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I tried to isolate the essential and the most enjoyable aspects of the books. I developed a prose that is about 80 per cent Fleming. I didnt go the final distance for fear of straying into pastiche, but I strictly observed his rules of chapter and se

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ALAN CLIFFORD











 We are desperately sad to announce the tragic death of Alan Clifford, co-founder and Managing Director of Methvens / samedaybooks.co.uk, in a road accident on Wednesday 27th December 2006.

Alan was a wonderful colleague with a deep love of books and bookshops, and will be greatly missed by all in the Company and all those who knew him in the trade.

If anyone would like to make a donation in remembrance of Alan, they may send a cheque towards the renovation of Northchapel Village Hall. The Village is a place Alan loved, and has given so much pleasure to him and his family over the years. Cheques should be made payable to "Northchapel Village Hall", and sent to Samedaybooks, 95-99 Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9AS where they will be forwarded on.

If you would like to leave a message of condolence please click here

Messages of Condolence

Dougie Boyd
"I learned much from my dealings with Alan, and am deeply saddened to learn of his death. I will always remember his drive and enthusiasm. I appreciated his sense of humour and straight talk, and am grateful for the opportunities he afforded me at Orpington and Canterbury."


John-Paul Featherstone
"It really was the most sad and shocking thing to find out so suddenly about Alan's death via the website. I worked in the Canterbury branch of Methvens for a little over two years after graduating university in 2003. And although I am pursuing my career in quite a different field these days I will never, ever forget my time at Methvens - the job, the amazing people, I miss it all very much indeed. I met Alan on quite a few occasions and chatted to him on those occasions when he would visit the shop, culminating at that sad time when it was announced Canterbury was to finally close. Alan was certainly one of the friendliest and most sincere of managing directors a person could work for. I offer my condolences to his family and loved ones."


Sarah Philps
"I was very sad to hear about Alan's death. I worked with him at Waterstone's in High Street Kensington Branch in 1984.He helped set up the store and then ran the travel section on the ground floor right by the main entrance.I think it was his first job after university. I remember above all his kindness to colleagues and the respectful way he talked about his mother, with whom he was living at the time.My condolences to his family."


Paul Johnson
"Deepest sympathies."


Linda and Michael Tudor
"We owned Alan's 'local bookshop' (Blackbirds) in Petworth for many years, and when we decided to retire we hoped more than anything that the bookshop would continue in safe hands. Alan happened to pop into Petworth, saw our notice in the window and contacted us. He was a shrewd negotiator and drove a hard bargain, but he was a delight to deal with, kind and sympathetic and we were extremely happy to relinquish our special bookshop into the Methvens group. Although our acquaintance was short, we will always remember him as a man of total integrity, kindness and a much loved member of the local community. The accident was a tragedy. We send our deepest condolences and prayers to his family. "


Kevin Redmond
"Alan was without doubt one of the very nicest,most generous and honest people in the trade.He inspired respect and when you dealt with him you knew that he would negotiate hard and always do his utmost to obtain the best deal but at the end of the meeting you walked away as friends and had a laugh and a joke. Alan was a great man who I always enjoyed meeting up with and I will miss him enormously. "


Mike Broderick
"I was shocked to learn of Alan's death. I knew Alan for some 15 years, but only saw him occasionally, perhaps at BA conferences. He was a great guy, and one of the people in the book trade that I always looked forward to talking to. He was great fun, but I know he was tough too. I have never forgotten he and I chatting about some of the difficult times at Methvens, when he had to present to and negotiate with Banks, venture capitalists, merchant banker, lawyers, and all the other "suits". I was so impressed and frankly in awe of the determination and grit he brought to this challenge, and the success he achieved. Reading through the other messages on this site, one can see how well loved Alan was by his friends and colleagues. I know He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to the Clifford Family"


