'How pleasant to know Mr Lear !'
Who has written such volumes of stuff !
Some think him ill-tempered and queer
But a few think him pleasant enough.
Authors' Corner
The stallholders are Kate Ehrman and Georgie Rowse
Philip Pullman
Oxford's famous children's author will sign copies of His Dark Materials
(£7, £7, £8), Lyra's Oxford (£5), Once Upon A
Time In The North (£10) and The Scarecrow and his Servant
(£6). A chance for the children to meet the author they have grown up
reading !
Jeremy Clarkson
Can Top Gear's presenter sign books as fast as he can drive cars ? He will
sign his third volume of The World According To Clarkson (£20) and you
will have the perfect present for your tricky brother-in-law, uncle, teacher...
'MATT' of The Daily Telegraph
The funniest cartoonist of our times from the front pages of the Daily
Telegraph. Buy Matt Pritchett's 2008 Annual (£7) signed by him and recall
the headlines of the year and why they were so funny. "I'm buying a copy for
every one of my Godchildren!"
John Lloyd and John Mitchinson
Advanced Banter (£15) and the QI Annual 2009 (£13), signed by the
two Johns behind everything from Blackadder to QI. These two books will
entertain anyone over Christmas. Just the books to read after (or during) the
Queen's Speech and to upgrade your small talk for Boxing Day lunch...
Michael Holroyd
A magnificent biography of two great theatrical dynasties, A Strange, Eventful
History (£25) tells the interweaving story of two of our greatest
thespians, Henry Irving and Ellen Terry and recreates the 1900s and the great
era of the British stage. Recently Radio 4's Book of the Week and a must-have
for all theatre lovers and historians.
Julie Summers
Stranger In The House (£19) explores the experiences of women who
faced unexpected challenges when their men came home from the Second World War.
It is an honest and moving look at a woman's role after war as she picks up the
pieces at home. Fantastic reviews.
Charles Arnold
No more rain ! Mediterranean Islands (£20) contains pictures of the
bluest skies and deepest warmest turquoise seas and islands of such beauty that
you will instantly book a ticket away for the New Year. Here is the ultimate
guide to the islands of the Med including expert commentaries on history,
ecology, tourism, best info for sailing, where to spot wildlife, all the data
you need to work out where to buy your dream house... Every holidaymaker's
essential read.
Katie Hickman
The Aviary Gate (£13) is a tale of ancient alliances and
intrigues, of forbidden love and dangerous secrets. Beginning with a chance
discovery in the Bodleian Library, it quickly leads us into the world of 16th
Century Constantinople and the Sultan's harem. Katie Hickman, Dragon mother,
signs her stunning tale - the perfect escape from the Christmas washing up...
Valentine Warner
The latest chef to reach our TV screens comes to the Dragon to sign copies of
What To Eat Now (£20). Huntin' Shootin' and Fishin his own ingredients
and boiling up whatever's in season, he will help you cook your way through the
winter gloom. Yum yum... and all this self sufficiency will help to make you
credit crunch savvy !
E. Foley and B. Coates
The very book you've been missing all this time. A means to re-plug the gaps in
your education and keep one step ahead of your children. Homework for Grownups
(£13) will remind you of everything you learnt at school and promptly
forgot. A great one for Mum, Dad or indeed anybody who does homework...!