- Table View
- List View
The Dog
by Joseph O'Neill***LONGLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2014***The author of the best-selling and award-winning Netherland now gives us his eagerly awaited, stunningly different new novel: a tale of alienation and heartbreak in Dubai. Distraught by a breakup with his long-term girlfriend, our unnamed hero leaves New York to take an unusual job in a strange desert metropolis. In Dubai at the height of its self-invention as a futuristic Shangri-la, he struggles with his new position as the "family officer" of the capricious and very rich Batros family. And he struggles, even more helplessly, with the "doghouse," a seemingly inescapable condition of culpability in which he feels himself constantly trapped--even if he's just going to the bathroom, or reading e-mail, or scuba diving. A comic and philosophically profound exploration of what has become of humankind's moral progress, The Dog is told with Joseph O'Neill's hallmark eloquence, empathy, and storytelling mastery. It is a brilliantly original, achingly funny fable for our globalized times.From the Hardcover edition.
The Dog Book
by Kathleen Walker-MeikleExcerpts: * Homer's Odysseus' ancient faithful dog Argos is the only one to recognize him when he returns from the Trojan War after twenty years. Now neglected and covered in fleas, Argos lay on a dung heap by the stables, but pricked up his ears at his master's approach, wagging his tail and dropping his ears. Odysseus saw Argos but is in disguise and cannot greet him, shedding a hidden tear for the loyal hound. * When French forces took the town of Niort during the Hundred Years War' in 1373, a famous writer of the time saw an old dog lying on the grave of its master, who had died in battle with the English. The dog refused to leave the grave and the Duke de Berry, who was greatly moved by such devotion, arranged for the dog to receive a pension of ten francs for life, which was delivered to a neighbor to feed the animal until it died. * In 1944 Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a speech in response to a Republican claim that he had sent a destroyer to pick up his dog Fala from the Aleutian Islands at great cost: "These Republican leaders have not been content with attacks on me, or my wife, or on my sons. No, not content with that, they now include my little dog, Fala. Well, of course, I don't resent attacks, and my family don't resent attacks, but Fala does resent them. You know, Fala is Scotch, and being a Scottie, as soon as he learned that the Republican fiction writers in Congress and out had concocted a story that I'd left him behind on an Aleutian island and had sent a destroyer back to find him--at a cost to the taxpayers of two or three, or eight or twenty million dollars -- his Scotch soul was furious. He has not been the same dog since." * Chips was a German Shepherd-Collie-Husky mix who served with the Third Infantry Division during World War II. When Chips and his handler (Pvt John P. Rowell) were pinned down by a machine-gun nest, Chips stormed into the pillbox, grabbed one of the Italian soldiers and forced the other four to leave the pillbox, where they surrendered to U.S. troops. Later that day, he assisted in the capture of ten soldiers. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart. But these were later taken away as awards to animals were "contrary to Army policy." Nevertheless his own unit awarded him (unofficially) with a Theater Ribbon and eight campaign Battle stars.
The Dog Dialed 911: A Book of Lists from the Smoking Gun
by William Bastone Andrew Goldberg Daniel Green Joseph JesselliThe most hilarious and outrageous true stories collected in 10 years (almost) of the world's funniest investigative reporting. Proof that truth really is stranger than fiction! This wildly entertaining book features excerpts from a wide array of public documents--court transcripts, FBI files, contract riders, morgue and police reports, etc.--that hilariously illuminate some of the most important, scandalous, or bizarre news stories to make headlines in recent years. The brilliant creators of the highly popular Web site TheSmokingGun.com have combed their archives to produce a book that will make readers laugh, and laugh again, on virtually every page.
The Dog Is Not a Toy: House Rule #4 (Get Fuzzy #1)
by Darby ConleyGet Fuzzy makes the fur fly. This freshly amusing strip is a darling among readers who enjoy pets with an attitude. This wry cartoon features Rob Wilco, a mild-mannered ad guy who's guardian to two rambunctious pets: Bucky, a temperamental cat who carries a boom box and goes on spending sprees, and Satchel, a gentle canine who tries to remain neutral even when he bears the brunt of Bucky's mischief. Together, this unlikely trio hangs out together, watching TV, cooking for friends, and attempting the occasional adventure outside. Anyone who has a pet or even knows one will find this Get Fuzzy collection, The Dog is Not a Toy, an astutely witty take on relationships between the species.
