CHINBEARD BOOKS

Read and Grow

OUR CO-PUBLISHING DEAL WITH SPITEFUL PUPPET LTD HAS ENDED BY MUTUAL CONSENT BUT WE'RE PROUD OF ALL THESE TITLES WE PRODUCED WITH THEM -
SOME OF WHICH ARE NOW AVAILABLE VIA AMAZON
(DISPLAYED IN 'MOST RECENT PUBLICATION FIRST' ORDER)
 
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ROBIN OF SHERWOOD: THE COMPLETE LOOK-IN COMICS


Richard Carpenter’s Robin of Sherwood is often considered the finest version of the Robin Hood legend. A lavish and hugely popular television series that ran from 1984 to 1986.

It was turned into an accompanying comic strip by the bestselling young people’s magazine Look-In; which also ran a wealth of interviews, features, and articles (alongside other comic strips) for all the most popular family and children’s commercial television series of the time.


The Robin of Sherwood strips ran for the entirety of three years that the series was broadcast, encompassing a change of actor in the role of Robin Hood; some in colour, some in black and white. Rebellion, Chinbeard Books and Spiteful Puppet have collated the entire run of these exquisitely illustrated and action-packed comic strips in this unique, limited-edition collection, with every page carefully and lovingly restored.


The artists were Mike Noble, with Arthur Ranson and Phil Gascoine, and the writer across the whole run of strips was Angus Allan. For fans of these artists and writer, this is a snapshot of their work collected together for the first time. For fans of Look-In magazine, it also offers some of those interviews, articles, and features that adorned the pages alongside the comic strip.


This hardback book features specially written inserts by Robert Hammond (restoration technician and graphic designer), alongside Hooded Man author Andrew Orton, and commissioning editor Barnaby Eaton-Jones. It also features a foreword essay on the artist Mike Noble (who drew 95% of the strips), written by noted comic book artist Lee Sullivan – who also provides a brand-new, specially commissioned piece of art too.


It is 288 pages and is ONLY available via Spiteful Puppet's website (see button below).


You can buy this handsome tome for a reduced price of £35 for a two-month period. After that, the price will go up to £45. The publication date is the 31st of May, unless the limited print run target is met – in which case it will be sent out earlier. You can order more than one copy but postage will not be combined, they will have to be separate orders


SOLD OUT - LIMITED PRINT RUN.

WITNESS STATEMENTS 

(Making The Bill, Series 1-3)


By Oliver Crocker


A new unofficial guidebook that will take fans behind the scenes of the first three series of the long-running police procedural series The Bill, including the pilot episode Woodentop


Over 40 cast and crew have shared their memories of working on all 35 of the original hour-long episodes, detailing how this groundbreaking series was created. These in-depth interviews also reveal how these innovative creatives, many being interviewed for the very first time, began their careers in television production.


Witness Statements also features twenty rare and previously unreleased behind the scenes photographs, plus viewing figures for selected episodes published for the first time!


Cover Design by Robert Hammond.


SOLD OUT - LIMITED PRINT RUN - NEW COPIES AND ANY FURTHER VOLUMES ARE NOW VIA THE AUTHOR



Richard Carpenter’s
ROBIN OF SHERWOOD
‘THE SERIES 4 COLLECTION’

A Limited ‘Omnibus’ edition of all our previous Series 4 novels plus two new stories and one new adaptation.


WHAT WAS LOST (Episodes 1 and 2)
By Elliot Thorpe, adapted from a script by Iain Meadows


THE POWER OF THREE (Episode 3)
By Jennifer Ash


TO HAVE AND TO HOLD (Episode 4)
By Elliot Thorpe, adapted from a story by Barnaby Eaton-Jones


QUEEN OF THE BLACK SUN (Episode 5)
By Barnaby Eaton-Jones, adapted from a story by Iain Meadows, exclusive to this collection.


THE SERVANT (Episode 6)
By Jennifer Ash, exclusive to this collection.


THE KNIGHTS OF THE APOCALYPSE (Feature-Length Finale)
By Richard Carpenter, a *new* adaptation by Elliot Thorpe exclusive to this collection.


In partnership with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd and Richard Carpenter's Estate, Chinbeard Books is proud to be publishing these new and official stories.


