen of Scots, then one will really enjoy this book.

Beautifully written inspirational tales of the human-animal bond. The stories naturally flow in a touching parade of vignettes. A quick read...even more enjoyable the second time. A real gem!! Would be a wonderful gift book, for any occasion. Appropriate for all ages. Hopefully, there will be a sequel.

I found this book interesting, in the fact that it held my interest all the way through. I didn't put the book down until I was completely finished reading. I found it well written and found all the stories very believable. I feel that this book would be of interest to to a variety of ages. I would recomend this book to a friend..

Appealing stories for readers who count animals among their best friends.

This is a nice book to while away an afternoon. A good book to give as a gift.

Reviewed by Joanne Benham for Reader Views (08/06)

Samuel Pepys was born in London, England in 1633. He attended Cambridge University, graduating in 1654 and became a well-known man of business in London, with an insatiable thirst for knowledge as well as an appetite for pleasure. In 1660, Pepys began keeping a diary in which he recorded all of the details of his life in London.

At approximately this same time, Count Grammont of France arrived at the English court after being banished from the French court of King Louis XIV for seducing the King's mistress.

Lewis Melville used the memoirs of Count Grammont and the diaries of Samuel Pepys extensively when he wrote this book in 1928. The book is a fascinating look into the inner workings of the royal court of King Charles II of England woven around a series of pictures commissioned from Sir Peter Lely by Anne, Duchess of York, who wished to have portraits of the most beautiful women in the court. The eleven portraits were called "The Windsor Beauties" because they were originally hung in the Queen's bedchamber at Windsor Castle.

This revised edition, supervised by Victor R. Volkman, retains the original text. To help the reader better understand the political and social issues of the time, Mr. Volkman has added a large glossary as well as extensive footnotes. He has also added a proper bibliography for anyone who wishes to do further reading.

The Windsor Beauties is the first of a series of restorations Mr. Volkman hopes to do, introducing the great literature of the 17th and 18th centuries to a new generation of readers. I spent several wonderful hours reading this book and then many more online as I started reading more and more about the people in this book.

The Windsor Beauties: Ladies of the Court of Charles II is the newly revised edition of the classic 1928 text. An absorbing masterpiece that meticulously and faithfully renders the day-by-day interplay of court life during the reign of Charles II of England, especially focusing upon those women notable enough to be immortalized in a portrait project at the behest of the Duchess of York, The Windsor Beauties is sparsely illustrated with black-and-white copies of the famous portraits. Yet the real draw is the eye-opening, unrepentantly honest written account, now enhanced with a new glossary, bibliography, extended footnotes for lay history readers, and the first-ever translations of French language poems, letters, and epistles. Highly recommended especially for lay historians and writers planning to pen court life period pieces.

Without repeating what other reviewers have said about the content and composition of this book, I do want to reiterate that it is an excellent and fascinating study of life in Restoration England. (For newbies, that refers to the reign of Charles II.) While there are some problems with readability that the original author (Charles Melville, in the 1928 edition) did not fully resolve, such as smoothly incorporating all of his quotes into the text--it is nevertheless a greatly enjoyable book. As much of it comes from diaries and correspondence that were contemporary to the time, the reader is treated to the uncensored opinions that people only write privately, or at most, to one or two other people--usually--but we get to "eavesdrop" as it were. Rich, gossipy, full of small details that delight--it's a painless history lesson. You learn about the period, the monarch, and the mistresses (many of them, at any rate) by people who were there. It is not a scholarly book, which I mention as encouragement for the casual reader; but it is a fabulous introduction to the time, and to a great many amazing characters that you will find yourself wanting to know even more about, afterwards. That's what I call history at its best! Many thanks to Victorian Heritage Press for publishing this valuable work.

As an editor and biographer, Lewis Melville (the pseudonym for Lewis Saul Benjamin) produced numerous works of literary and social history. Though written nearly a century ago, his books on such figures as William Makepeace Thackeray, John Gay, and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu persevere as well-written and insightful studies of their subjects. This book is something different, a collection of chapter-length biographical studies of women who were prominent in the court life of King Charles II. Eleven of them were noblewomen who were the subjects of a series of portraits commissioned from Peter Lely by the Duke of York, to which Melville added studies of the Duchess of York, Nell Gwyn, Louise de Keroualle and the Duchess Mazarin.

