Meet Bernard Black (Dylan Moran) a foul tempered, drink-fueled and eccentric bookshop owner who loves his books and hates his customers. Manny (Bill Bailey), Bernard's longhaired and long-suffering assistant, a breath of fresh air in the musty confines of the bookshop and an antidote to Bernard. Fran (Tamsin Greig) owner of Nifty g-british, g-gift sety, the g-british, g-gift set shop next door to Black Books, Bernard's friend and the only one who gives him a run for his money. Black Books explores Manny and Fran's efforts to ensure Bernard has some contact with the outside world and charts the comical consequences of their efforts.