Recent reviews
Constable Colgan's Connectoscope
Stevyn Colgan
" Stevyn Colgan is a man who understands the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. His Connectoscope is a journey through obscure knowledge that gives the reader the distinct impression that they’re only just touching on his peculiar genius. Drawing predominately on life sciences, history, literature and bad ’70’s television, Constable Colgan’s ‘investigations’ take the reader on a meandering, tangential voyage of (probably fairly unnecessary) discovery, before depositing them – dizzy and slightly soiled – right back where they started… (It’s also a terribly funny journey - which, considering I have a laugh like a goat with the croup, has been deeply upsetting for the people around me…) Like Victor Kiam, I liked the book so much I wanted to buy the whole company - but, when that didn’t really work out for me, I had to content myself by buying two copies instead. And, in fairness, they’re both good. "
The Twitch
Kevin Parr
"I’m not a bird watcher, but I am a murderer - so, I could immediately relate to the protagonist - Ted Banger - at that level. Kevin Parr’s book is a fast-paced and exceptionally funny read, that will make you laugh out loud. Probably best, therefore, not to read ‘The Twitch’ in a public library, where laughing is generally frowned upon. Instead, why not buy the book and then leaf through it in a provincial butcher's shop? After all, butchers are generally apple-cheeked and fun-loving people – and being surrounded by dead animals is very comforting. "
Salt & Old Vines
Richard W H Bray
"If you're anything like me, wine is just that red stuff that comes in bottles for £4.99 in your local Londis... But for Richard W H Bray - wine trader, sommelier and all-round bon vivant - it is so much more. 'Salt & Old Vines' is a warm, charming and deeply personal account of his days making wine in the Roussillon. The book is beautifully written - full of colour and energy - and, although Bray is obviously keenly knowledgeable of his subject, he refrains from either condescending or preaching. It is also a thoroughly engaging read. On his journey to make beautiful wine, Bray encounters work-shy Bordeaux wine snobs, drunkenly traverses vineyards in a kilt, decries the state of French breakfast cereals and ponders the fate of a local man affectionately known as 'Ball Sack Nose.' Though 'Salt & Old Vines' is a fun and entertaining novel, it does, however, leave you feeling rather sad. Sometimes this is due to the author’s skill in mixing humour and insight with moments of great poignancy - but, mainly, it's just because you want to live that life too... A brilliant debut. Highly recommended."
Gin Lane Gazette
Adrian Teal
"An excellent book. Witty, entertaining and packed with interesting stories from the 18th century, all wonderfully illustrated with Mr. Teal's elegant caricatures. I bought two copies of this book from Unbound. Mainly, because I really it – but also because I'm just a terribly extravagant fellow. Looking forward to Mr. Teal’s next project! "