The Dog Lover's A to Z
by Clare FaulknerDo you know the difference between a blep and a boop? Or that dogs can detect a faint heat source from a distance away with just their cold noses? Combining a mix of interesting pup trivia, pooch idiosyncrasies, and new playful language from social media, this A to Z is a pawsome celebration of the special, and often very funny, relationship between our favourite pets and their adoring humans. From Afghans and Australian Shepherds all the way through to Yorkshire Terriers and Zoomies, The Dog Lover's A to Z mixes Clare Faulkner’s adorable illustrations with funny, engaging written entries to create a charming guide that's the perfect gift for dog lovers everywhere.
The Dog Owner's Manual
by Sam Stall Paul Kepple Jude Buffum David BrunnerAt Last! A Beginner's Guide to Canine Technology Pee stains on the carpet. Barking at all hours of the night. That embarrassing thing he does with your leg. It's enough to make you cry out, "Why doesn't my dog have an owner's manual?" And now, thankfully, he does. Through step-by-step instructions and helpful schematic diagrams, The Dog Owner's Manual explores hundreds of frequently asked questions: Which breeds interface best with children? How can I program my model to fetch? And why is its nose always wet? Whatever your concerns, you'll find the answers right here--courtesy of celebrated veterinarian Dr. David Brunner and acclaimed author Sam Stall. Together, they provide plenty of useful advice for both new and experienced dog owners.
The Dog Owner's Survival Guide: Hilarious Advice for Understanding the Pups and Downs of Life with Your Furry Four-Legged Friend
by Sophie Johnson Tatiana DavidovaA hilarious, fully illustrated book full of tongue-in-cheek advice for surviving life as a dog parent – the perfect gift for any dog loverYou have the best dog in the world, it’s true. But there’s no avoiding the fact that, perfect and adorable as they may be, there are certain elements of being a pup owner that you could do without. That smell they bring in when they’ve rolled in fox poo. The nibble-marks on your furniture. Their fur stuck to absolutely every black item of clothing you own.Luckily, this no-nonsense guide is here to teach you all the tricks you’ll ever need to help you navigate life with your furry friend, so you can focus on the positives – like giving them head-scritches and nose-boops every time they prove they’re a good doggo at heart.With pearls of wisdom like these, you’ll be a pro dog parent in no time:Remember to check the dog is in the room before blaming it for your fartIt is a truth universally acknowledged that a dog in possession of a healthy libido must be in want of a legStart working on your mental toughness – those puppy-dog eyes are enough to break even the iciest of hearts
The Dog Owner's Survival Guide: Hilarious Advice for Understanding the Pups and Downs of Life with Your Furry Four-Legged Friend
by Sophie Johnson Tatiana DavidovaA hilarious, fully illustrated book full of tongue-in-cheek advice for surviving life as a dog parent - the perfect gift for any dog loverYou have the best dog in the world, it's true. But there's no avoiding the fact that, perfect and adorable as they may be, there are certain elements of being a pup owner that you could do without. That smell they bring in when they've rolled in fox poo. The nibble-marks on your furniture. Their fur stuck to absolutely every black item of clothing you own.Luckily, this no-nonsense guide is here to teach you all the tricks you'll ever need to help you navigate life with your furry friend, so you can focus on the positives - like giving them head-scritches and nose-boops every time they prove they're a good doggo at heart.With pearls of wisdom like these, you'll be a pro dog parent in no time:- Remember to check the dog is in the room before blaming it for your fart- It is a truth universally acknowledged that a dog in possession of a healthy libido must be in want of a leg- Start working on your mental toughness - those puppy-dog eyes are enough to break even the iciest of hearts
The Dog Park Detectives: Murder is never just a walk in the park . . . (Dog Park Detectives #1)