Giles Harden
"Alan had a profoundly positive affect on my family as a whole, from giving my Mum her first job in book selling to the banter and battling with her over shop displays and-the-like over the 10 years that Mum has been with Methvens. He was even brave enough to hire me and my Brother as drivers and book couriers from time to time. For me the most memorable moment was the warmth, tenderness and support he showed to my Mum, my Brother and I after the loss of my Father. When I think back to the many people who paid their respects at his funeral and gathered to remember him afterwards I know now more so that ever that he was one of the rarest kind of men you could hope to meet, a true Gentleman. One who will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. "


Dempsey family
"Over 10 years ago The Clifford's moved in to a very shaky looking old house in Northchapel.Our houses shared a common courtyard and Alan must have been slightly regretting the decision (actually he had a look of sheer fear in his face), when on finding out he was in the booktrade, I dragged him into my house to proudly display my one attempt at bookbinding and then to proceed to talk him through my entire 'library'. Within days the two familys became firm friends, especially Alan and I - mainly because i can cook and he had highly tuned eating skills. Since then its been impossible to separate us. Alan, Mary and the kids are an important part of our extended family and will continue to be. All my family loved Alan for different reasons. He was the complete opposite of me in many things but shared similar backgrounds and i have never known anyone with whom it was so easy to be with - not that he wasn't a regular pain in the *** on many occasions. He was like a Brother. For Sophie my Wife, he was a great friend and a constant source of amusement - someone who could be relied on to take her side against me most times. For Ellie he was another Father and for Joe a great 'Uncle'. we all miss him. But we intend to keep him with us."


tim capon
"I always said to Alan i saw him more as a mate than a boss, and thats how i will remember him. I was only going to stay in bookselling for a few months, 10 years later im still in it and have a passion for it, that was down to him and the way he ran the company. Through good times and bad. He was a leader of men in the true sence of the word, who i and many others will greatly miss, but also thank for the influence he had and will always have on my life."


Malcolm Elliot Elliot Right Way Books
" "I met Alan only a few times, the first occasion being at a Booksellers' Conference just a few years back. You knew at once: here was a man with the stamp of a great bookseller, a real man talking who knew what he was about. My thoughts turn to the others in the business whom I know, and to Alan's family, to express my dismay and sorrow and to wish you all his vision and energy, both in the difficult immediate times and into the future." "


DAVID MORTON
"I am totally shocked and saddened to hear of Alan's death. He was my first boss at Waterstone's many years ago and we became, and remained, friends. How I now wished I had been better at keeping in touch! He was an inspiration...warm, funny, hugely clever, a great host and an even better guest. My sincerest condolences. He will be greatly missed"


Valerie Sturt
"I was shocked to hear of Alan's death. I worked part tme at Methven's in Worthing for 4 years.I cosidered Alan a dynamic man and admired his passion for both books and Methvens. The shop was a fun and special place to work and I believe that was largely due to his character.My thoughts are with his family,friends and work colleagues."


Julia Roach
"Eight years ago Phil and I moved to Northchapel with our boys. I met Mary through the baby group and the husbands started going for their Thursday night drink at the Half Moon. This was the start of a most amazing friendship between our families. I can't imagine anything without Alan, because Alan was such a large part of everything we did. Barbeques every weekend in the summer, walks, golf, all the Manchester United Games, New Years Eve... The two things I will miss most is Alan carrying one of his girls on his shoulders on our lengthy walks and Alan walking into "Sussex Oak", sitting himself down on "Alan's chair" to watch Manchester United with Phil and Andrew. He would pace up and down the floor when losing, and just smile and talk tactics when it was all okay. He was a man who was knowledgeable on SO MANY things... sports, books, history, old buildings... but most of all he was a loving husband who adored all his girls. He was a TRUE friend and we will miss him so very, very much."


ValB
"Alan was 'all things' to 'all men'. I liked,respected,and admired him immensley. I worked for Methvens in Canterbury for six years,and no matter what problems there were,he was kindness itself.When Canterbury finally closed its doors in 2006.it saddenened him greatly,always thinking of the staff. He will be missed enormously by all those who knew him,and I send my sincere sympthay to all his family."


Bev
"I have just come across this website searching for a book and have read the sad death of what seems to be a well loved and respected man! My thoughts to all that loved and knew him."


