Ely Xmas Presents: Signed Books From Topping & Co

If you're buying someone a book for Christmas but want to make it a bit special, why not pop into the High Street in Ely and browse through the wide selection of signed books on offer at Topping & Co, one of Cambridgeshire's leading independent bookshops.

First editions that are autographed by the author make fantastic presents and Topping & Co have a great many on their shelves, in all manner of genres. The best thing is that they cost no more than the normal list price for the book – and if you want to make the present even more special, you could go along to one of the author signing sessions and ask to get the book personally dedicated to the lucky recipient.

Here are ten signed first editions from Topping & Co that could make great Christmas presents but keep a watchful eye on their stock, as they get new signed books in all the time.

Ten Signed Books For Christmas

'The Fear Index' by Robert Harris: From the author of 'Fatherland', 'Enigma' and 'Pompei' comes 'The Fear Index', a believable and tense modern thriller set in the world of high finance and an impressive follow up to 'The Ghost'.

'The Elephant To Hollywood' by Michael Caine: The second biography by the legendary British actor covers much of the same ground as his first, but adds the last 20 years to the story of how Maurice Micklewhite, the son of a Billingsgate porter, became one of the world's biggest film stars.

'Empire' by Jeremy Paxman: Subtitled 'What Ruling The World Did To The British', television newsman Jeremy Paxman wittily rambles through the profound and lasting effect of the Empire experience on Britain.

'Small Man In A Book' by Rob Brydon: Television comedian Rob Brydon tells the funny and honest story of his long road to becoming an overnight success.

'Death Of Kings' by Bernard Cornwell: From the creator of Sharpe and the king of historical fiction comes the latest instalment in the 'Saxon Stories' series. There's a little local interest too, as the story climaxes in the fens of East Anglia.

'Glorious Summers & Discontents' by Mike Atherton: Former England captain turned journalist and broadcaster Mike Atherton selects the best of his articles from a decade travelling the world to write about cricket.

'The Necessary Aptitude' by Pam Ayres: This memoir of poet Pam Ayres beautifully covers her childhood in the post-war countryside and her journey to become a much-loved television comedy turn.

'How To Survive The Titanic' by Frances Wilson: Subtitled 'The Sinking of J Bruce Ismay', Frances Wilson tells the story of the fated ship's owner and the consequences of his decision to row to safety in a lifeboat meant for just the women and children.

'Desserts' by Michel Roux: Celebrity chef Michel Roux takes a fresh and energetic look at the dessert, a subject that has fascinated him for many years.

'A Walk On Part' by Chris Mullin: Former MP and author of political conspiracy thriller 'A Very British Coup', Chris Mullin offers the latest instalment of his diaries, covering the period from John Smith's death in 1994 until his first government post in 1999. A witty and engaging read.

Other Signed Suggestions…

'The Sense Of Ending' by Julian Barnes

'My Life In Pieces' by Simon Callow

'How To Run' by Paula Radcliffe

'A Short History Of England' by Simon Jenkins

'61 Hours' by Lee Childs

'This Boy's Life' by Tobias Wolff

'D-Day' by Antony Beevor

If you've seen a good signed book in Topping & Co, why not tell us all about it here...