Artwork/Cover Design: Anthony Lamb
Range Editor: Barnaby Eaton-Jones

Editors: Elliot Thorpe, Jennifer Ash and Lucy Collin


Television series Robin of Sherwood © HTV/Goldcrest Films & Television 1983. Created by Richard Carpenter, with grateful thanks to his Estate.



Richard Carpenter’s ROBIN OF SHERWOOD
‘TO HAVE AND TO HOLD’
A *brand-new* adventure in paperback

After returning from fighting in Normandy, Sir Guy of Gisburne has reluctantly returned to the Sheriff’s employ but his loyalty is about to be tested. The Sheriff’s new plan to capture the outlaws requires Gisburne’s agreement and Abbot Hugo’s committed involvement.


Meanwhile, the merry band of Sherwood outlaws are preparing for a long awaited set of nuptials to take place in Sherwood Forest.


Could the Sheriff’s sinister plotting force the postponement of Little John’s betrothal to Meg of Wickham?


A limited edition NEW novel based on the television series Robin of Sherwood, written by Elliot Ash (from an original story by Barnaby Eaton-Jones).

In partnership with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd and Richard Carpenter's Estate, Chinbeard Books is proud to be publishing these new and official stories.


Artwork/Cover Design: Anthony Lamb
Range Editor: Barnaby Eaton-Jones


Television series Robin of Sherwood © HTV/Goldcrest Films & Television 1983. Created by Richard Carpenter, with grateful thanks to his Estate.

Richard Carpenter’s ROBIN OF SHERWOOD
‘THE POWER OF THREE’
A *brand-new* adventure in paperback


Why had Herne called Marion to his cavern and not Robin? And why was she afraid to tell him what the Lord of the Trees had shown her?


Forced to face his personal nightmares and his darkest secret, the Hooded Man needs his friends more than ever but the outlaws are afraid… and no one knows who to trust.


To make matters worse, an old enemy is stalking Sherwood – but which one?


A limited edition NEW novel based on the television series Robin of Sherwood, written by Jennifer Ash.

In partnership with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd and Richard Carpenter's Estate, Chinbeard Books is proud to be publishing these new and official stories.


Artwork/Cover Design: Anthony Lamb
Range Editor: Barnaby Eaton-Jones
Book Editor: Elliot Thorpe


Television series Robin of Sherwood © HTV/Goldcrest Films & Television 1983. Created by Richard Carpenter, with grateful thanks to his Estate.

IAN OGILVY'S WITHERING SLIGHTS
A Collection of Cinematic Critiques - £13.99

Perhaps the most haunting and tormented love story ever written, Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights is the tale of the troubled orphan Heathcliff and his doomed love for Catherine Earnshaw.

This isn’t quite that.

Ian Ogilvy’s Withering Slights is a slightly less haunting but no less tormented love story between the celebrated author and actor, and his ever-looming wife – known simply as SHE.

Here within are Mr. Ogilvy’s unique and verbatim reviews of many films he’s seen with his other half (his stream of consciousness style so beloved of his social media followers), with exclusive reviews written just for this collection.

And an Afterword by SHE herself. Gulp.

Collated and edited by Elliot Thorpe, with Barnaby Eaton-Jones
Cover and internal illustrations by Charles Waples.
Graphic design by Robert Hammond
Co-published with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd




Richard Carpenter’s ROBIN OF SHERWOOD
‘WHAT WAS LOST’ PARTS I & II Paperback version

(Set after Series Three, as the start of Series 4 – before ‘The Knights of the Apocalypse’)


After losing Marion to Holy Orders, Robin spends his waking hours in an increasingly drunken state and the outlaw band are left without a leader. Robin Hood has become a ghost. Meanwhile, Abbot Hugo has cleaned out the family coffers and secured a release for his brother, the Sheriff, from King John’s prisons. But, the Sheriff isn’t convinced that his deadliest enemy has entirely vanished from Sherwood.


Marion is harbouring a secret which could lead to the capture of Robin, which she’s unaware the Sheriff knows about as he plots his revenge.


A limited edition novelisation of the acclaimed audio adventure written by Iain Meadows, adapted for prose by Elliot Thorpe.

In partnership with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd and Richard Carpenter's Estate, Chinbeard Books is proud to be publishing these expanded novelisations of the original audio adventures.


