Edward Lear

'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


His Dark Materials etc. 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


For Crying Out Loud 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


Matt 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


Lloyd and 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


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


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


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


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


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


Homework 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...!