Robert Pinckney
"Alan was a great boss to work for and I am very sad to learn of his tragic death. I remember his visits when I worked at Methven's. He came across as a very nice and approachable individual, and despite being the MD of the company, I always felt he was willing to get to know every member of staff. My thoughts are with his family and friends."


leslie
"I have only just learnt of Alan Clifford's sudden and tragic death, please convey my sincere sympathy to everyone - all his colleagues and friends. He will be greatly missed by all."


Henry Jaffé
"I have only just heard of the tragic death of Alan, and although we had never met, he was always a gentleman to deal with. I send my condolences to his wife, his young children and all of the staff who grieve for him. Life sometimes is just not fair."


Valerie Harden
"This is going to be very hard. I owe my job with Methvens to Tim Waterstone. Just over 10 years ago I walked into Methvens at Worthing looking for a job. The front doors were open for a delivery, but the shop had yet to be finished. I asked for an interview, in fact I was very pushy and Peter the Manager went to ask Alan to get rid of me. Alan gave me an interview, one of the hardest of my life and was about to tell me I hadn't got the job when I said to him, the very words he said to Tim Waterstone. He was making a big mistake and I would be A superb bookseller. I got the job. Over the years I have had some wonderful rows with Alan, you could, you know, without him holding a grudge. He could change his mind five times during a convesation about your shop and get away with it.When, after a stock check or Managers meeting and we all went to the pub, Alan was a wonderful raconteur, the stories he would tell, they got better the longer we were there. He loved Methvens, books, his staff with a passion. Alan would pay a visit to my shop and he had such an eye for detail that it could be very nerve racking. I would fly around the shop before he arrived to make sure all was in order, yet when Alan came through the door, a light bulb would ping and die. He was kindness itself when my husband died, both to me and my sons. I miss him more than I though possible and still can't believe it's not possible to pick up the phone and call him. I send my love and best wishes to Mary, Laura and Alice"


University of Central Europe
""Sincere sympathy to the Clifford family, to his friends, members of staff, and all who grieve for him." "


Goretti Devaney
"I was so shocked to hear of Alan's death. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with Mary, Laura, Alice and his families. May he rest in peace."


Elizabeth Holmes
"I was so shocked to hear of Alan's death. I worked for Methven's in Worthing for a while and learned so much from him and others there at the time. Alan gave me much encouragement as I was establishing a writing career and I will always be grateful for that. My thoughts go to his family and friends at this awful time. "


Auntie Breda,David and all the Aussie Cousins and families
"My Nephew Alan how do I start, from the little boy that got me to sew badges on his cubs/scouts uniform to the beautiful young man who took his cousins from Australia around London to show them the sights. The photos I have of Shane on his shoulders at Trafalgar Square. Also the night I was leaving London in 1981, who should turn up just before the plane was due to leave, Alan. He gave me a little present, I will always remember his beautiful smile. To Mary, Laura and Alice he was the best. Treasure the memories, he will never be forgotten. Also to Eileen, Ray, Sue and Gordon and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all."


Breda and Colin Jones
"Our deepest sympathy on the sad loss of Alan. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."


Peter French
"I was so shocked to hear of Alan's death. We worked together in Waterstone's in 1990, and he was a brilliant colleague - so dedicated, and energetic, and opiniated in the best possible way. He was always the one in meetings that would say what everyone else was thinking but held back from saying (often with good reason). And gossipy and funny and full of life. And a true bookman. I remember lying looking up at the stars with him after a long night at a BA conference in Brighton or Bournemouth or somewhere and him insisting that I should miss the next day's sessions and spend it reading Narziss and Goldmund. Such a good person. Deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him. "


