Editor at The Gothic Revival magazine, autistic, researcher on Gothic Literature & religion, also do some book reviews, bad photography, ghost hunting & other bits and bobs.
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Space: the biggest geopolitical story of the coming century – new from the multi-million-copy international bestselling author of Prisoners of …
'A witty, lucid and richly informative book that demonstrates what a great comic writer Lord …
Of all the poets from the Romantic period, it could be easily argued that Lord Byron would be one of the most recognisable names to a great many people. However, the life of this world-famous literary figure is one that is relatively misconstrued and overlooked, and it is here in Byron that David Ellis provides a concise and distinct review of Byron’s life and works.
Born in 1788, Ellis highlights’ that Byron’s life was never going to be as straightforward as many others during his, somewhat short, lifetime by discussing his (possible) early sexual encounters while still in school and his relationship with his half-sister, Augusta, a potential scandal which followed him throughout his life. Yet it is Byron’s travel and extraordinary works that he is most certainly famous for, from his Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage which follows his travels through Portugal through to Turkey where he witnessed not only the …
Of all the poets from the Romantic period, it could be easily argued that Lord Byron would be one of the most recognisable names to a great many people. However, the life of this world-famous literary figure is one that is relatively misconstrued and overlooked, and it is here in Byron that David Ellis provides a concise and distinct review of Byron’s life and works.
Born in 1788, Ellis highlights’ that Byron’s life was never going to be as straightforward as many others during his, somewhat short, lifetime by discussing his (possible) early sexual encounters while still in school and his relationship with his half-sister, Augusta, a potential scandal which followed him throughout his life. Yet it is Byron’s travel and extraordinary works that he is most certainly famous for, from his Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage which follows his travels through Portugal through to Turkey where he witnessed not only the splendour of the Mediterranean but also the political situation of the Greeks, who were at that time under the rule of Turkey. His most famous work, Don Juan, portrays a satirical realism for which many of his works became renowned, but sadly unfinished due to his death in 1824.
Although Byron lived in many respects as, what some may describe, as a Libertine, and he was certainly ruled by his passions his life was one of fulfilment and generosity to those with whom he befriended, in particular the poet Percy Shelley and his young wife Mary Shelley whose eventual fame with her creation Frankenstein has, arguably, become more famous than her male compatriots.
Detailing Byron’s complex life is certainly no straightforward task, yet David Ellis approaches the subject with expertise, utilising a variety of well-placed sources, understanding and good humour to create a vivid and unbiased portrayal of one of history’s most celebrated poets.
'A witty, lucid and richly informative book that demonstrates what a great comic writer Lord Byron was.' - John Worthen, …
'A tour de force.' - Pericles Lewis, author of The Cambridge Introduction to Modernism
'A fascinating account of a strange …
'A tour de force.' - Pericles Lewis, author of The Cambridge Introduction to Modernism
'A …
With a new focus on Gothic prevailing in new literature I’m often left wondering as to where the genre first started. Albeit it could be argued that Gothic literature owes its origins to many sources it within the myths of the ancient Greeks that we owe so much of our literature today. From the Greeks originates the god Pan, the legendary half-man-half-goat god whose portrayal and image has been synonymous with fear, panic and even alleged to be acknowledged as Jesus himself! Yet, the actual figure of Pan is far more complex, and in Pan: The Great God’s Modern Return, Paul Robichaud opens the doors to this both mystical and magical figure who has pervaded our history and literature.
Starting with Pans origins in ancient Arcadia we’re taken through a labyrinthine journey through time, and sometimes space, to gain insight into Pan’s influence, not only in the ancient world, where …
With a new focus on Gothic prevailing in new literature I’m often left wondering as to where the genre first started. Albeit it could be argued that Gothic literature owes its origins to many sources it within the myths of the ancient Greeks that we owe so much of our literature today. From the Greeks originates the god Pan, the legendary half-man-half-goat god whose portrayal and image has been synonymous with fear, panic and even alleged to be acknowledged as Jesus himself! Yet, the actual figure of Pan is far more complex, and in Pan: The Great God’s Modern Return, Paul Robichaud opens the doors to this both mystical and magical figure who has pervaded our history and literature.
Starting with Pans origins in ancient Arcadia we’re taken through a labyrinthine journey through time, and sometimes space, to gain insight into Pan’s influence, not only in the ancient world, where he emerged as part of the Greek Panteon, but also influencing modern writers such as Wordsworth, Blake and Arthur Machen, whose terrifying depictions of Pan have influenced modern authors to this day. However, there is also a more esoteric influence of Pan, who came to influence occultists such as Aleister Crowley and Dion Fortune, but also influenced more metaphysical thinkers coinciding with the work such as of Emanuel Swedenborg.
