Even lovers of Sherlock Holmes may have learned something new about the great man on Sunday 16 August at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Matthew Sweet, BBC Radio 3 presenter, and Mark Gatiss, actor, and co-creator of the Sherlock TV drama series, together presented a fantastic programme of music related to Sherlock Holmes. Mark Gatiss readContinue reading “Great Time at the Sherlock Holmes Prom”
Category Archives: About Books I love
People of Inspiration: JK Rowling
I’ve long admired JK Rowling, and not simply because she’s one of the world’s most successful contemporary authors. Although it’s true I love all the Harry Potter novels, and followed the stories as each was published, and saw every film as it was released, I have special reasons for finding JK Rowling a source of inspiration.Continue reading “People of Inspiration: JK Rowling”
People of Inspiration: Russ Parker, Poet, Priest, Author, and Champion of Celtic Spirituality and Healing Dreams
My upcoming novel A Passionate Spirit tells the story of a young woman who defies a sinister spiritual healer. The novel is about a conflict between good and evil, and I am fascinated by the idea of great beauty used to mask malevolent spiritual power. But the story also deals with the subject of healing, and whatContinue reading “People of Inspiration: Russ Parker, Poet, Priest, Author, and Champion of Celtic Spirituality and Healing Dreams”
Witty Insight into the London Art World
For all those who’ve wondered how one starts to get noticed as an artist in London, and is in the mood for a light-hearted approach to the subject I can recommend a book which might have escaped my notice if I hadn’t recently met the author at a conference. Emily Benet first posted her bookContinue reading “Witty Insight into the London Art World”
Exotic Lands and Mysterious Cultures: Ancient China
Recently I finished reading a book about “The Forbidden City” and this coincided with a BBC Radio 4 programme presented by Melvyn Bragg about the first western missionary to China, the Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci. I heard that Matteo Ricci set out from Portugal to convert China to Christianity in 1584, and published a bookContinue reading “Exotic Lands and Mysterious Cultures: Ancient China”
The Classic Children’s Author: A Sad Person Who Creates an Amazing Character Loved by Millions?
The other day I watched Saving Mr Banks with my film club. Later we had much to discuss about author P.L. Travers and her difficult relationship with Walt Disney throughout his quest to get her to sell him the film rights to her Mary Poppins books. During our discussion we considered the curious fact that many great children’sContinue reading “The Classic Children’s Author: A Sad Person Who Creates an Amazing Character Loved by Millions?”
Book Review (English Social History): “Through the Keyhole” by Susan C Law
It seems part of the psychological make-up of the English people to bestow power upon the wealthy and privileged; whilst at the same time depriving them of the right to privacy. And as we’ve all recently seen in the General Election, you have to be tough to play for high stakes; winner takes all, and Continue reading “Book Review (English Social History): “Through the Keyhole” by Susan C Law”
Secret Gardens: The First Glimpse of the ‘Privy Garden’ at Kenilworth Castle for Elizabeth in 1575
I find this view of the Elizabethan Garden at Kenilworth Castle very evocative. It would have been the view Elizabeth first saw when Sir Robert Dudley led her into the garden in 1575, hoping that this time she’d accept his proposal of marriage. This first sight of the garden, glimpsed from the Keep, conjures upContinue reading “Secret Gardens: The First Glimpse of the ‘Privy Garden’ at Kenilworth Castle for Elizabeth in 1575”
The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat
I’ve now finished my series of Cave posts as new inspiration has intervened! One of my fellow bloggers Lance Greenfield has just opened up thoughts of writers retreats by reblogging this post on the subject by Max Dunbar. Lance then went on to ask his own followers for their responses to Max’s thoughts, and whether itContinue reading “The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat”
Words From a Cave – Part 3
Here I am about to step out of the cave nearly 3 weeks after my hip replacement operation – without crutches! Yesterday I took part in a beautiful performance of Mozart’s Requiem with the Coventry Spires Philharmonic Choir in Holy Trinity Church Coventry. I think that, together with a walk through the Coventry city streets, counts as aContinue reading “Words From a Cave – Part 3”
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