Book excerpt: The first in a brand new series from the fevered imagination of the award-winning, bestselling author of MR GUM. Welcome to the last days of Pompeii as you've NEVER imagined them before! Join fart-trader Caecilius, his wife, Vesuvius, and their ten-year-old son, Filius, in a bizarre world of accidental gladiators, pizza-emitting volcanoes and the legendary Ma-wol-n-f. You'll meet the household servant, Slavius; thrill at the misadventures of Barkus Wooferinicum and generally have an uproariously hilarious time of it all. Full of ludicrous characters, surreal escapades and outrageous word play - if you thought Mr Gum was weird, then get a load of the Ancient Pompeiians! A hilarious new series from the funniest that will have 7+ readers howling with laughter. Did you know that rotten old villain, Mr Gum, has sold 3.6 million books in the UK alone? Praise for Mr Gum: 'Completely hilarious ... Kind of the League of Gentlemen for kids' Zoe Ball 'They're the funniest books ... I can't recommend them enough' Stephen Mangan Read all Andy Stanton's well brilliant books: NATBOFF! One Million Years of Stupidity You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum! Mr Gum and the Biscuit Billionaire Mr Gum and the Goblins Mr Gum and the Power Crystals Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear What's for Dinner, Mr Gum? Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree Mr Gum and the Secret Hideout