A unique hybrid of criticism, memoir and essay. David Pryce-Jones uses books that authors have inscribed to him as a springboard to discuss their life, works, themes or subjects – all interwoven with and informed by his personal experiences and reflections. The book is arranged alphabetically by subject, which suggests that should be browsed rather than read. However, Pryce-Jones is so engaging, and his style so consistent, that it is easy to read Signatures as a cohesive work rather than a collection of disparate pieces. Pryce-Jones's own enthusiasms and preoccupations run throughout the book; this leads to some repetition, though it is entirely forgivable and justified by the context. One final plaudit must be given to the book as a physical object: Signatures is one of the most elegantly designed volumes that I have seen in recent times; from the choice of typeface to the architecture of the page and to the blind-stamped cover border, this is a book that honours its contents. Highly recommended. ( )