Suzanne Wren
"I started working for Methvens in Worthing the summer I left University, in 2000, and somehow never got around to leaving. I think Methvens kind of gets under your skin like that, and Alan was a huge part of the reason for that. He showed intense loyalty to his staff and consequently got the same loyalty back. When Alan needed someone to go at short notice to work at the Godalming shop, I moved to the Surrey Bookshop to help Michael Tremlett. He was sadly ill with leukemia and died a few months later, and I was moved to see how deeply saddened Alan was by it. No new manager was brought in to replace Michael and I did wonder why as I was absolutely convinced it wasn't something I would be able to cope with. But as it turned out, I could, and did. Alan later told me he was hoping in a Machiavellian way that I would volunteer for the job but didn't want to push me into it. His confidence that I would make a go of it made a huge impression on me and I will never forget it. He took a perverse delight in walking in to your shop when you were least expecting it and I find it difficult to believe he will never do it again. And although he would come with business in mind, it was never long before the conversation would come round to Books - a subject on which he would expound on at length and with great passion - his rant on how appalling he thought the Da Vinci Code was was a regular favourite with the staff and myself. He will be much missed by all of us. My thoughts go out to his all his family. "


Bing Taylor
"I was devastated to read of Alan's death. We were colleagues 16 years ago at Waterstone's and he stayed with me for two months when I was based in Paris in the early '90s. We were to have dinner again in two weeks time and I hate to think of him not being around. He was a lovely guy and I feel desperately sad, especially of course for his family of whom he was so proud."


Frank McNamara
"On behalf of everyone at ABS I wish to pass our sympathy and condolence to Alan's family. He will be missed!"


Fraser Jansen
"Alan. I was trying to think just the other day about him and I found it difficult to nail down exactly what my respect and loyalty and consistent affection for him was based on - so here goes. For me he was the most unique person I have ever worked with and met. He made more difference to my working life than anyone else. He freed me up as a bookseller, he gave me space, he loved watching people grow. Something I learned from him and have taken with me. He infuriated me as much as he inspired my respect, he was as cross with me as often as he was extraordinarily, intensely kind. He teased me about leaving the Catholic Church as often as he loved talking about history. I have a delicious memory of being with Alan at Buckingham Palace where he successfully worked the room! and then at an Georgian Pub in St James's later where there was a table of rowdy booksellers and publishers at another table and he desperately wanted to join them - which he did! His love of life and books were inseperable. His love for his family was exemplary. As a boss of the most unforgettable, wonderful company I have ever worked for he was irreplaceable. When I absconded to Ottakars James Heneage asked me where the Methven's Spirit came from: without any hesitation I said it came from Alan Clifford. He nodded his head and said: "Yes, I can see that." And really, when Windsor closed and we all toasted Methven's: we were toasting all that Alan had fought for so courageously, with guts you could only admire and with a passion one could at best only hope to emulate. Mary, Laura and Alice my prayers are with you. "


Garry Perry
"One of the nicest people you could ever meet,even when Alan was pushing for extra discount he still managed to keep that smile on his face. We only met every six months or so over many years, but he always had time for a chat and in particular any trade gossip going. Another sad loss to the business, and my thoughts are with his Wife and Daughters. "


Jon Woolcott
"Although I always recognised the enormous impact Alan had on me, it's only in the past week that I've fully come to appreciate his significance in my life. I first met Alan in 1993, when he came to the branch of Waterstone's I worked in. He had come to recruit one of my colleagues for a new venture, but my colleague didn't want to move so he got talking to me. At first he only told me he was leaving Waterstone's but couldn't say why, then he told me he was opening a bookshop but couldn't say where. Then (by now we were in the pub) he told me it was in Woking but he couldn't say any more. Then he told me it would be about 3000 square feet, have a full EPOS system and be the first shop in a chain in secondary towns in the south East. Alan persuaded me to visit him and his business partner the following day. I was quite surprised to be offered a job. In fact I turned it down, but Alan phoned me, told me he respected my decision, then told me to change my mind. Which I did. I worked with Alan there, then in Windsor as his assistant manager, then becoming manager of that shop. Over the next few years I saw Alan every couple of weeks or so, at shop visits or in meetings and I learned a huge amount about the business from him. It was in 2000, when I was marketing manager at the small HO that I really got to see Alan's extraordinary energy and drive at work. The company had some difficult times, but Alan's tireless enthusiasm saved the company and set it in a new direction. Alan's influence upon me was genuinely profound. His view of the world was unique, and though he was always popular with his colleagues his attention to detail and high standards meant not everyone found him easy to work with. But Alan was always on the side of good, had tremendous huomour and optimism and inspired real loyalty. It's been a few years since I worked at Methvens, but whenever I enocunter a new situation, I always imagine how Alan would have reacted, and that's a good guide to life. I'll really miss him, and I know many others feel the same."


