Putting aside my disappointment at not being selected as one of the 20,000 inaugural World Book Night givers, dammit, I do hope that this weekend's book-based activities are a triumph for all concerned.

I loved the comment from Canongate's Jamie Byng in todays' issue of PrintWeek about WBN being a celebration of reading and writing, of course, but also of the book as a physical object and a thing that can be shared.

Round of applause to all the industry suppliers who've supported it with their time and resources. I really do hope it flies - miraculously the sun has actually come out in London today which bodes well for the kick-off event planned for Trafalgar Square this evening.  I also note that Sony - and specifically its digital Reader device - is among the sponsors of tonight's shindig, which did induce a wry chuckle in these parts. The event is very much about proper, print-on-paper books. The portability, affordability and passonability of said items being among the chief reasons World Book Night is even possible.