'A Year in the Merde' by Paul West

The Guardian reports that Stephen Clarke, aka Paul West, printed in his garage an edition of 200 copies of his experiences of living in Paris, for distribution to his friends. Described as an urban antidote to 'A Year in Provence' and written in 'Bridget Jones' Diary' format, he says he is a cross between Hugh Grant and David Beckham and tries to show the French as they really are. Within a few weeks demand has risen and 2000 orders have been received. Even the French are buying it even if they don't quite understand it.

He now has an agent and it is understood that deals are being negotiated with major British and French publishers and even film rights have been mentioned.

The Sixth Harry Potter title

With great fanfare, JK Rowling has announced the title of the 6th book in the Harry Potter series as Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It appears that the title is all she has so far written, so has given plenty of notice of upcoming publication. Considering that there was a two year gap between books 4 and 5, it could well be that Potter fans will have grown up or out of Potter by the time it comes to fruition. And, it is assumed, the author is quietly confident she will avoid writer’s cramp.

Collecting Science Fiction and Fantasy
from Fantastic Literature

Whether you're a true bibliophile or just someone who loves to read, book collecting is an enjoyable, and sometimes a profitable way to enhance a favourite hobby or pastime. There are lots of ways to start collecting books. Avid readers are usually already book collectors because of the very nature of their hobby or pastime - they love reading. Most avid readers are partial to certain types of books, whether they're mysteries, science fiction, adventure or romance. Among these genres, you will soon realise that there are more science fiction books on the shelf than any other.

First editions of certain authors’ works are sometimes very valuable. Value is determined by how popular an author has become and how scarce their books have become. The print run of some books, particularly UK editions, can be very low indeed with most going to libraries.

There are many other categories you might consider when beginning a book collection besides favourite authors. You could choose to collect works of a certain illustrators, or distinctive book formats (i.e.) miniature books or those in slip covers, certain types of bindings, or award winners - for Science Fiction these include the Nebulas and the Hugos, for Horror there's the Stokers and for Fantasy, the World Fantasy Award and others, many of which can be found on our website. There's ARCs (advance reading copies), authors’ first books, or only those signed by the author. You might decide you'd like to collect books published in the 1930s, or ones printed a few hundred years ago.

Authors to consider in the Science Fiction genre are Brian Aldiss, Keith Roberts, J.G. Ballard, Philip K. Dick, Peter F Hamilton, Adam Roberts, Iain Banks, and China Mieville.

Collectable fantasy authors include David Eddings (Belgariad), George R. Martin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Mercedes Lackey and David Gemmell.

Those of a more bloodthirsty nature may prefer horror stories written by authors such as Joe Lansdale, HP Lovecraft, Basil Coppr, Hugh B Cave, Stephen King and Dean R Koontz.

Caring for your book collection is also another important consideration. Whenever possible, books should be stored vertically and on a bookshelf. Never cram them tightly together as damage could occur when taking a book on or off the shelf. Make sure that the volumes are never exposed to direct sunlight otherwise print fades and pages yellow. If you don't have a lot of room in your house, it’s okay to store books in boxes. But again make sure to align them vertically in the box if you can. Also make sure the boxes are small enough for easy handling and can be tightly sealed to protect the books from various damaging elements.

Don't store books in lofts or sheds. Both extremes - heat or possible damp or moisture - can be very detrimental for books. The ideal temperature to store them in is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and at a relative humidity of about 50%. A room with year round air conditioning is ideal. Mould or mildew is another consideration.

Advanced mould growth can do irreparable harm and make prized first editions virtually worthless. If mould does become a problem and it’s caught early enough, the best thing to do is move the books to a drier location and expose them to air or sunlight. Try and dust your books at regular intervals too, about once a year.

Mice, silver fish, cockroaches and other paper-loving pests can damage your book collection beyond repair. To avoid such infestations store your most prized books in individually sealed bags or air-tight containers. If you're still having trouble with certain types of insidious pests, discuss the problem with a reputable exterminator.

Here’s a few more things, you, the Book Collector can do to protect your everyday books and your prized book collection:

1. Don't eat or drink while reading unless you didn't want to keep that particular volume in your collection anyway.
2. Never read in the bath!
3. Don't bend the books spine or dog ear the pages - that's what book marks are for.
4. Never loan out your favourite books. If you do manage to get them back they'll likely be returned in less than pristine condition.
5. Don't write in your books - use personalised bookplates.
6. Keep favourite books on the bookshelf and not on the coffee table where visitors or pets can abuse them -- as coasters or chew toys.

Happy collecting!