First published in 1921, this book has been reissued by Victorian Heritage Press in a revised edition, with explanatory footnotes, translations, and a glossary added. This is obviously a labor of love, one designed to make Melville's enjoyable accounts accessible to a new generation of readers. Though the research could have been more solidly based (I had a problem with the reliance on Wikipedia as a source, especially when the shelves overflow with so many excellent scholarly works on Stuart England), this is a welcome resuscitation of a useful study of the English upper class in the 17th century.

Although this is not the kind of book i would normally read,it was recommended to me by a friend, and i found it simply enchanting, not only was it informative but it also captured the essence of this historical site bringing it to life, i can't wait for his next book.

As a confirmed southerner, I had no idea the north of England was actually interesting until I read this book. Furnival wastes no space, cramming every page with previously undreampt of facts and anecdotes about Cumbria, and, happily, a good deal about London and the intrigues of court as well. This is really more than a history of one house- it is a symbol for a whole forgotten tranche of English history that was once considered uninteresting. With this book Furnival delights at every turn and more than reawakens the northern light that once shone brightly at the windows of Brougham Hall.

What a publication. Furnival illuminates a potentially dry subject with a lucid style and fascinating digressions. In a field so often bogged down by lengthy and boring tomes, this will undoubtedly go down as an intellectual landmark in the field of local history.

Not in the least bit dry, "Windsor of the North" is certainly one of the better books written about Brougham Hall. A balance is struck between historical fact, explanatory detail and humour. The illustrations provide useful accompaniment to a well written text.

Edith Ashby, energetic former-politician, visits her world-traveled but now semi-reclusive photographer brother, Alfred, at their rural family home in the dead of winter. Amongst the icy roads, wildlife and old friends and acquaintances, one of whom is Edith's first ex-husband, old memories are stirred up in both Edith and Alfred. For the most part, their reminiscing is done within themselves. There's very little dialog or action in this book. Long stretches of descriptive prose sometimes makes for tedious reading.

Anyone who has ever questioned whether less is more in terms of writing excellence will find the question answered completely in this impeccable, precise novel. With a care for the exact word which one usually finds only in short stories, Colegate's Winter Journey tells of a brother and sister in the winter of their lives, rejoining each other at the family farm in rural England, and finding that the memories which surface lead each on a personal journey toward new understandings.

Every word counts here, and as the lives of Edith and Alfred unfold and their relationships with past lovers, acquaintances, and each other become clear, a picture of their completely different lifestyles and attitudes emerges.

This is not an action novel, in terms of plot. Most of the excitement here is generated by the unfolding of events from the past, the revelations of which Colegate delays through carefully dropped "hints" and prolongs, tantalizingly, throughout the novel. A couple of subplots involving present efforts to change the farm and affect its future, provide a context for these revelations and an impetus for the interior journeys of Edith and Alfred.

Those who think that great writing needs long, lush, descriptive passages, complicated syntax, and convoluted dialogue will find Colegate a refreshing change. Her scenes and images are of such startling clarity and simplicity that she creates whole worlds in just two hundred pages here. With her jewel-like precision, she speaks directly to the heart and makes Edith and Alfred live. Mary Whipple

Edith Ashby, twice divorced, has led a busy and productive life in London. Her brother Alfred lives in the country, in the house that he and Edith grew up in. When she goes to visit him there, memories of her childhood and youth rise up to meet her; likewise, her presence triggers recollections - some of them deeply painful - for Alfred. The life experiences of these two siblings merge gently yet inevitably with the history of their native land. Colegate's descriptions are evocative and poignant, her observations astute and wise. This is a masterpiece of meticulous novel writing, and the perfect book for readers like myself who cherish the works of Anita Brookner and Penelope Fitzgerald.

Alfred, 60, lives quietly in the English countryside. His sister Edith, 62, comes from London to visit him and to actively take charge of Alfred's life, of his neighbors and his property. The story circles around past husbands, wives and lovers, each shown in sharply etched profile. How do they interact with each other? Fairly well on the surface, being ever so polite and forgiving to each other. The fight goes on underground.