by Blake MaraMurder is never just a walk in the park . . . When friends Louise and Irina find a dead body in the local park whilst walking their dogs, they are soon drawn into the mystery of who murdered local entrepreneur Phil Creasey. Phil used to be a member of their dog walking community – nicknamed &‘the Pack&’ – until the death of his cockapoo, and the Pack feel they owe it to Phil to investigate his death. But with Louise and Irina leading the charge, it isn&’t long until they&’re neck-deep in local gangs, stolen motorcycles and a disturbing string of poisonings. Have the Pack bitten off more than they can chew, or can they follow their noses and solve the crime?The Dog Park Detectives is a joyous and fur-ociously entertaining murder mystery for fans of dogs and cosy crime, and the first in a pawfully exciting new series that is perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood. &‘More good dogs than I've ever seen in a single book! Oh, and a grisly, puzzling murder to solve, with lots of twists and red herrings. But really, I'm here for the pooches, and you should be too&’ Antony Johnston &‘Howling good fun, with a plot twisty enough to get any dogged armchair detective barking up the wrong tree. I loved it – just don't tell my cats!&’ Fiona Leitch &‘Adored The Dog Park Detectives! Brilliantly written, with quirky characters, dogs and a dash of murder, I ripped through this in two sittings. Perfect cosy crime&’ Lisa Hall &‘A pacy and entertaining murder mystery that&’s a must-read for all dog-loving crime fans. Go the Dog Park Detectives!&’ A. K. Turner &‘Totally PAWSOME – I was hooked from the very first page and Mara weaves a special cosy magic throughout with rich characters and a fascinating, twisty plot. A brilliant whodunnit and all delivered with the deftest of touches. Unputdownable!&’ Jonathan Whitelaw, author of The Bingo Hall Detectives &‘An absolute delight to read. Like a lovely, summery stroll in the park - specifically the dog park&’ Kat Ailes, author of The Expectant Detectives &‘A fun murder mystery with plenty of leads to get tangled and clues to sniff out!&’ Sarah Yarwood-Lovett &‘I loved it. As someone allergic to furry animals, it was nice to hang out fictionally with "the Pack" as they sniffed out the evidence and did their best not to tangle up dog leads on their quest to find a murderer. With memorable owners and even bigger dog personalities, this series is set to run and run&’ Joy Kluver
The Dog Rules (Damn Near Everything!)
by William J. ThomasSo begins a beautiful friendship between man and dog, in this case between writer/syndicated humor columnist William J. Thomas and his Border Collie/Australian Shepherd Jake. With great wit and obvious devotion Thomas chronicles his rocky relationship with the "slightly food aggressive" and highly independent-minded Jake. Once a cat person and the author of the bestseller Life in the Litter Box, Thomas explains: "Training a cat was easy. You gave the cat an order, the cat gave you the finger, end of training session. But you give a dog an order and he wags his tail and wiggles his bum and you say to yourself - I got a shot here "The Dog Rules go something like this: The dog never goes in the house; that's why we paid $250 for the doghouse. Unless it's his birthday, really cold outside, really hot outside, really dark outside. Okay, the dog can live in the house and we'll sell the doghouse to a rookie dog owner who doesn't know the rules. But the dog never goes on the furniture. All right, maybe the old furniture. Okay, the dog can go on the new furniture until it looks like the old furniture, then we'll sell all the bloody furniture with the doghouse in a two-for-one deal. For every dog owner who's ever wondered who's got whom on the leash, The Dog Rules provides many hysterically funny stories that all dog owners will immediately (and unfortunately) recognize.
The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge: A Novel
by Jim KrausA light-hearted love story about a young couple brought together by a four-legged bandit. When a stray dog helps himself to a bone from a display in the supermarket, he doesn't know his actions will brand him a criminal and spark a romance between two humans. Stewart Coolidge works as a bag boy at the store, and his outraged boss offers a reward and demands Stewart catch the thieving animal. He fails at that, but now he finally has the perfect excuse to talk to his cute neighbor, Lisa. Lisa has always dreamed of being a journalist and asks Stewart if she can interview him for the local paper. As she gets to know Stewart, she likes him more and more, and she's delighted to learn he shares her Christian faith. Stewart can't bring himself to tell her she's mistaken, that he's not religious at all. And that's not Stewart's only deception. When the dog shows up on the doorstep of their building, Stewart decides to harbor the furry fugitive. But this is no ordinary dog, he has a divine sense of how things should be -- and recognizing how much Stewart needs Lisa, he decides to do all he can to bring them together.
