AT THE launch of his Alan Clark biography Ion Trewin bravely asked his guests how many of them had bought his book. Cue an awkward silence and much shoe-shuffling. Only three people raised their hands. It has always struck me as odd that publishers hold launch parties when few people have had a chance to buy, let alone read, the book in question.
montana silversmiths tiffany heart toggle bracelet Replica Puma Shoes Trewin went on to announce he had a treat in store for the rest of us. We could all leave with free copies. This sets a dangerous precedent. Will other authors now be expected to follow suit? In fact, Trewin was reinstating an old tradition. Somerset
embroidered patches Maugham used to deplore book launches because "the eminent people expect to get a signed copy of the book for nothing".
At Trewin's launch his guests cheered at his announcement. Eminent people, it seems, still like a freebie as much as the rest of us.