Brilliant Animation Brings 1931 Back to Life

I'm hoping to convince this genius, who's doing WONDERFUL things with his computer in Russia, to do a book trailer for me.  (I think he's actually famous and in demand so don't hold your breath).  In the meantime, you can marvel with me at what he has already accomplished.

Click and enjoy. Be sure to switch to full screen.

Alexey Zakharov animation - YouTube

Remembering the Somme - 100 Years Since...

The precipitating event, or one of them in Up, Back, and Away was the Battle of the Somme. I studied it for quite awhile before writing the Somme scenes. Just reading about WW 1, especially the personal stories of the soldiers (I recommend Robert Graves' memoir Good-bye to All That and Siegfied Sasoon's fictionalized life story, Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man ) was very moving, but this commemoration is the most brilliant memorial I've seen - making the loss tangible and for reminding the rest of us of what their sacrifice (among so many others) made possible.  

Something to keep in mind over here during our Independence Day celebrations this weekend.

Midsummer Eve

Hello Gentle Reader. Welcome to summmer. Officially it begins tomorrow, which means we are right on the cusp of that magic moment - for those of us in the northern hemisphere - the longest day - the shortest night. I researched a lot of the traditions around midsummer's eve for the book. Daphne's advice to Dr. Slade to wet his face in the dew caught in flowers on the morning after is real. I mean that people used to recommend that. I'm a little ashamed of the druidical kink in my thoughts. I am one of those people who toss salt over my (left) shoulder when I've gone and spilled some. I don't even like to look at the number 13 (true confession - I turn away from my microwave as it gets to the last seconds to avoid spotting it). I once drove around the block when a black cat crossed in front of my car to avoid path crossing. I mean, why take a chance, right? This is the silly, low-end thinking that is part of something grander I think: mysteries of nature that baffle and terrify and also awe us. Here's hoping your summer is magic and not scary.

London's Famous Clubs And Cabarets No. 3 (1926)

Thank You!

Is there a reader who recognizes this scene?

If you're one of the thousands of people (wow!) who bought the book in the recent kindle sale - thanks so much.  At the risk of sounding smarmy,  I am truly honored by your time and your attention.  I hope you will like - or have already enjoyed- the book.  If not, I'm sorry to have disappointed.  At least you haven't lost much money.

If you liked the story, feel free to say so.  The book opens, as you will have noticed, with a quotation from Somerset Maugham.  Another of my favorite Maugham quotations is, "People ask for criticism but they only want praise."  I don't know who those strange creatures are, asking for criticism.  (We'll get it anyway, won't we?)  I'm along for the praise, though.

In other news, the Prize Pack (see the sidebar) has been awarded to a lady in Virginia.  She's sent me her details and I'll be packing up her goods this week.

I'm always pleased to hear from you, the nice class of people who constitute my readers.  Feel free to stop in for a chat anytime.  Thank you again.  

Summer Sale Time

It's here again!   So all you Britishes with 99p and a kindle (or a kindle app) and perhaps vacation plans that will include some reading - click away and Mr. Bezos will be happy to assist you.  

And, of course, on this Memorial Day Weekend I would not neglect my countrymen.  Here's the link for 99 cent copies for all of you.  Also, go ahead and enter for the the Anglophile Prize Pack.  (See the sidebar at the top).  A winner will be picked by Raffflecopter next week.  (US address only for this, sorry).

The photo above is of Erddig Hall in Wrexham, Wales.  The place that inspired "Quarter Sessions," the estate you'll be visiting in the book.

Some of My Favorite Things - A Giveaway

I have a big summer book promotion coming up and feel like celebrating.  In that party spirit I'm giving away some favors.  See the link in the sidebar to enter to win the Literary Anglophile's Prize Pack.

Included are a signed copy of Up, Back, and Away - of course - AND (are you sitting down?) all the other stuff in the foreground as well.

The gem is probably the Copeland Spode pottery jug of Winston Churchill.  It dates from 1941 and was meant to inspire his countrymen and mine in those early days of the war. It's printed in black with the symbols of the three Armed Services, beneath 'All I can offer is blood, toil, tears and sweat', reverse with crossed flags of Great Britain and the USA, 'We stand for democracy'.  (This very jug sold at a specialist Churchill auction last year for 120 pounds so... ) 

Also included is the cottageware teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl - genuine English made sometime in the first half of the last century and so adorable.  For planning your next trip across the pond you'll also get a guide to  Secret London and the book and DVDs for the PBS series on Iconic British Estates in its slipcover. The little white teapot  honors Edward VII, who was King of England from 1901-1910.   

I've been inspired for years by the great old pottery industry in England.  The winner will get this vintage Royal Doulton Dickens plate, featuring many of his greatest creations.  The value of all this stuff in terms of dirty money is in the neighborhood of $200.  In terms of inspiration, priceless.

US Residents only for this one, I'm afraid.  It will be carefully packed and shipped within 48 hours of the end of the giveaway.  Enter by June 3, 2016.