The Dog That Whispered: A Novel
by Jim KrausBestselling author Jim Kraus returns with a heartwarming tale about a dog who has people convinced he can talk.Wilson Steele is a single professor and Vietnam veteran who likes living alone, insisting it's too late for him to have a family. His mother disagrees. When she impulsively adopts a rescued black lab mix, she insists Thurman is special, and has whispered of the coming of grandchildren. Wilson brushes the notion off as fantasy. When his mother learns of her retirement community's 'no pets' policy, she forces Wilson to take the lovable dog. Wilson notices Thurman's growls do sound like words, but he knows he's just projecting his own thoughts on the animal. If Wilson is talking to neighbors on their walks, and spending time with Emily, a widow with three children, it isn't because Thurman encouraged him. After all, everyone knows dogs can't talk...can they?
The Dog Who Came In From The Cold (Corduroy Mansions #2)
by Alexander McCall SmithIn the genteel environs of Corduroy Mansions, Pimlico, strange doings are afoot, mostly in the name of love. Lonely William French and his faithful canine Freddie are recruited to the service of MI6 by a beguiling lady operative, William's neighbour Caroline finds her suitor James mysteriously lacking, and Barbara Ragg is tempted to the Highlands by blossoming romance. Meanwhile sage psychiatrist Berthea Snark, under normal circumstances the voice of reason, finds herself called away to protect her brother from a band of scheming New Age fraudsters seeking to insert themselves into the bosom of the family.Hilarious and affectionate, The Dog Who Came In from the Cold rejoins Alexander McCall Smith's delightful London tribe of loveable misfits and hopefuls in a new set of adventures in life, love and philosophy.
The Dog Who Came In From The Cold (Corduroy Mansions #2)
by Alexander McCall SmithIn the genteel environs of Corduroy Mansions, Pimlico, strange doings are afoot, mostly in the name of love. Lonely William French and his faithful canine Freddie are recruited to the service of MI6 by a beguiling lady operative, William's neighbour Caroline finds her suitor James mysteriously lacking, and Barbara Ragg is tempted to the Highlands by blossoming romance. Meanwhile sage psychiatrist Berthea Snark, under normal circumstances the voice of reason, finds herself called away to protect her brother from a band of scheming New Age fraudsters seeking to insert themselves into the bosom of the family.Hilarious and affectionate, The Dog Who Came In from the Cold rejoins Alexander McCall Smith's delightful London tribe of loveable misfits and hopefuls in a new set of adventures in life, love and philosophy.
The Dog Who Came In From The Cold (Corduroy Mansions #2)
by Alexander McCall SmithIn the genteel environs of Corduroy Mansions, Pimlico, strange doings are afoot, mostly in the name of love. Lonely William French and his faithful canine Freddie are recruited to the service of MI6 by a beguiling lady operative, William's neighbour Caroline finds her suitor James mysteriously lacking, and Barbara Ragg is tempted to the Highlands by blossoming romance. Meanwhile sage psychiatrist Berthea Snark, under normal circumstances the voice of reason, finds herself called away to protect her brother from a band of scheming New Age fraudsters seeking to insert themselves into the bosom of the family.Hilarious and affectionate, The Dog Who Came In from the Cold rejoins Alexander McCall Smith's delightful London tribe of loveable misfits and hopefuls in a new set of adventures in life, love and philosophy.
The Dog Who Came in from the Cold (Corduroy Mansions #2)
by Alexander Mccall Smith Iain McintoshThe heartwarming and hilarious second installment in the Corduroy Mansions series presents the further adventures of Alexander McCall Smith's newest, already-beloved character: the Pimlico Terrier Freddie de la Hay.In the elegantly crumbling four-storey mansion block in Pimlico called Corduroy Mansions, the comings and goings of the wonderfully motley crew of residents continue apace. A pair of New Age operators has determined that Terence Moongrove's estate is the cosmologically correct place for their Centre for Cosmological Studies. Literary agent Barbara Ragg has decided to represent a man who is writing a book about his time "hanging out" with the abominable snowman. And, our small, furry, endlessly surprising canine hero, Freddie de la Hay - belonging to failed oenophile William French - has been recruited by MI6 to infiltrate a Russian spy ring. Needless to say, the other denizens of Corduroy Mansions have issues of their own. But all of it will be addressed with the wit, charm and insight into the foibles of the human condition that have become the hallmark of this truly peerless storyteller.From the Hardcover edition.
