Shadow Lines very much celebrates the world of books' -Telegraph Nicholas Royle's love of second-hand books and the 'inclusions' he finds inside them, their presence betrayed by 'shadow lines', is about making connections. Someone has scribbled a number in a book? He'll text or call. An old address? He'll return the book to where it used to live. Follow him as he walks between bookshops, reading as he goes, on the hunt for treasure, for ways to make us feel closer – to the books on our shelves, to each other and to our own lives. Share in Royle's enthusiasm for the Rev W Awdry's Railway Series, Penguin Modern Stories and Paul Auster's cult classic, The New York Trilogy, as well as books in art and film. The brilliant follow-up to the instant classic, White Spines. Praise for Shadow Lines ★★★★★ 'What links Bin Laden's bodyguard to an Oxfam bookshop in London?What links Bin Laden's bodyguard to an Oxfam bookshop in London?. In Shadow Lines, Nicholas Royle tracks down the owners of objects slipped into second-hand books – with amusing and surprising results.' -Ian Sansom The Telegraph If you love books, bookshops and browsing, this is your perfect all-year gift – head to your happy place with a copy Shadow Lines today! (Note: 'inclusions' not supplied.)
"(on previous work) What keeps this assortment of reflections and reminiscences hanging together is Royle's delightful accounts of his trips to charity and secondhand bookshops across the UK: Goldmark Books in Uppingham; George Kelsall Booksellers in Littleborough; Southend; Coventry; Wigtown in Scotland. Over the years, Royle has been everywhere. White Spines is a sort of Bill Bryson for book lovers, wry, cosy and full of amusing asides and lovely cameos."
The Spectator
"(on previous work) This summer's must-read for all book lovers."
The Irish Times
"(on previous work) It is Royle's knowledge and ability to write with enthusiasm that draws the reader in. An enjoyable window into the life of an unapologetic collector. A call to appreciate books for more than their words."