Although very much an academic piece in Pan: The Great God’s Modern Return Paul Robichaud has managed to create a narrative and history that is not only accessible to the reader but also a narrative that is enjoyable and insightful. In many ways reflecting a compendium of sorts over an in-depth analysis of Pan’s character, I do think this allows the reader to see how Pan has influenced culture through the writings of the many famous luminaries who have delved into this mystical and complex character which has spanned between good and evil throughout the centuries.
In Pan: The Great God’s Modern Return Paul Robichaud creates not only the most extensive account of one of mythology’s most elusive characters but also creates a history emboldened with a charm and style that will captivate and engage any reader.
Nina Anisimova was one of Russia’s most renowned ballerinas and one of the first Soviet …
The Soviet era under Stalin has always been one shrouded in mystery, albeit with information emerging since the 1980s, which saw a period of openness (Glasnost) there remains uncertainty and secretiveness regarding this period.
In Dancing for Stalin: A Dancer’s Story of Courage and Survival in Soviet Russia: A True Story of Love and Survival in Soviet Russia, Christina Ezrahi unveils some of this mystery told through the experiences of Russian Ballerina, Nina Anisimova who, in 1938, during the height of Stalin’s ‘Great Terror’ disappeared into Soviet Russia’s notorious Gulag.
Nina’s story had been mostly unheard until a chance happening for the author, that led to the revelation of, not only Nina’s astounding story, but also the brutality of the Stalinist regime in the years leading up to World War II and Hitler’s invasion of Russia. Told by piecing together a vast amount of historical research and surviving letters from …
The Soviet era under Stalin has always been one shrouded in mystery, albeit with information emerging since the 1980s, which saw a period of openness (Glasnost) there remains uncertainty and secretiveness regarding this period.
In Dancing for Stalin: A Dancer’s Story of Courage and Survival in Soviet Russia: A True Story of Love and Survival in Soviet Russia, Christina Ezrahi unveils some of this mystery told through the experiences of Russian Ballerina, Nina Anisimova who, in 1938, during the height of Stalin’s ‘Great Terror’ disappeared into Soviet Russia’s notorious Gulag.
Nina’s story had been mostly unheard until a chance happening for the author, that led to the revelation of, not only Nina’s astounding story, but also the brutality of the Stalinist regime in the years leading up to World War II and Hitler’s invasion of Russia. Told by piecing together a vast amount of historical research and surviving letters from Nina’s husband, the writer Konstantin Derzhavin, Christina Ezrahi brilliantly unveils a fascinating tale of love, a passion for ballet and survival in one of history’s most brutal regimes.
The surviving artifacts relating to this period of Nina’s life in the Gulag, portray not just someone determined to survive after being accused of espionage, but also someone whose love for her art, as well as her family managed to sustain her throughout her imprisonment. Dancing for Stalin is not just a tale of Nina’s imprisonment but her inspirational effort to survive and succeed in a career dominated by men, where her legacy survives stronger since her passing in 1979 than it did during her lifetime.
Dancing for Stalin: A Dancer’s Story of Courage and Survival in Soviet Russia: A True Story of Love and Survival in Soviet Russia presents a new and fascinating portrayal of survival in Stalinist Russia, during a time of unimaginable horrors inflicted upon a people by its own government. It would take decades for much of the information to become public and it is here that Christina Ezrahi’s happenchance upon a file containing documents on Nina’s imprisonment that this tale is revealed to the world, not only to inspire us, but to educate us that even through the darkest hours a light can still shine.
Nina Anisimova was one of Russia’s most renowned ballerinas and one of the first Soviet female choreographers. Yet few knew …
Nina Anisimova was one of Russia’s most renowned ballerinas and one of the first Soviet female choreographers. Yet few knew …
The book tells the story of Dr Felix Kersten, a masseur who treated Heinrich Himmler, …
I’m sure many readers would be aware of the courageous acts and legacy of Oscar Schindler; indeed, his story was made into a major film by Steven Spielberg in 1993 and brought not only Schindler’s story to light but also many aspects of the treatment of the Jewish people that many may not have been aware previously.
However, another important figure who history has sadly overlooked is that of Felix Kersten, and it is in The Man with Miraculous Hands (Les mains du miracle) that Joseph Kessel revived this astounding story, of the man who managed to influence the Reichsführer of the Schutzstaffel himself, Heinrich Himmler, thus saving the lives of thousands who would have otherwise perished in the Nazis notorious concentration camps.
Kersten’s story in The Man with Miraculous Hands presents more than just a historic account of his influence over Himmler, the man in charge of the Nazi …
I’m sure many readers would be aware of the courageous acts and legacy of Oscar Schindler; indeed, his story was made into a major film by Steven Spielberg in 1993 and brought not only Schindler’s story to light but also many aspects of the treatment of the Jewish people that many may not have been aware previously.