Jon Clucas
"Sue & Family. I am thinking about you during this difficult time and sending my heartfelt sympathy."


Sarah
"Alan taught me the importance of the price of bananas. I will miss him. My thoughts are with his family."


Kasey Barnes
"I worked with Alan for 10 years and enjoyed every single moment, from his infamous interview clincher question "Does Boswell's "Johnson" mean anything to you?" to my last day managing the Worthing branch of Methvens. After a brief break from the book world I am now back in the industry because over those 10 years the passion and enthusiasm for books that Alan had was completely infectious, it just gets in to your blood. He will be greatly missed by so many as was evident by the huge turn out on Monday.My thoughts are with Alans family. Simply a lovely, lovely man."


Andrew Spooner
"Alan was, simply put, a great guy to work for. He was always approachable and open to suggestions and feedback. On the occasions that we met I always enjoyed his humour and warmth. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family."


Miss Dairo
"May his soul rest in peace and may God Almighty, the Balm of Gilead,heal his family of their pain and sorrow and gradually make this tragic loss easier to bear. Amen."


Vicky Cowell
"I did not know Alan but I have worked with his lovely sister Sue for a few years now and just wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss. My deepest sympathy to all his family. "


Ian Spanton
"How desperately sad to hear of Alan's death. He was a genuinely nice man,a great bookseller, very savvy with a great sense of humour and a pleasure to do business with. My thoughts and those of all of us at Lonely Planet are with his friends, his colleagues at SamedayBooks and especially his family at this very difficult time. Ian Spanton."


John Evans
"Alan was a real star in more senses than one. On a bussines front the ultimate proffesional.He kept smiling, in the face of all challenges that came his way. But above all Alan was a really nice guy, a pleasure to meet with. The world is a poorer place with out Alan. My thoughts and sympathy above all else are with his family."


Alan Jessop
"Alan was a great bloke! My first contact with him was when we travelled back to London in my car from a BA Conference in Scotland.(he had blagged a lift!) Our paths crossed many times after that and I always felt better for having seen him, either at Waterstone's or Methvens. I cannot comprehend how his family are feeling, but they should take much comfort from the wonderful memories so many people had of Alan."


David Ward
"Our sincerest condolences to Alan's family at this very sad time from everyone at Bloomsbury Publishing."


Liz Mayhew
"I was deeply saddened to learn of Alan's tragic death. I have fond memories of my time at Methven's and will remember Alan for his passion, enthusiasm and drive to make the company a success. Working for Methven's was like being part of an extended - if sometimes a little unruly - family and I respected Alan for his frank, no - nonsense, good humoured approach as head of that family. I no longer work in 'books' but will always be grateful for the opportunities Alan gave me while I was with the company. My thoughts are with his colleagues and family. "


David Emmerson
"On behalf of John McLean, all the staff at Corbett's Bookshops and myself I would like to send our condolences to Alan's family. John and I had the pleasure of knowing Alan over many years. He was a man of charm, wit and intelligence. In all our dealings with him he showed his deep love and understanding of the book trade. We are deeply sorry to have lost a fine competitor, an honest man and someone we were proud to call a friend. "


David Ward
"Our sincerest condolences to Alan's family at this very sad time from everyone at Bloomsbury "


DAVID PEAT
"Alan gave me my start in bookselling when opening Methvens in St Albans in 1995, and still in books 12 years later. Opening the branch in St Albans was great as it was a building site, Alan, Pat, and Ian Charlton all encouraged us. I`m now working in Waterstones in Edinburgh where Alan worked. My sympathy goes out to Alan`s family, his friends, and all who know him at Methvens. "