Artwork/Cover Design: Anthony Lamb
Range Editor: Barnaby Eaton-Jones
Book Editor: Elliot Thorpe


Television series Robin of Sherwood © HTV/Goldcrest Films & Television 1983. Created by Richard Carpenter, with grateful thanks to his Estate.

A SAINT I AIN'T

The Biography of Leslie Charteris - £15.99


Using exclusive interviews with his family and friends, and with unlimited access to the Charteris Collection at Boston University, Ian Dickerson tells the story of Leslie Charteris from his early years as a struggling writer in 1920's London, through the years spent living and working in the Golden Age of Hollywood, to the years spent, in his own words, "as a high class bum" traveling around the world.


This is the man who created Simon Templar


Or better known as The Saint.


Artwork/Cover: Robert Hammond
Editors: Elliot Thorpe and Paul Simpson
Co-published with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd.

NEW RELEASE - COMING SOON (2022)


BISECTION - £15.99

“I have bipolar disorder, two teenaged daughters and a long-term relationship with the Arts that is borderline abusive on both sides.” (Kenton Hall, Author)

Over the course of human history, there have been countless tomes composed on the subject of mental health, and an equally daunting number on the joys and perils of raising children.


If you factor in the mysterious nature of twins and the long-term ramifications of being raised in a cult, however, then it’s basically this one and Harry Potter.


If it helps, our story is shorter and contains fewer owls.


Just sixteen years, two children and one uniquely-wired father who is absolutely making it up as he goes along.


Artwork/Cover Design: Bethany Mercedes Callister and Kenton Hall

Editor/Typesetting: Elliot Thorpe and Kenton Hall

Sub Editor: Barnaby Eaton-Jones


Published in partnership with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd.


Our initial print run has SOLD OUT but you can still buy a Print On Demand or Kindle version.

Richard Carpenter's ROBIN OF SHERWOOD

Sanctuary - £8.99 


Two enemies find themselves trapped together in an abandoned church on the far edge of Sherwood. Robin of Loxley and the Sheriff of Nottingham are both wounded, and without weapons, in the care of a hedge-priest.


The ancient law of sanctuary means that no blood can be shed but emotions are running feverishly high.


A limited edition novelisation of the acclaimed audio adventure, both written by Paul Birch.

In partnership with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd and Richard Carpenter's Estate, Chinbeard Books is proud to be publishing these expanded novelisations of the original audio adventures based on the classic television series Robin of Sherwood. We'll also be publishing new stories exclusive to Chinbeard Books too.


Artwork/Cover Design: Anthony Lamb
Range Editor: Barnaby Eaton-Jones
Book Editor: Elliot Thorpe


Television series Robin of Sherwood © HTV/Goldcrest Films & Television 1983. Created by Richard Carpenter, with grateful thanks to his Estate.

Richard Carpenter's ROBIN OF SHERWOOD

The Red Lord - £8.99 


A new threat arrives on these shores at the Sheriff of Nottingham’s behest, in an effort to rid him of his greatest enemy once and for all. A mercenary from the east with strange powers, building an army who will give their lives unquestionably for his cause. When The Red Lord faces Robin and his band it becomes clear he might well be the most dangerous foe they’ve ever encountered. But he also has another agenda, one that might see the whole of England falling at his feet eventually…


A limited edition novelisation of the acclaimed audio adventure, both written by Paul Kane.

In partnership with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd and Richard Carpenter's Estate, Chinbeard Books is proud to be publishing these expanded novelisations of the original audio adventures based on the classic television series Robin of Sherwood. We'll also be publishing new stories exclusive to Chinbeard Books too.


Artwork/Cover Design: Anthony Lamb
Range Editor: Barnaby Eaton-Jones
Book Editor: Elliot Thorpe


Television series Robin of Sherwood © HTV/Goldcrest Films & Television 1983. Created by Richard Carpenter, with grateful thanks to his Estate.


Richard Carpenter's ROBIN OF SHERWOOD
The Meeting Place - £8.99


The village of Papplewick has a new head family keen to exchange goodwill with the outlaws. Much is less than thrilled when Robin decides he should be the one to meet with the head villager’s eldest child each month, to swap tax money for food and information.

The last thing Much wants is to trudge across Sherwood in all weathers to talk to a girl.


A limited edition novelisation of the acclaimed audio adventure, both written by Jennifer Ash.