The Dog Who Came in from the Cold (Corduroy Mansions Series #2)
by Alexander McCall SmithCORDUROY MANSIONS - Book 2 In the Corduroy Mansions series of novels, set in London&’s hip Pimlico neighborhood, we meet a cast of charming eccentrics, including perhaps the world&’s most clever terrier, who make their home in a handsome, though slightly dilapidated, apartment block. The heartwarming and hilarious new installment in the Corduroy Mansions series presents the further adventures of Alexander McCall Smith&’s newest beloved character: the Pimlico terrier Freddie de la Hay. In the elegantly crumbling mansion block in Pimlico called Corduroy Mansions, the comings and goings of the wonderfully motley crew of residents continue apace. A pair of New Age operators has determined that Terence Moongrove&’s estate is the cosmologically correct place for their center for cosmological studies. Literary agent Barbara Ragg has decided to represent Autobiography of a Yeti, purportedly dictated to the author by the Abominable Snowman himself. And our small, furry, endlessly surprising canine hero Freddie de la Hay—belonging to failed oenophile William French—has been recruited by MI6 to infiltrate a Russian spy ring. Needless to say, the other denizens of Corduroy Mansions have issues of their own. But all of them will be addressed with the wit and insight into the foibles of the human condition that have become the hallmark of this peerless storyteller.
The Dog With Two Lives
by Hilary WalkerScamp is a Jack Russell of dubious breeding and an unacceptable color scheme. But he is determined to leave his hectic home behind to come live with my husband and me, and his persistence pays off.He quickly burrows into our hearts and proceeds to embark on a series of hair-raising adventures, including a near death experience, a brush with alligators in Florida, testing the strength of lanai mesh, being a stowaway, rounding up my horse, and luring our Great Dane into a neighboring pool.The rough-coated little dog is a smooth operator when it comes to charming everyone he meets with his friendliness and trusting ways, yet he always lives up to his name!
The Doghouse (The Giggle Gang)
by Jan ThomasMouse, Pig, Cow, and Duck are playing a carefree game of ball when (horror of horrors!) their ball gets kicked into . . . THE DOGHOUSE. Who will risk a run-in with scary Dog to get it back? Hysterical high anxiety ensues as Mouse volunteers each animal to do the dirty work—but you&’ll never believe what&’s really going on in the doghouse! With Jan Thomas&’s fun, fresh art and priceless animal expressions, this timeless tale of fear and friendship will have readers howling.
The Dogs' Book of Romance
by Kate LedgerEye-catching and unforgettable, The Dogs' Book of Romance will spark a smile and touch the hearts of lovers and dog-lovers alike. This charming gift book offers relationship advice with artistic flair and the heartwarming appeal of wagging tails and cold, wet noses. The Dogs' Book of Romance makes a unique, creative stocking stuffer, Valentine's Day gift, bridal shower present, or thoughtful memento for any time of year. Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection, but do these consummate companions have anything to teach us about romantic love? From the pages of The Dogs' Book of Romance, it's clear they do. In this dazzling collection of lush, full-color photographs, extraordinary canine couples reveal with wit and wisdom just what it takes to make romance last a lifetime. Photographer Lisa Sachs presents an array of gorgeous dog duos—from bulldogs to beagles—as they nuzzle, snuggle, and lavish each other with tender loving care. The captions of advice that accompany each photograph offer heartfelt and humorous reminders about how to keep the sparks flying in an intimate relationship.* "Declare your affection," depicted by a Jack Russell terrier who's sweet on a Doberman pinscher.* "Keep telling the story of how you met,' depicted by a pair of doting corgis.* "Stay awake for pillow talk," depicted by two Westies about to hit the sack.* "Intimacy begins when you let down your guard," depicted by a yellow and a black Lab as they work through relationship issues.