Linda Reilly
"Very sad to hear about the tragic passing of my cousin Alan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eileen, Ray, Sue and Gordon and especially Mary, Laura and Alice. Sincere condolances to you all, hope you find strength and peace. "


Mark
"Alan Clifford was an extremely motivated and successful man, who in the relatively short time that I knew him, taught me more about the book trade than anyone else previous to our meeting or since.. but he was also a man who beneath that professional exterior showed me great kindness when it mattered, especially one Christmas Eve, and for that, I will always remember. My thoughts are with his wife Mary, his family, his friends and his employees and colleagues who, like their mentor, were some of the finest people I ever worked with. Mary, Alan was forever (re-)telling of the time that you met again (if memory serves, i think you both shared the same university days, and then talked again a few years later by chance) and it seemed to me that he felt he had found his one true soul-mate. "


andrew nixon
"i was deeply saddened to read of Alan's death in the Bookseller. i look back on the year or so i worked for Methvens with great fondness and always thought i would get back in touch with Alan some day or our paths would cross. now it is too late, but my thoughts are very much with his family and colleagues. the book trade will be a poorer place without him. "


Charles Ducker
" I first came to know Alan at York University. We were both undergraduate students there. Alan became a source of physical help for me because I have a physical impairment. Fortunately, both Alan and I had a similar kind of humour and we always used to do silly tricks on each other. As I like the people who have got Irish blood in them, I ended up calling him Paddyboy; indeed, I called his sister Sue Paddygirl. I will always remember the good times I had with Paddyboy and hope with time his two children will grow up knowing what a great man his father was. Charles Ducker "


Les Kennedy
"Alan was a gentleman kind-hearted and caring family man,He inspired me and welcomed me into his home, I have fond memories of the discussion about the wishing well and the birds nest and the first time the log fire was lit and how the vent was engineered, These times can never be forgotten but reflected upon as times go by, may your spirit and memories stay amongst the people who meant the most to you. My deepest sorrow Les Kennedy "


Lynn Francis
"My thoughts are with all of Alan's family at this sad time. I did not know Alan personally but have known his sister Sue for many years and often heard her speak about her brother with love and admiration. My sincere sympathy to all his family, friends and staff."


Anne Fox-Smythe
"Selling books to Alan was like dipping your hand into a bran tub-you never knew what you were going to come away with but it was always interesting, surprising and fun. He was one of those people who make the book trade a 'people trade ' and it wont be the same without him."


harry ward
"I knew Alan when he was Assistant Manager of the original Waterstones in Edinburgh and when he went on to be manager in Newcastle. He was a good friend and good company. My sincere condolences to his family."


Helen McKay & Irene Jones
"We did not actually meet Alan but heard about him and his family from his sister, Sue. Only a few months ago we went to Ham Island and Sue showed us where he once lived. He sounded such a great guy. Our thoughts are with all the family at this tragic time. "


Pam Goddard
" Alan was my boss for nearly 4 years, and I think he was the best of bosses. He was always encouraging, friendly, positive and relaxed. We were all deeply saddened by the news and will miss him. Sincere condolences to his family."


Laura Wise
"I have worked for Methvens for 4 years at the Gosport branch and although i hardly knew him he always made time for a warm chat, he always spoke so fondly of his wife and daughters and when i had my son and met with Alan for a return to work interview he was so interested in my new arrival and was most disappointed that i had not brought baby in to see him. We had a lovely chat over coffee and about babies and his two children. Such a lovely, warm caring gentleman, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family, friends and all those that knew and were blessed to have met Alan."


