these petrol pumps are in the village where roald dahl living (see here). They were his inspiration for Danny Champion of the World apparently.

an absolute classic.

here is a book that esther read at school about a year ago (i'm very slow on posting some of these pictures). it tells of a child being terrorised by a computer monster. a nice introduction to IT.

this is very odd. why would someone abandon a suitcase full of old books (including the third edition of Rock Record)

have you seen russells' fantastic egg bacon chips & bacon book ? if not you should.

my copy is going to be well worn i can tell !

more details on russells' blog or get it here

retro futurists in a bookstall at a village fair.

note the random disconnected space boot on the floor and the book on top called 'they died too young'.

random books and CD in the street

i've just finished reading vernon god little. it's most excellent and i highly recommend you read it (if you haven't already)

read this book. it is MOST excellent.

i accidentally read the adult version which has got a more cartoony cover instead of the kids version which has an old people's boring cover. i suspect the kids version has the swearing taken out.

it's one of the best books i've read in a very long time. here is my copy with it's half price sticker on it.

i'm reading The Book of Matches by Nicholson Baker at the moment and it is most excellent. a regular reader recommended another book by this author which i couldn't find in my local bookshop so i bought this instead.

excellent for not saying much about anything in a nicely detailed way. read it. marvellous.

did you know Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein was buried in Bournemouth ? i didn't. here she is [in her family burial tomb] and me giving a big bald thumbs up

here is one of my favourite books: radiant health.

it contains some real gems and some great photos.
here we are informed thus regarding the drinking of tea:

"Beatification of the ever-popular "cup that cheers" is really not warranted at all. The ultimate effect is injurious rather than reviving"

it also includes some miracle cures for common ailments, like colic and food poisoning. i can hire out some old pieces of hose pipe for those wishing to try these cures.

click for big version.

or how about this for hiccups - a few things to try in the office next time someone hiccups. i had to look up the word emetic. it was worth it.

click for big version

i have a small library of quality literature. i shall share some with you:

here is a book i purchased recently entitled "smocking for pleasure". not a typo.

"[The book] not only guides would-be enthusiasts through their first projects, but also provides inspiration for accomplished smockers ... Altogether an irresistable book for followers of this decorative and popular needlecraft"

smocks are so now.