At long last I can bring good news (well, nearly good).
After nearly 2 months worth of at times bogged down discussion, the 2nd print run is going ahead - the order has been given and in the next 2 - 3 weeks  there should be 'books for all'. Sadly, the general upturn in business has seen, if not a reluctance to take on a complex print task, then at least a  firmer line taken on negotiations.
 As a result of this the price has crept up to £42.50, a considerable improvement on the £70+ that was the opening gambit from the printers. Even at this new price, things have been cut back to the bone - I can assure you that the publishers, me as the author and you as the reader are all taking some of the pain!
 
I can only apologise for the delay, for a while it looked as if this wouldn't happen at all; But now the presses are rolling and books will be sent out just as soon as they can be packaged up and dispatched.
 
Thanks to all of you who have supported the project, enjoy your books,
 
Dougal 

I was lucky enough to get one of the last books in the first print and from what I have read it's rather good! It made for a great Father's Day present but sadly I've been unable to wrestle it from my Dad since!!

Thanks again, Dougal!