The author does a marvellous job of language and description. The landscape is absolutely still, frozen in winter. The people glide along effortless. But then they step on a landmine and quickly their stories blow up in their faces - just to remind us that there are deep secrets in dark corners.

The author's experiences as the chief vet at the London Zoo began in 1951 with an inventory of sick animals at the zoo. In short time he established the world's first animal hospital and introduced the world to new concepts of veterinary medicine: Zoo Tails surveys his experiences and his unusual patients and treatments, adding a dose of humor to the mix.

Book Description
Gerald Durrell meets James Herriot. Oliver Graham-Jones recalls his time as the chief vet at London Zoo, and some of the extraordinary animals he met along the way.

Synopsis
In 1951 Oliver Graham Jones was appointed Curator of mammals at London Zoo, becoming Senior Veterinary Officer in 1960, a post he held until his retirement in 1969. This is a collection of tales from his days at the zoo during the 1950s and 1960s.

From the Back Cover
One Puff Adder One antelope One crocodile

This was the list of sick animals presented to Oliver Graham-Jones on his first day as veterinary officer at London Zoo.

It was 1951, and the care of wild animals in zoos was in its infancy. Previously, sick animals had been placed in the hands of their keepers and kept from public view. But Oliver Graham-Jones was to change all this. A pioneer of many of the techniques now used by vets around the worl, he was instrumental in building the first animal hospital and moving London Zoo away from its Victorian past into the high-tech world of modern vetinary medicine.

If a dangerous animal escaped or required urgent medical attention, Oliver was always on hand ready for any eventuality. In Zoo Tails, he tells us about some of the extraordinary animals he looked after: how he anaesthetized, and was chased by, a gorilla; captured an angry polar bear in thick fog; performed a colostomy on a python; and fitted a raven in the Tower of London with a wooden leg.

Filled with wonderfully funny stories, told with delightfully self-deprecating humour, this is a book that will appeal to lovers of animals great and small.

"Zoo Tails"' will raise many a smile and, along the way, a greater appreciation of what it is to play doctor to the most exotic collection of patients in the world.' Desmond Morris

This book is great and it gives you a warm feeling of humanity, expoloring insights into the world of a zoo vet. It is both funny, sad, and 100% real life. Oliver Graham-Jones was the first vet to work at the well known London Zoo in the 1950's. It was a time of great change and developments in anamial welfare. During his time at London zoo he helped stop TB, developed the dart gun, and many surgical procedures that has lead to many procedures undertaken by Doctors today. They including hip implants, heart impants, etc. The book is made up of 26 individual stories that make a larger whole, which makes it ideal for a train, bedtime or bathtime reads. It is available (at Amazon)in soft and hard back and on audio tape and it was number ten in the best sellers lists last year in the UK. It will make an ideal present for all ages and backgrounds.
The forwords were from Dr Desmond Morris and Sir Patrick Moore, who are Olivers great friends. If you have any comments on the book please leave your message,
As you migth have guessed by now the author is my 83 tear old father who I am very proud. I was involved in some of the original proof reading and have actually read the book many times. However, it is one of those rare books that can be read and re-read.
Have a great read. Best regards
Dr Jasper Graham-Jones

Zoo Tails written by the most respected and well-known zoo vet
This book is great and it gives you a warm feeling of humanity, exploring insights into the world of a zoo vet. It is both funny, sad, and 100% real life. Oliver Graham-Jones was the first vet to work at the well-known London Zoo in the 1950's. It was a time of great change and developments in animal welfare. During his time at London zoo he helped stop TB, developed the dart gun, and many surgical procedures that are now undertaken by human Doctors today. They including hip implants, heart implants, etc. The book is made up of 26 individual stories that make a larger whole, which makes it ideal for a train, bedtime or bath time reads. It is available (at Amazon)in soft and hard back (Large and small print version)and on audio tape and it was number ten in the best sellers lists last year in the UK. It will make an ideal present for all ages and backgrounds.
The forwards were from Dr Desmond Morris and Sir Patrick Moore, who are Oliver's great friends. If you have any comments on the book please leave your message,
As you might have guessed by now the author is my 83 dear old father who I am very proud. I was involved in some of the original proof reading and have actually read the book many times. However, it is one of those rare books that can be read and re-read.
Have a great read. Best regards
Dr Jasper Graham-Jones