Introduction and Reviews.

Welcome to the blog of THE BOOK, "2005 Blogged, Dispatches from the Blogosphere".

The book is an anthology of blog posts from the UK and Irish blogosphere over the time period November 2004 to October 2005. An attempt to show the diversity of voices, viewpoints, opinions and styles on offer, the reason for the book form to try and show them to those who do not normally read blogs. Or, in this version on the web, to those who do not normally read British or Irish blogs.

This blog contains the full text along with links to the original homes of each of the pieces. If you want to explore what the blogs are like in these isles then this would be a good place to start. Simply skim through this, when you find a piece you like go to the original blog and then wander from there. You’ll certainly find more that you enjoy.

If you should feel compelled to purchase a hard copy version you can do so via Amazon.co.uk and I believe that Waterstone’s and other good book stores might have stocks. Unfortunately it is only available in the UK so don’t bother trying Amazon.com.

Of course, I’m going to say it’s a fabulous book but then, similarly of course, it is also true. Not because of my linking notes, nor because of my uncanny powers of perception or taste in what I’ve chosen to include but simply because there is so much wonderful writing available to choose from. The real problem was limiting myself to a book length offering (and even then I was 40 pages over what the publishers asked for).

There have been a number of reviews and of course you can findthem all via Google or your favourite engine. Here’s just a sample:

The Observer.

The Guardian.

Philobiblion.

Grumpy Old Bookman.

Troubled Diva.

Bloggerheads.

Blogebrity.

Perhaps I should point out that this is not really a "best of" collection. "Best" in itself is a horribly subjective concept, how can we compare a political rant with a comic essay, a short aside or apercu with a detailed deconstruction of some piece of newspaper idiocy? Think of it more as a taster, not a definitive ranking exercise.

Most of all I hope you enjoy this ramble through the minds and interests of my fellow countrymen, what gripped the individual and collective attentions over the year.

I certainly enjoyed putting it all together, being able to tell my wife that yes, reading 5,000 blogs was indeed work.

The blog is arranged in chronological order, not the more usual reverse one.