Initially I approached this task of pimping Jim Webster’s story ‘A Bad Penny’ with considerable enthusiasm. After all how difficult could it be?

But I soon realised that even though I was resolute and unwavering I needed inspiration. Who should I look to?
Now it transpires that some years ago Halan Gran, the greatest literary mind of his day, had written on this very topic. He had apparently analysed the whole issue and had put his thoughts down for the benefit of future generations. And so I immediately sought out his book.

I went without delay to a second hand bookshop maintained by one Alen Gaetz. On entering the shop I was somewhat taken aback by the sheer number of books that were jammed into far more shelving that could be sensibly fitted into the space available. There were shelves packed with books, with piles of books balanced precariously on…