Robbie Griffiths
"We lived in the same road as kids in Balham and occasionally played together. My thoughts are with the family who are left behind and pray that they find comfort even as many questions remain unanswered. Robbie Griffiths"


Ray Fairbridge
"Very sad to see the news about Alan in the Bookseller and a big shock, I called on Alan when he was the Manager at Waterstones Newcastle. it was always a pleasure to see him and he will be a great loss to the book trade. Ray"


Adrian Foxman of Little Brown
"It's always a shock to hear such things & it's difficult to put emotions into words. I liked Alan. He always had something interesting to say & if he did occasionally go off on one, it was always for a reason and only reflective of his passion for books, his business & the people he worked with. I found him good to work with - sometimes quite tough, but always professional & fair minded. Would you please extend my sympathies to Alan's family & also every one at Methvens - it must be a very difficult time for you all. "


Robert Ertle of David and Charles
"I was really sorry to read about the tragic accident involving Alan. Please accept all our condolences. Our thoughts are with you all."


Melanie Stacey of Thames and Hudson
"I've just returned from the break to see the awful news of Alan's death. I am sure you are all still in shock, but I just wanted to pass on sympathies and condolences from all of us who knew him here at Thames & Hudson. "


Lucy Beaumont of Random House
"I just wanted to send a quick note to say how sorry I am to hear about Alan. I didn't know him very well but he always came across as a very good man, dedicated to his work and it's a real loss to the bookselling industry that he is no longer with us. Many, many condolences."


Paul Maycock of Craenen bvba
"I felt that I had to write to say how sorry I am to have just heard the devastating news about Alan. I was not a close business contact of his but I had had dealings with him for over a 20 year period.I'd always enjoyed our meetings and Alan was a true professional Bookseller with many years experience. This is a real tragedy. I who hardly knew him, was shocked by the news and I can only guess at the anguish his Wife,children and family members and those others close to him must be feeling at this time. I dont know what else to say at this moment, but I hope all concerned come out the other side of this tragic event, remembering Alan as the very nice man that I found him to be always."


Derek Searle
"'I am so very sorry for you all, but especially for the family. It puts life into the most horrible perspective, and it just shouldn't happen to so nice a man. I won't say any more, but my deepest sympathies are with you and all yours. Take care, and like so many others who thought so highly of Alan, my thoughts will be with you on Monday and the days beyond."


David Graham
"I was terribly shocked and saddened to hear the news of Alan's death. I didn't know him very well - we met and occasionally shared a beer at the usual publishing watering holes - but he always struck me as a terribly nice, decent and friendly industry colleague. My deepest condolences to you all. David"


Michael Wilkinson
"My thoughts and prayers are with Alan's family and friends. May God give you his consolation. "There are many rooms in my Father's house... And when I have gone and prepared a place for you, I will return and take you there with me, so that where I am you may also be..." (St John 14: 2-4)"


Laura
"Sleep. In the night of weariness let me give myself up to sleep without struggle, resting my trust upon thee. Let me not force my flagging spirit into a poor preparation for thy worship. It is thou who drawest the veil of night upon the tired eyes of the day to renew its sight in a fresher gladness of awakening. Rabindranath Tagore (Gitanjali)"


Fiona and Karen
"Our boss was simply the best, and we will miss him and the little things about him that we had come to know as Alan. The pacing of the office floor. The forgotten mug in the kitchen with a tea bag in it. The "I'll see you in a bit" as he disappeared out the door (note book in hand) to return an hour or so later with a friendly hello as if it was the first time to the office that day. His tidy manner (Alan was always Spring cleaning his office no matter what season it was) These are just some of the little things we will always remember about a man who was so easy to get on with. This is a very sad time for all at Methvens and our thoughts are with Mary, Laura and Alice. "


Marc Riggs
"Alan was a gentle man of quiet considered action who spoke of his family with love and pride. I shall remember him with fondness in times to come when my fingers pass over a number of books on the shelf. I hope that his family may take similar opprtunities to reflect on his love for them and remember him with pride. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. "


Roger Bratchell
"I first worked with Alan at Waterstone’s in 1983. He was a larger than life, completely unignorable bundle of energy and opinion. Our paths crossed many times over the next 23 years – and he always had good, interesting things to say about life, about books, about families. I spent a long drunken evening with him in Rome in 2005, reminiscing. He was great fun, intelligent, generous. An optimist. A life-enhancing person. This is very sad news."


