Set in the early 'Thirties, this excellent story for boys comes from an author who is well-known as a playwright. The early part deals with the escapades of Corky and Ginger, two of the scores of Pony Boys, employed to deliver light loads, who were a common sight in City streets in those days. In the later chapters the urge takes the boys to see the world and they head for Liverpool with the idea of getting jobs on a trawler. Written with humour and understanding, the book is authentic but never old fashioned.

What's it all about?Alfie's not really a bad guy. It's just that he has this overwhelming desire for the ladies. You might say that birds are irresistible to him, sort of second nature. There's Ruby – 'a lustbox in beautiful condition'; Clare – 'you're all lathered in sweat, Alfie'; Siddie – 'my regular Thursday night bint, a bit leggy for my fancy, but you make a married woman laugh and you're halfway home'; and Annie – but who's counting? Certainly not Alfie. Three in one evening if necessary. And necessary is the right word . . .

In this collection of stories, Bill Naughton portrays a selection of characters, including truck drivers, Irish itinerants and lamp lighters, in his inimitable pithy style. While each tale can be enjoyed on its own, together they provide a wonderful picture of post-war and a bygone era. With descriptions so graphic the characters could be based on real people, the lives, loves, hopes and disappointments of Naughton's characters will keep you gripped till the last.