...To Say Nothing of the Dogs!

I had no idea that the full title of the original ‘Three Men in a Boat’ novel by Jerome K. Jerome was called "Three Men in a Boat - To Say Nothing of the Dog!". Well this weekend I was sorting out my photos from last summer’s Dorset seaside adventures and came across this lovely picture of all the Barker and Ball product testers in action.

Perhaps ‘Three Dogs in a Boat!’ would make a better idea for a TV show than Griff Rhys Jones and his comedian pals larking about on the Thames, re-creating the British comic novel for the BBC.

Eddie the Terrier is wearing a very comfortable and fashionable black dog harness, which comes with a matching dog lead - now only £14.99.

Humbug the Whippet is wearing a pretty tan and yellow leather collar, which has a modern square design on it - from only £15.99.

Cover To Cover

This wonderful selection of book jackets is from an interview at Abebooks.com with professor of anthropology Dr. Bryan Cummins. Dr Cummins discusses literatures long love affair with pooches.

The interview features a great list of much-loved fictional dog books. From collectible first editions of 'White Fang', to children's books like the lovely 'Stanley's Party'. I had no idea there was so much literature about man's best friend. Bryan Cummins thinks that dogs in literature outnumber their feline counterparts about 10 to one – amazing!

My favourite covers are 'Nose Down, Eyes Up' by Merrill Markoe – it’s just such a beautiful photograph and 'The Incredible Journey' by Sheila Burnford, which features a delightful drawing of the three animals.

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