The Doings of Hamish and Dougal: You'll Have Had Your Tea?
by Barry Cryer Graeme GardenHello there! You'll have had your tea? Dougal here. Well, here we go, with our wee book. It's a collection or pot pourri (I've no idea what Hamish means by that - it sounds like something to do with the Pope) of our activities or 'doings' in the village we call home, because that's exactly what it is.Together with our housekeeper, Mrs Naughtie, and of course, the Laird who lives up at the big hoose and shoots grouse and other bottles of whisky, these are the actual scripts of our wee show which we performed on the wireless, when most of you were probably in bed! Hamish and I have known each other all our lives - well, not yet, obviously! We have a very close relationship and also with each other. Mrs Naughtie been with us since we first met her at the Krankie Arms, where she was working as part-time barmaid and bouncer.In addition to the scripts you'll find all kinds of other things tucked away under its kilt. There's a hectic social life in the village. You'll visit the 'bide a wee' café, proud possessor of three Michelin tyres. You'll have a conducted tour of the big hoose by Big Tam, our local guide (not during opening hours). You'll marvel at the site of the Battle of Auchtermuchty, now allotments. You'll peek into the Laird's social diary in 'oot and aboot' (40p at the post office). And a great deal more.Well, I hope this wee note will make you hurry to the till and spend the terrible amount of money these wee books cost these days. But then again this particular wee book is Scotland's answer to Richard and Judy! Hurrah!Away now ...
The Doldrums
by Nicholas GannonHave you ever wanted to hold a little piece of the impossible? Lavishly illustrated in full color, The Doldrums is an extraordinary debut about friendship, imagination, and the yearning for adventure from author-artist Nicholas Gannon. A modern classic in the making, The Doldrums is for readers of inventive and timeless authors such as Brian Selznick and Lemony Snicket.Archer B. Helmsley wants an adventure. No, he needs an adventure. His grandparents were famous explorers . . . until they got stuck on an iceberg. Now Archer's mother barely lets him out of the house. As if that would stop a true Helmsley. Archer enlists Adelaide--the girl who, according to rumor, lost her leg to a crocodile--and Oliver--the boy next door--to help him rescue his grandparents. The Doldrums whisks us off on an adventure full of sly humor, incredible detail, and enormous heart.With approximately twenty pieces of breathtaking full-color artwork, as well as black-and-white spot illustrations, and gorgeous, literary writing, Nicholas Gannon proves himself to be a distinctive new voice with his middle grade debut. Be in it for the limitless imagination. For the characters who capture your heart. For the rich world you'll want to settle into. But most of all, be in it for the friendship. That, after all, is the true adventure.
The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse
by Nicholas GannonThe stand-alone sequel to The Doldrums, which the New York Times called “a dreamy charmer of a book,” is a second tour-de-force by author-illustrator Nicholas Gannon. It brims with the spirit of exploration and celebrates the bond of friendship. The exquisite package features Gannon’s distinctive full-color art throughout, as well as black-and-white spot illustrations. The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse is a timeless tale and a beautiful gift for a young reader.Archer Helmsley’s grandparents—famous explorers who went missing on an iceberg two years ago—are finally coming home. Archer is overjoyed, but he may be the only one. Rumors are flying that Archer’s grandparents were never really abandoned on the iceberg; that they’re making it all up. Archer knows that the rumors are false. With his best friends, Oliver and Adélaïde, and their new neighbor, Kana, Archer sets out during a snowstorm to rescue his grandparents’ reputation. In the tradition of Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, and Brian Selznick, Nicholas Gannon’s wildly imaginative world of The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse is packed with sly humor, an undeniably charming cast of characters, and the thrill of discovering secrets and adventures right in your own backyard.With approximately twenty pieces of full-color artwork, as well as black-and-white spot illustrations, and deft, literary writing, Nicholas Gannon once again creates a fully realized world and a story to sink into and explore.
The Dominant Male
by Sarah HollandHe knows what he wantsRhiannon was happily engaged to Bobby, who only offered her friendship and security. She thought she didn't want or need anything else-until she met Gabriel Stone.He had the name of an angel, but the reputation of a sinner-and he was determined to unleash the suppressed passion he sensed in Rhiannon. She told herself that all she felt for this dominant male was sexual attraction-but then, to her horror, she realized she'd fallen in love....
The Domino Men
by Jonathan BarnesA young man discovers a manuscript and so begins a bizarre tale that brings together his grandfather, every conspiracy theory you've ever heard about the royal family and the true story about where the power of Number 10 really lies.Readers of The Somnambulist may well recoginise the characters kept within a chalk circle in a cellar beneath Downing Street.With a gallery of vividly grotesque characters, a gleefully satiric take on modern life and a playful and highly literate style, this is an amazingly readable literary fantasy.In his sequel to the crazed Victoriana of The Somnambulist Jonathan Barnes brings his invention, reality, grotesquerie and curiosities bang-up-to-date.