DAVID CLAYTON

The Preston North End Miscellany a book on the Lilywhites like no other, packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legend. From the days of Tom Finney to the management of Darren Ferguson from the FA Cup triumphs and league titles of yesteryear to the man-mountain that is Jon Parkin, The Preston North End Miscellany is the ultimate book of trivia on the club and a treasure trove of information that you can dip in and out of at your leisure. A book that will make you smile, laugh out loud, sigh and reflect with hundreds of stories about why this club remains one of the best in the world, despite an absence from the top-flight stretching back . . . well, lets look forward instead of behind! A book no self-respecting PNE fan should be without.

Basil Rathbone is synonymous with Sherlock Holmes.He played the Victorian sleuth in the fourteen Fox/Universal films of the 1930s and 40s, as well as on stage and radio. For many people, he is the Holmes.Basil Rathbone grew to hate Sherlock Holmes.The character placed restrictions on his career: before Holmes he was an esteemed theatre actor, appearing in Broadway plays such as The Captive and The Swan, the latter of which became his launchpad to greater stardom. But he never, ever escaped his most famous role.Basil Rathbone was not Sherlock Holmes.In The Curse of Sherlock Holmes, celebrated biographer David Clayton looks at the behind-the-camera life of a remarkable man who deserved so much more than to be relegated to just one role.

This epic chronicles the story of the seminal British blues/rock band Free. Leaving no stone unturned, and with the help of more than 400 photos, authors David Clayton and Todd K. Smith have painstakingly detailed the rise and fall of the band from its early pub gig days in late-60s London through the massive chart success of All Right Now, to the varied fortunes of vocalist Paul Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke, bassist Andy Fraser, and guitarist Paul Kossoff (VG, May 00).Obviously a labor of love, Clayton and Smith have transformed the magic of Frees music and the chemistry of the band into print through conversation with the surviving members and others, including Al Kooper, Chris Blackwell, Andy Johns, Ritchie Blackmore, and more. Given the perspective associated with the passage of time, the writers are able to give Free its place in rock history as a significant and important musical force.While never enjoying the huge commercial success of their contemporaries in Led Zeppelin, Frees early live performances were legendary and often shattered attendance records set by The Rolling Stones and The Who in their native U.K. Heavy Load reads like a comprehensive whos who of late-60s/early-70s rock bands, particularly those British.The story within is of the genius and tragedy of Paul Kossoff, whose early playing earned him legions of fans, including Eric Clapton. But sadly, the drug use present in his life since late childhood eventually destroyed his body and contributed to his untimely death in March of 76, at age 25.Of particular interest to guitar aficionados are the descriptions and superb photographs of Kossoffs instruments (most are late-50s Gibson Les Pauls) and amplifiers we now consider vintage and collectible.In a time of cookie-cutter approach to musical biographies on TV music channels, Heavy Load paints Kossoff, Kirke, Fraser, and Rodgers as vibrant-yet-human musicians, not Spinal Tap-ish caricatures. The quality of the writing and the drama of the story ensures it will appeal to fans and non-fans alike.

The Bristol City Miscellany - a book on the Robins like no other, packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legend. Now, with the club experiencing previously uncharted highs, look back at what has made this club what it is today - the players and characters that have represented City over the years and the events that have shaped the club. If you want to know the record crowd for a home game, the record appearance holder or longest-serving manager, look no further - this is the book youve been waiting for. From record goal scorers to record defeats; from Ashton Gate to Kevin Mabbutt, and from Wembley appearances to Gary Johnson - its all in The Bristol City Miscellany - can you afford not to own a copy?

The ultimate book of Blues trivia, The Man City Miscellany is full of weird and wonderful facts. Including:The only goalkeeper to have scored for CityThe name of Clive Allens dogThe identity of the City player who played with a toothpick in the corner of his mouthWho is the Invisible Man the City fans sing about?"I rang my secretary and said what time do we kick off tonight? and she said every 10 minutes." - Alan Ball during his troubled reign of City, 1996"Apparently, decapitation is no longer a capital offence." - Joe Royle reacts to an unpunished tackle on Kevin Horlock, 1998Packed with random Man City facts, stats, lists, tables, anecdotes and quotes, from the clubs record scorer to the bizarre name of the club cat, this is the ultimate trivia book for every City fans bookshelf.

Wilfrid Brambell was one of Britains most loved and complex character actors. As Albert Ladysmith Steptoe, the unscrupulous rag-and-bone man with questionable habits in Ray Galton and Alan Simpsons long-running Steptoe & Son, he quickly became a household name with co-star Harry H. Corbett. But despite scores of other successes in roles on stage, TV and film, Brambell died a sad and lonely man.Alongside fame and fortune, You Dirty Old Man! reveals how Brambell suffered unbelievable personal heartache, battling an inner turmoil that eventually drove him to drink as his marriage collapsed in the most deceitful circumstances imaginable. His torment led to a secretive life off camera where he did everything possible to stay out of the public eye.Featuring original interviews with film directors Richard Lester, Terence Davies and Tony Palmer, as well as recollections from his own family members, the family of Harry H. Corbett and those who worked alongside him, author David Clayton seeks to re-examine the legacy of a man whose loyal fanbase remains undiminished sixty years on from his heyday.