Laura Wale
"What a tragic loss. His family and all the staff at Methvens are in my thoughts."


Andrew Bentley-Steed
"Alan was exactly the sort of boss everyone hopes to have when they start a new job. When talking among colleagues at work about Alan, we have been able to joke that at least he'll finally have one good article that mentions the company in 'The Bookseller' magazine. Even now, we can laugh because that is what we remember most of Alan: his great humour. Alan taught us all many things, the biggest lesson was that the only way of seeing a bookshop was as a customer. He also taught us the original dance steps for shaking your booty to Status Quo. Working for Methvens is not like working for other companies: it is fun and has had more in common with a chaotic day out at the family picnic with too many firecrackers, water pistols, flour bombs and not enough responsible adults. Though I knew Alan better than many of my own relatives, I would never claim to have truly known him: not as family or friend or even boss. For me, he was just Alan, as he was to many of us at Methvens. I rediscovered a quote I found quoted in Richard Holloway's 'Looking in the Distance', and these words seemed the most fitting for what we feel at Methvens. The quote comes from a writer called Miguel De Unamuno: "Man is perishing. That may be; and if it is nothingness that awaits us let us so act that it will be an unjust fate." "


natalie caira
"To Mary and daughters and colleagues of Alan's - I was very saddened to hear of Alan's death. I am now working in Hughes and Hughes Booksellers in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, but I started my bookselling with Alan in Waterstone's Edinburgh branch. I really enjoyed working with him before I moved on to be Assistant Manager of their Aberdeen shop. Alan was extremely kind to me, both encouraging me to make the move into management and then helping getting the new shop established. I cannot imagine the pain and shock you must be feeling, but I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts."


Louis MacGillivray
"I worked at the Worthing branch of Methvens between 2002 and 2004, and I was shocked to hear earlier today that Alan had died. It's tragic that such a dreadful accident could happen to such a nice guy. My condolences go to his family. Louis MacGillivray"


Peter Bowron
"It was such a shock and so terribly sad to hear about Alan. His family, colleagues and many friens in and out odf the book trade have lost a great person. I had known Alan for nearly ten years anmd always found him to be charming, intelligent and great company. It is such a tragic waste. My thoughts are with Alan's family and I wish them well over the coming months especially."


Mrs Cathy Hatton
"Sincere sympathy to the Clifford family, to his friends, members of staff, and all who grieve for him."


Andrew Stilwell
"I am shocked at the news of Alan's tragic death and wish to convey my condolences to his family, whom I have not met. We were colleagues at Waterstone's for many years and met far too infrequently after we had both gone our separate ways. A.S."


mark howlett
"my thoughts are for Alan's family, although i did not know Alan personelly I know just how much he meant to his sister Sue whom i speak to on a daily basis."


Peter & Karen Lambrick
"Our thoughts go out to Alan's family at this terrible time. He always worked tirelessly to try to make Methven's a success."


David Birkett
"I was deeply shocked and saddened by the news. May I extend my condolences to the present staff of the company and all who knew and worked with Alan."


Steve Toon
"I am deeply sorry to hear this terrible news. I only met Alan on a few occasions during the early days at St Albans shop but I always found him the most friendly person with a good sense of humour. The book trade has lost a man of great vision and endeavour. "


John Holtom
"Very sorry to hear of the tragedy. I did not know Alan Clifford except through emails and one or two telephone calls but the company must be very shaken by losing a large element of the motive force. I wish my condolences to his colleagues, family and friends. John Holtom"


Bert Wright
"My wife and I, both of whom worked with Alan during the old Waterstone's days in Scotland, Ireland and the USA, were deeply saddened to hear of Alan's death. He was of course a great book-man but he was also fantastic company and he and I shared some great nights and it must be said some great fights over the years. I met him last spring at the London Book Fair and as ever we took up just where we'd left off. Our thoughts go to his wife and his lovely girls. Bert & Colette"


Naeem
"Deepest sympathies. "


Richard Solly
"Thanks for the golf lesson! You'll be sadly missed"