Handling the evidence

So, no sooner do I find out that a Dutch edition of my book is on the way than said edition arrives in my mail box. I am now holding De Wereld van de Vroege Kerk (pictured).

It's a slightly surreal experience because it looks identical to the English version until you get close up and realise that you cannot read any of the words on any given page. Until that is you turn to page 139 where one of the boxes is headed 'What's in a name?' Is that Dutch or a proof-reading error?

Still, it's lovely to think that 2000 copies of this fine tome will be available to Dutch readers everywhere, though mainly in the Netherlands. I hope they enjoy it.

I'm certainly more chuffed to be holding it than I have any right to be!