It has often been said that if Jim Hopkins didn't exist, it would be necessary to invent him. Be that as it may, the fact is that he does exist and for years the authorities have struggled to find some useful purpose to which he can be applied. Blokes in Sheds and Inventions from the Shed are increasingly seen by many psychotherapeutic circles as the answer. His new-found role as chronicler of the unchronicled at least gets him out of the house, to the enormous relief of those who remain in it. Although his own inventive talents have been largely applied to concocting semi-plausible reasons to get off speeding tickets, he has had an abiding interest in the area. More years ago than he now cares to remember, he hosted two series of 'The UDC Inventors Awards' on New Zealand television and still believes it is an area that doesn't attract the attention it should. If this book helps to change that situation he believes it will have achieved something quite important. With two books now completed, he has plans for a third although, given the demands of the literary life, he may opt for a nervous breakdown instead. A well-known and popular public speaker, Jim makes a weekly appearance on TVNZ's 'Breakfast' programme and also contributes the occasional documentary when the effects of the medication have worn off.