Make no mistake. This is a serious piece of literature, on two counts: Serious, because it's a coffee-table book like no other: If you attached legs to each volume, you would have a substantial suite of furniture! More importantly; serious, because it is THE definitive study of the world of the left-handed guitarist.

It will take you a lifetime to read and a lectern [preferably with a carved eagle on the back] is recommended. Rather like a latter-day Ten Commandments, it comes in two massive tablets. Not of stone [although, at 19lbs, they approach a similar weight!], but two superbly bound 345mm x 260mm x 45mm [!] volumes.

The first part deals with Rock: Pop: Punk: Reggae: Metal with a foreword by no less than Douglas Adams. Featured artistes are chronicled by date of birth [a novel and reasonable solution]. The second book turns to R&B, Jazz, Folk, Country & World and each volume concludes with a gallery of left-handed guitars for lefties to drool over.