Bermuda books are popular choices at any time of the year, but never more so than at Christmastime. Whether fact or fiction, for adult or child, beautifully or basically illustrated, these are the sought-after gifts that go on giving indefinitely. Whether the recipient is a collector, a casual reader, a former resident or visitor, there is always a Bermuda book to suit.

Local authors, of course, are well aware of the enhanced marketing potential at Christmastime, which is why so many new publications magically appear in book stores and elsewhere just in time for festive shopping.

Present indications are that this year?s choices will be varied, beautiful and well worth purchasing. As of presstime, some authors are anxiously waiting the arrival of their books from printers overseas, but are optimistic that shoppers will not be disappointed in the run-up to Christmas day.

Here is a sampling of what is to come:This 184-page hardback is, in the author?s words, not only ?a celebration of his work in his own words and images?, but also the next best thing for those who wish to enjoy his creativity but cannot afford his originals.

Within the pages, the reader will find endless examples of his lifelike sculptures as well as paintings ? the latter a reminder that, while Mr. Fountain is best known as a sculptor, he is also a two-dimensional artist.

The author?s simple text and captions make for easy reading, and his photography of the wonderful sculptures ? for the most in their natural, outdoor settings ? allows the reader to get ?up close and personal? with their rhythm and detail. In addition, this talented and successful professional artist provides fascinating, visual insight into the stages of how a final bronze sculpture evolves, as well as detailing the challenges and complexities which had to be overcome in their execution. Fittingly, the cover illustration features a powerful close-up sculpture of the author?s face, which sets the tone for all that follows.

Readers leafing through the quality pages will be grateful that, having spent many years formulating plans for a book in his head, Mr. Fountain finally drew inspiration from all of the other authors of Bermuda books to make his own permanent contribution to the growing library of local literature.

Copies of ?Desmond Fountain: Sculptor? are awaited from the overseas printers. For further information on their arrival contact the Desmond Fountain Gallery at 296-3518.At 402 pages, this four pound 14-ounce hardback is a sumptuous addition to the ranks of local publications. Not only is it a superb record of Ann Spurling?s talents as a professional photographer, but also provides an incredibly rich record of the many facets that make up the jewel that is Bermuda. Parish by parish, we sample its people, its activities, architecture, land and seascapes, flora and more. Miss Spurling?s also lens takes us where we cannot go ourselves for intimate glimpses of private homes where the finest furnishings, furniture and decor intermingle with personal memorabilia. We also ?visit? Government house, public buildings, museums, churches and more.

Miss Spurling spent a decade mentally planning her book and a further five compiling it. Her approach to each of the nine parishes followed an organised structure: three-quarters devoted to houses; and the rest to reflect her love of plants, and feature one food and one recipe by Cecille Snaith-Simmons.

In the finished book, the parishes are featured sequentially beginning with her native St. George?s and working west.

The author also wrote the informative, extended captions for the hundreds of photographs, laughingly confessing that her spontaneous forthrightness led to some tussles with her ?wonderful? editor, who insisted she could not be rude about the very people she expected to buy her book! Nonetheless, the real Ann shines through in her own potted biography ? honest, friendly and very humourous.

Produced primarily with the local market in mind, this book provides a wonderful journey, both visually and intellectually, for any reader with a passion for the Island.

Copies are awaited from the overseas printers, and the cost will be $89. In the unlikely event that the books fail to arrive before Santa, Miss Spurling prepaid redeemable gift certificates will be made available.

?Bermuda Nine Parishes? will be sold in Hamilton at The Bermuda Book Store and in St. George?s at the Book Cellar. For further information telephone 292-6118.is the newest in a long line of publications by the Bermuda National Trust. Written by Catherine Lynch Deichmann and funded by Bacardi International Ltd., it is a 79-page paperback produced on high quality stock.

The book grew out of research by Michael Jarvis, who was assisted by a number of Bermudians, for an eponymous exhibition at the Bermuda National Trust museum in St. George?s in 1966. Thanks to the many visitors who requested further information on blockade running through Bermuda, the Trust decided to produce this book, for which Ms Deichmann, an historian, teacher and former resident of the Island, added further research.

The text is written in a clear, reader-friendly style and describes how ?a sleepy island became a bustling, brawling commercial centre smuggling aid to beleaguered Confederate rebels in their war with the North?.

Etchings, old photographs, colourful paintings, reproduced documents and memorial tablets enhance the text, making this little gem an attractive and inviting read.

Priced at $15 and available at the Washington Mall Book Shop, The Bookmart, The Bookstore, Trustworthy Gift Shop (Hamilton and St. George?s), The Book Case, The Book Cellar, A.S.Cooper?s 9Hamilton), Backyard Marina (Sandys), National Trust headquarters, Verdmont, Tucker House and Globe Museums, ?Rogues & Runners? is a fascinating addition to any home library for anyone with even a passing interest in Bermuda?s history.Like Santa himself, this annual rib-tickler is eagerly awaited. As always it contains a compendium of one year?s worth of Peter Woolcock?s weekly cartoons in which take a pithy, tongue-in-cheek looks at issues of the day ? petty, daft or otherwise ? in his inimitable, bull?s-eye style. In a refreshing way, the cartoons also become mini-history lessons for future generations since it seems they have become collector?s items for all ages.

The perfect lifter of spirits, ?Woppend? might sail close to the wind but it never broaches. Thankfully, the popular and much-loved Mr. Woolcock shows every sign of sailing steadily on for years to come. Priced at $14.95 and bigger than previous editions, ?Woppend 15? is expected to be in stores around the Island very shortly.Prolific author Dale Butler, JP, MP takes his cue from Sgt. Joe Friday, the detective in the TV series, ?Dragnet?, whose catchphrase was, ?Just the facts, ma?am.? In setting out his formula for rearing young Bermudian males to become good citizens, the author wastes neither time nor text in getting to the point ? any point ? in his latest book. In fact, he is so sure of his ground that he claims with breathtaking boldness that they are ?the only comprehensive proven guidelines?.

No latter-day Dr. Spock, the parent and former school principal is, however, passionately concerned about the negative fate of so many young Bermudian males when compared to their female counterparts, and, unlike those who sit on walls or otherwise fall by the wayside, or people who just talk the talk, he is determined to do something about it. He defines his book as attempting ?to provide answers?, and challenges parents and guardians to ?get involved? with their children.

In the acknowledgements, the author also notes that it is in response to former youth leader Sammy Wilson?s repeated requests for guidelines for youths and parents alike.

The 102-page paperback, illustrated with black and white photographs of young boys including his sons, mainly by Ras Mykkal, is focused and straight-talking, with facts and practical guidelines set out clearly and concisely so that its lessons can be learned quickly by even the busiest parent(s) or guardian(s).

Parenting is work ? even hard work at times ? but Mr. Butler?s orderly book can make the task easier ? and even fun.

?Successfully Raising Bermuda Boys? is being launched tomorrow at Northlands School.