READERS' COMMENTS

“Nick, your book is a joy!  What a fabulous thing you’ve accomplished!  A marvelous combination of adventure story and lively, Plato-like dialogues, but without the other-worldly Platonism or the post-modern nonsense that nowadays poses as an answer to The Big Questions of life …. The effect of your book on me has been dramatic.  I knew nothing of customary law, which you explain so well, or of the large groups of people who have lived without the oppressive encroachments of government.   Inspiring stuff.   I’m so impressed, and you write so well fashioning this sweetly engaging tale.”

“a stunning achievement … so bursting with ideas it could spark a lively debate in a cemetery…. The opening is a grabber!  All the action-adventure parts are very well done ….  Nikolai …comes across as a real, larger-than-life character – he's the magister throughout … you have succeeded there.  The alternation of the plot with the instruction seems very well paced…. It will be read, and read and read, I'm sure of it…. I admire it so much… well done, superbly done ….”
Carol Jane Stuart, teacher and sometime literary critic, Ontario, Canada

“What an amazing story! …. a wonderful book, worth every penny.”
T/Sgt Shane T. Beaulieu, US Air Force, Hawaii

"Thanks for a ripping good read.”
Jonathan Dickson, County Carlow, Republic of Ireland

“May I offer you my deepest gratitude for putting together a fantastic story.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Warren Swales, Sheffield, England

“It was with some scepticism that I purchased a copy of Old Nick’s Guide to Happiness.  After all, one hardly expects a drinking companion to come up with a book – let alone a good one….
            “Nicholas guides us through the major theories in philosophy in what could be, in other hands, a yawn-provoking marathon.  In this case, however, we are presented with an intricate plot concerning two disparate individuals – pupil and mentor as it emerges. Through many twists and turns we are kept in suspense, turning the pages of this fine story, while being exposed to arguments about religion, anarchy, and the place of the State.  I found both the plot and the theories behind it thoroughly researched and a joy to read.  Well done ‘Old Nick’!”
Donald Belvoir, Herefordshire, England

“I know nothing about philosophy but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  It should be made required reading for everybody in government, from parking meter attendants all the way down to Cabinet Ministers.”
Ian Adams, Herefordshire

“I’m amazed.  There’s this chap I meet in the pub occasionally, Nick, I didn’t know his last name, and one day he shows me this book he’s written.  Who’d’ve guessed?  Anyway, it looked intriguing, so I bought a copy.  Mind you, not without knocking his price down a bit.  So the cheeky blighter dedicated it to ‘Jack the Haggler’. 
            “Well, I’m a retired businessman, and I did find my eyes glazing over a bit at the philosophy in the beginning.  But once I got to the politics I found myself in total agreement.  And what a great story!  As I said, I was amazed.  So well done, Nick the Novelist, old mate.  There’s a movie in there too, I bet.”
Jack Bateman, Herefordshire

“I’d love to buy a copy of your book, but my wife wouldn’t have it in the house!”
A.B., Herefordshire

“I found Old Nick’s Guide to Happiness to be extremely mind provoking, a ‘philosophical adventure’, and in parts, quite inspiring.  The characters come to life in their complex but often intriguing backgrounds, the story has a real twist at the end, and it is, in my opinion, a thoroughly good read.”
Richard Thorogood, Perth, Australia

“Thank you for your interesting book which I had  the pleasure of reading.  Being a man whose career has consisted only of international trade and business, but whose interests have included literature, philosophy, politics,  history, etc., I consider your book quite an achievement with all it's detailed information about so many various fields of life and historical facts about the various juridical proceedings that mankind has applied.
          “Your book also made me wonder why I have been so obedient with the  tax bureaucrats,  perhaps because I was brought up in an old fashioned way!  I have to admit that I agree with your opinions about our so called ‘democratic’ states causing so many difficulties to our modern societies and individuals!  I also enjoyed reading your book due to its interesting plot, covering all our ambitions, human relations, love and sex.”
Juha Puukari, Imatra, Finland

“I greatly admired the erudition so evident in the writing and ‘Old Nick’s’ ability to weave a good tale.  I am certain the book will find goodly praise and stimulate lively debate in academic circles.”
Peter Conradi, Ottawa, Canada