Books found in an alcove

There are seven books here. The first is a fairly stout looking paperback. Next to it is a manuscript and next to that is a heavyweight tome that looks like it must be some kind of work of great import. The fourth book on the shelf is a hardback novel by the looks of the lurid lettering on the spine. Skulking next to it is a rather tattily bound amateurish effort. A very thin looking paperback, possibly an instruction manual, leans over away from the shabby book on its left. The only thing propping it up is a large cream coloured semi-softback which looks like another manual.