This is a collection of hard-hitting essays and book reviews which first appeared on Michael Allen's blog, the Grumpy Old Bookman. The Grumpy Old Bookman began operation in late March 2004, and soon acquired a reputation for plain speaking and controversy. This book reproduces some 130 entries from the first six months. The book is aimed at both readers and writers, and the content deals almost entirely with books and publishing. A typical entry will either be a lengthy review of a book, or the author's thoughts on some aspect of the book trade, inspired by an item of recent news.