I subsequently came back from my holiday and went to collect my book from Sussex Stationers (there had been no phone call while I was away). I was told on arrival, in a VERY arrogant manner by the Manager, that my book had actually not been in stock and therefore it had not been ordered or arrived! I asked why a phonecall had not been made to warn me of this fact so I could possibly purchase this book from another store (especially with the tight post deadline) and simply got a shrug of her shoulders. No apology for the situation I was put in, just a sheepish look that smacked of "we've definitely mucked this one up"!!!
Anyway, beware if pre-ordering anything from Sussex Stationers, especially if you need it for something important.....oh yes, like Christmas!.