So the sixth edition of my A to Z of almost Everything has finally been published this year.
I apologise to all those correspondents who wrote/emailed me
since the turn of the year as my initial forecast publication date became
impossible for reasons beyond my control. When the October date came and went I
stopped replying to enquirers as it became rather embarrassing. Every day for
the last month I have been bombarded with phone calls from numerous independent
book shops as well as virtually every Waterstones store in Britain. My
frustration has been immense as the printer seemed to have one problem after
the other all the time delaying things further. My former publisher, Little
Brown, have been absolutely marvellous in providing the printer lost files
(repeatedly) and have generally ensured the book eventually got to market this
side of Christmas.
The good news is that the book was finally published on
Monday 9 December 2013 and the feedback has all been good so far. The new A4
format seems to be popular and although the printing costs are considerably
higher than the Crown Quarto format of previous editions I feel my readers
deserve a larger less cluttered read. For the first time I have not made the
cut-off point the turn of the year and so events up to the time of going to
press are included.
My final apology is to anyone who is unable to purchase the
book this month as demand has been higher than anticipated and Gardners (one of
the two main wholesalers in the UK) sold out of stock within a day and Bertrams
(the other main wholesaler) have only 200 copies left at time of writing.
Another print run is now under way so all’s well that ends well.
As for myself – well I decided to go for an off-road jaunt
on my new cross bike on publication day with my pal Tony and as I was crossing
a wooden bridge on Tilgate Golf Course one of the slats disintegrated and my
front wheel disappeared causing me to smack my face on the ground and whiplash
my neck. I screamed like a baby as a jolt of pain seared through my neck and at
the same time my right leg locked up in complete defensive cramp. My first
thought was that my last remaining pair of glasses was broken so I was
determined to get to Vision Express before they closed. As I staggered through
the shopping mall I felt all eyes on me as one person after another asked after
my wellbeing. I didn’t make it to the shop before the mall staff insisted on
calling an ambulance as I apparently looked like the Elephant Man’s less
attractive brother. Whilst awaiting the ambulance my glasses were dispensed and
my faith in human nature was elevated a notch or three – we humans are good in
a crisis. Four days on my ribs and shoulder is frozen somewhat and I have a
mild concussion but I seem to have got away with it again and will be able to
enjoy the winter ice rink we cyclists call on-road cycling in the near future.
Incidentally, I must say a big thank you to my insurance company Allianz. I
phoned to report my accident and they advised me that although I insure my
glasses, I only have cover for accidents within the home. I happened to mention
that I trod on my penultimate pair two weeks ago but didn’t intend claiming as
I already had an insurance claim earlier this year after my mountain bike was
stolen from my shed. Allianz not only insisted I claim for those glasses but
also mentioned that a previous pair I broke last year should also have been
claimed for and gave me leave to purchase two new pairs like for like.
Heartening isn’t it.
Merry Christmas to all my readers and even if you don’t buy
my books – WHY? – a very happy new year to you all and God bless us sinners –
even all my atheist friends on the Mensa forum who don’t believe in my God but
delight in discussing the non-existence of Him with me at great length and with
great passion.
No comments:
Post a Comment