In partnership with Spiteful Puppet Entertainment Ltd and Richard Carpenter's Estate, Chinbeard Books is proud to be publishing these expanded novelisations of the original audio adventures based on the classic television series Robin of Sherwood. We'll also be publishing new stories exclusive to Chinbeard Books too.


Artwork/Cover Design: Anthony Lamb
Range Editor: Barnaby Eaton-Jones
Book Editor: Elliot Thorpe


Television series Robin of Sherwood © HTV/Goldcrest Films & Television 1983. Created by Richard Carpenter, with grateful thanks to his Estate.


LEMON - £8.99


Spencer's life was pretty insignificant and uncomplicated. This suited him fine.

 However, when a mix-up by the Post Office means he gets mistaken for someone else, then his life becomes somewhat more significant and a lot more complicated (we're talking murder, sex, violence, car chases, beautiful women, and an annoyed fat cat - both of the feline and big business variety).

Spencer’s week usually consisted of nothing more than dull, repetitive, time-wasting tedium. 

This week was going to be wildly different and Spencer wasn’t going to like it one little bit.


Barnaby Eaton-Jones's debut comedy/thriller garnered critical acclaim and five-star reviews online and in print, with most likening his style to a cross between Douglas Adams and Ben Elton. Such was the response to the lazy feline owned by one of the main characters, subsequent editions (and this third edition) have included a short story called Eric's Tale that's a little standalone adventure for him at the end of the book 

"...So there you have it. Barnaby Eaton-Jones is the new Douglas Adams, Eric the cat is my new hero and, when literary life gives you Lemon like this, you don’t need to make lemonade, you just need to read it and enjoy.

- Susan Omand, Albie Media

SINGLE WHITE WHO FAN - The Life & Times of Jackie Jenkins - £8.99

Doctor Who Magazine's flirty female diarist is back! If Bridget Jones was a Doctor Who fan, then The Life & Times of Jackie Jenkins would be the result.

Jackie is a girl who views the world through TARDIS shaped windows. She loves Doctor Who. She's sassy and holds down a busy PR job, but her real thoughts swim with string-vested sea monsters and silly ideas about who her antiquated Tom Baker doll really looks like (she's long plumped for Starsky and Hutch's Paul Michael Glaser, but recently spotted flashes of Michael Sheen).

To Jackie, colours come in 'Police Box Blue' or 'Time Warrior Green', a reference to the gorgeous shade of Pertwee's velvet jacket. She loves parties, vodka and belting out Bonnie Tyler numbers. She's never settled the question: Which is better, Inferno or Ambassadors of Death? Or why the only man she's ever fallen for seems to have all the dark-hearted qualities of The Doctor's own arch-enemy The Master.

Now the fan-girl with attitude returns to present the best of her popular, funny Doctor Who Magazine column, which began its three-year run in 1997. Relive the story with some brand new material. From pub nights out to TV nights in, incompetent friends to entangled relationships, follow Jackie and co. as they ponder life, love and The Doctor, and address pressing issues such as "If the Doctors were Spice Girls, which ones would they be?"

A full-cast audio version is available, with cameos by Doctor Who alumni, from www.spitefulpuppet.com
                                       JUST DINO - A Personal Recollection of Dean Martin - £13

“I sang some songs, acted here and there, but no way would I call myself exceptional. I just hope I did my best for my audiences.” - a  somewhat self-deprecating comment from Dean Martin on his own career. It was this laid-back approach to his work, however, that belied a dedicated and professional entertainer.


Bernard H Thorpe first got to know Dino in 1960 and what followed for the next thirty or so years was an unexpected working relationship between the two men. Bernard became instrumental in many of Dino’s album releases in the UK and a staunch promoter of the man’s career across the globe. This book is a respectful and unique look back at the career of a true, world-class entertainer and the story of how an unassuming family man from the British media industry became a life-long advocate and friend.


Featuring personal colour photos of their meetings, and letters of corrospondence (one of which pertaining to the then yet-to-be-written book), as well as a comprehensive list of recordings and radio/film/television appearances, this is an insightful look into the life of a reluctant but legendary celebrity who scaled the heights of Hollywood and worldwide fame. In his centenary year, we are delighted to bring you  Just Dino – A Personal Recollection of Dean Martin.


SOLD OUT - LIMITED PRINT RUN