The Notts County Miscellany a book on the Magpies like no other, packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legend. Featured here are more than 100 stories on the worlds oldest football club ranging from how the club was formed in 1862 up to little-known facts about Director of Football Sven-Goran Eriksson. Here you will find player feats, individual records and plenty of weird and wonderful tales from a club that has rarely realised its potential. Rivalry with Nottingham Forest, the history of Meadow Lane and how the club came to wear their famous black & white striped kit, plus favourite managers, quotes ranging from the profound to the downright bizarre and cult heroes from yesteryear a book no true County fan should be without.

The Stoke City Miscellany - a book on the club like no other, packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legend. Now, with the club tasting previously uncharted highs, look back at what has made this club what it is today - the players and characters that have represented City over the years and the events that have shaped the club. If you want to know the record crowd for a home game, the record appearance holder or longest-serving manager, look no further - this is the book youve been waiting for. From record goal scorers to record defeats; from the Victoria Ground to Alan Ball and from Rory Delap to Gordon Banks - its all in The Stoke City Miscellany - can you afford not to own a copy?

Did you know: Hull City is the only team in the English Football League which hasnt got a single letter that you can colour in? Citys early matches were played at The Boulevard, the old home of rugby league side Hull FC? Up to 2008, the nations favourite trivia quiz question was: which is the largest city in England to have never had a team in the top division? The answer, of course, was Hull but promotion in May 2008 rendered the question defunct and the search is now on for an updated version. The Hull City Miscellany a book on the Tigers like no other, packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legend. Now, with the club tasting previously uncharted highs, look back at what has made this club what it is today the players and characters that have represented City over the years and the events that have shaped the club. If you want to know the record crowd for a home game, the record appearance holder or longest-serving manager, look no further this is the book youve been waiting for. From record goal scorers, to record defeats; from Boothferry Park to Dean Windass its all in The Hull City Miscellany can you afford not to own a copy?

City won the League Championship for the first time in 44 years following a thrilling Premier League campaign. A last-gasp Sergio Aguero goal against QPR secures the title in the most dramatic of fashions at a jubilant Etihad Stadium. Managed by Roberto Mancini, the club is now amongst the favourites to win both the Premier League and the Champions League. Celebrity supporters include the Gallagher brothers formerly of Oasis. Their biggest rivalry is against city neighbours Manchester United especially after they pipped the Reds to the league title last season on goal difference

The West Bromwich Albion Miscellany a book on the Baggies like no other, packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legend. Now, with the club experiencing previously uncharted highs, take a look back at what has made West Bromwich Albion Football Club what it is today the players and characters that have represented the Albion over the years and the events that have shaped the club. If you want to know the record crowd for a home game, the record appearance holder, the longest-serving manager and a host of other weird, wonderful and entertaining facts, look no further this is the book youve been waiting for. From record goal scorers, to record defeats; from Cyrille Regis to Ron Atkinson, from nicknames to Frank Skinner and other celebrity supporters its all in The West Bromwich Albion Miscellany can you afford not to own a copy?

The inspirational tale of a universally respected player who refused to give up on his dream.Shaun Goater was signed by Alex Ferguson almost as a political pawn after a Manchester United tour of Bermuda went disastrously wrong. He never made it with United and instead moved on to Rotherham. Undeterred by homesickness and the Yorkshire weather, he became a huge favourite at Millmoor before moving to Bristol City, where his goalscoring exploits endeared him to the fans and caught the eye of Man City manager Joe Royle. He won over the doubters at City, who had seen him only as a journeyman striker bought to plug a gap. Within a year, hed become a cult figure and his knack of poaching goals soon gave rise to one of the best modern-day terrace chants Feed the Goat and he will score. Season after season, the bond between player and supporters grew and his name was etched into City folklore. He was captain for their last match at Maine Road before joining Reading. His career stalled with the Royals when manager Alan Pardew left a few weeks after Goaters arrival and Steve Coppell took over. He went out on loan to Coventry before Southend United rescued him at the start of their highly successful 2005/06 season.

Legendary British comic actor John Inman broke down many boundaries by playing the camp Mr Humphries in the long-running sitcom Are You Being Served? The show ran for thirteen years, had a spin-off movie and attracted millions of viewers in the UK. Inmans character, whose innuendos were adored by viewers, invariably got the biggest laughs and this at a time when being gay was largely frowned upon.Away from television, he soon became one of the most in-demand pantomime actors, making a small fortune over several decades. Yet it was as Mr Humphries that he was best loved and the reason he was regarded as a national treasure.In his private life, Inman was secretive about his sexuality until he married his long-term partner Ron Lynch in a civil ceremony in London in 2005. He died two years later following a long battle with hepatitis.Featuring revealing interviews with many of Inmans surviving cast mates and colleagues, Im Free! uncovers the full story of a man who was adored by millions and who broke down barriers by simply being himself.