Nostalgia is the hot trend this year
They talk of grammar, eccentric measurements and the odd etiquette of yesteryear — and to the surprise of their authors, they have generated millions of pounds and fans by becoming the must-reads of Christmas.
The astonishing success of nostalgic books specialising in bizarre and offbeat subjects has spawned a pocket industry expected to dominate bookshops in coming weeks.
This week a book on Latin has emerged as the latest challenger to the crown claimed by Eats, Shoots and Leaves, Lynne Truss’s surprise literary hit about grammatic pedantry, and Ben Schott’s multi-million selling series of Miscellanies. Despite its niche appeal, Amo, Amas, Amat and All That is already moving towards the upper end of the booksales register by selling upwards of 1,000 copies a week.
Meanwhile other stocking fillers from pamphlets on how a woman should behave in wartime and how gents can push the boundaries of derring-do to the bumper annuals of long-gone comics such as Jackie are lining up as challengers.
They talk of grammar, eccentric measurements and the odd etiquette of yesteryear — and to the surprise of their authors, they have generated millions of pounds and fans by becoming the must-reads of Christmas.
The astonishing success of nostalgic books specialising in bizarre and offbeat subjects has spawned a pocket industry expected to dominate bookshops in coming weeks.
This week a book on Latin has emerged as the latest challenger to the crown claimed by Eats, Shoots and Leaves, Lynne Truss’s surprise literary hit about grammatic pedantry, and Ben Schott’s multi-million selling series of Miscellanies. Despite its niche appeal, Amo, Amas, Amat and All That is already moving towards the upper end of the booksales register by selling upwards of 1,000 copies a week.
Meanwhile other stocking fillers from pamphlets on how a woman should behave in wartime and how gents can push the boundaries of derring-do to the bumper annuals of long-gone comics such as Jackie are lining up as challengers.
Other books trading on longstanding reputations are faring less well, however. Buoyed by its appeal to both young and old a new Doctor Who annual this week knocked The Beano off the No 1 spot for the first time.
Seems just about everyone who has had their 15 minutes of fame has published an autobiography these days - I used to think the 'auto' bit of autobiography meant to do it ones self ... now it seems an interview with a scribe will do, throw in a few old family pics and publish while the 'celebrity' is still basking in their new found limelight - Billie Piper, Kerry KatonaGary Barlow, Russel Brand, Pete Bennett from Big Brother, even Carmen Bin Ladin, Osama's sister-in-law!
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