Lemony Snicket has created a cult following, and for those of you (those of us) who aren't content to see the books as a tale of high-jinks by the beleaguered Baudelaires, this is essential reading to help you get further into the next level. Filled with enigmatic clues and red herrings and stamped with Snicket's characteristic wry sense of humour, this takes the shape of a scrapbook of photographs, family trees, letters, transcripts of conversation, book lists, a song or two, newspaper cuttings, the secret documentation of a Very Secret Organisation and other intriguing snippets. Just don't expect clear answers, whatever you do: you're far more likely to come across new questions. Hone your observational and note-making skills and buy this book for an enjoyable and absorbing read.

If you have read the unfortunate series by this author, which I strongly recommend, you'll find that the Un-authorised Autobiography is more of a book about the books than it is a book about the author. Maybe, if you happen to be an unfortunate fan, you will find in this book an amalgam of clues to successfully solve the enigmas of the unhappy series. I myself, have been unable to solve the sugar bowls mystery code, but I am feverishly working on it. There are some handy clues concerning the code in this book. As the series are not yet published in full _at the moment, 11 out of 13 books have been published_ I sincerely hope the whole thing sums up to something meaningful, thus to a happy ending... although this is unlikely.

The content of this book is amazingly uneasy to read. Which in this case is a good thing. From the unusual front cover down to the documents that illustrate the orphans' sad story and Snickets participation in it, the autobiography is just as obscure and puzzling as the rest of the series. Every chapter has been carefully re-titled by the author and is documented with pictures and scans of the actual files connected to the Baudelaire orphans and the sneaky organization: V.F.D.

Do not delude yourself by thinking you'll get a clear picture of the author, or his life, or about the outcome of his books. Snicket made sure the enigmatic aura of his works remains even on this book. I am afraid you'll have to cleverly make your way through the hints and clues just as Klaus usually does. Still, if you lose patience you could also invent something with them or gnaw the pages away.

Fans of A Series of unfortunate Events books MAY enjoy this depending on their age. It's totally different to the books and is filled with complete and utter mystery. Probably the most odd book I have read but it's definately worth the read - trust me.