Delivery Day! Hallelujah!

Yes, folks, the Bava book is finally here.

We were told the first shipments would arrive sometime this morning, probably between 8:00 and 10:00. We got to bed later than we should have done, which explains the "sleepy tired" look on Donna's face when the first of two trucks backed up to the front of our house... around noonish.

These two gentlemen are Ray Grant and Jason Brummett, who personally unloaded two trucks' worth of Bava books and carried each 38-pound box (three copies per) into our house, building precarious-looking towers of weighty cardboard in what used to be our dining room and foyer. It took them five hours, working in 100º temperatures after noon, when the sun hits the front of our house without mercy. I don't know how they did it; I don't even like standing up for five hours. Make no mistake: these guys are heroes.

And here's Yours Truly, putting on a brave face in the midst of what looks like it could be the foundation of one of the great pyramids. Believe it or not, this is our dining room -- and, off-camera, my fingers are crossed that the floor will take the weight.

A special word to everyone who pre-ordered: You've all been very much in our thoughts today. This has been an overwhelming day for us, and we are very much aware that it could never have happened -- this book could not have existed as it exists -- without your financial and philosophic support. History has forgotten the names of the people who built the great pyramids, but everyone who acquires a copy of MARIO BAVA ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK, now or generations from now, will know the names of the fans whose patience and investment made it a reality. And for those of you in the States, anyway, that reality should be in your hands in the next week or two.

So clear some reading time, people. You're going to need it.

Okay now, where'd I put those silver signing pens?