However, another important figure who history has sadly overlooked is that of Felix Kersten, and it is in The Man with Miraculous Hands (Les mains du miracle) that Joseph Kessel revived this astounding story, of the man who managed to influence the Reichsführer of the Schutzstaffel himself, Heinrich Himmler, thus saving the lives of thousands who would have otherwise perished in the Nazis notorious concentration camps.
Kersten’s story in The Man with Miraculous Hands presents more than just a historic account of his influence over Himmler, the man in charge of the Nazi camps, who having suffered with stomach cramps engaged Kersten’s services as a masseur to relieve him of his pain. In so doing, Himmler became swayed by Kersten into permitting the release of thousands of prisoners who would most certainly have seen the end of their lives in the camps. Kessel also presents a fascinating insight not only into the Nazi high command, but the weakness and gullibility of Himmler himself, who swayed under Kersten’s treatments, sometimes almost as much as he was influenced by Hitler, shows a side of the character of Himmler otherwise unknown.
However, this portrayal certainly doesn’t attempt to undermine the atrocities committed under Himmler’s command but highlights not only him as someone easily influenced but the levels of opportunism, mistrust and incompetence that permeated the Nazi regime.
However, Kersten’s story presents several problems, which are covered in the introduction by novelist Norman Ohler, in that Kersten’s account somewhat embellishes his actual accomplishments, and although these are certainly covered within the book, Kessel’s account certainly appears to have been mindful of these and attempts to convey Kersten’s story in a more factual way.
The Man with Miraculous Hands is certainly a truly fascinating account that everyone should be made aware, and with a new film in the works, then this story is one that will finally be told. Kersten’s achievements played a vital part in saving the lives of thousands during the Second World War, and here Joseph Kessel expertly relates this story in a brilliant page-turner.
The book tells the story of Dr Felix Kersten, a masseur who treated Heinrich Himmler, …
I’m sure many readers would be aware of the courageous acts and legacy of Oscar Schindler; indeed, his story was made into a major film by Steven Spielberg in 1993 and brought not only Schindler’s story to light but also many aspects of the treatment of the Jewish people that many may not have been aware previously.
However, another important figure who history has sadly overlooked is that of Felix Kersten, and it is in The Man with Miraculous Hands (Les mains du miracle) that Joseph Kessel revived this astounding story, of the man who managed to influence the Reichsführer of the Schutzstaffel himself, Heinrich Himmler, thus saving the lives of thousands who would have otherwise perished in the Nazis notorious concentration camps.
Kersten’s story in The Man with Miraculous Hands presents more than just a historic account of his influence over Himmler, the man in charge of the Nazi …
I’m sure many readers would be aware of the courageous acts and legacy of Oscar Schindler; indeed, his story was made into a major film by Steven Spielberg in 1993 and brought not only Schindler’s story to light but also many aspects of the treatment of the Jewish people that many may not have been aware previously.
However, another important figure who history has sadly overlooked is that of Felix Kersten, and it is in The Man with Miraculous Hands (Les mains du miracle) that Joseph Kessel revived this astounding story, of the man who managed to influence the Reichsführer of the Schutzstaffel himself, Heinrich Himmler, thus saving the lives of thousands who would have otherwise perished in the Nazis notorious concentration camps.
Kersten’s story in The Man with Miraculous Hands presents more than just a historic account of his influence over Himmler, the man in charge of the Nazi camps, who having suffered with stomach cramps engaged Kersten’s services as a masseur to relieve him of his pain. In so doing, Himmler became swayed by Kersten into permitting the release of thousands of prisoners who would most certainly have seen the end of their lives in the camps. Kessel also presents a fascinating insight not only into the Nazi high command, but the weakness and gullibility of Himmler himself, who swayed under Kersten’s treatments, sometimes almost as much as he was influenced by Hitler, shows a side of the character of Himmler otherwise unknown.
However, this portrayal certainly doesn’t attempt to undermine the atrocities committed under Himmler’s command but highlights not only him as someone easily influenced but the levels of opportunism, mistrust and incompetence that permeated the Nazi regime.
However, Kersten’s story presents several problems, which are covered in the introduction by novelist Norman Ohler, in that Kersten’s account somewhat embellishes his actual accomplishments, and although these are certainly covered within the book, Kessel’s account certainly appears to have been mindful of these and attempts to convey Kersten’s story in a more factual way.
The Man with Miraculous Hands is certainly a truly fascinating account that everyone should be made aware, and with a new film in the works, then this story is one that will finally be told. Kersten’s achievements played a vital part in saving the lives of thousands during the Second World War, and here Joseph Kessel expertly relates this story in the ultimate page-turner.
This second novel from the author of The Deception of Harriet Fleet takes us back …
Gothic literature would, I imagine for some, be a genre confined to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, yet it has always continued, albeit predominantly in the background of the preponderance of mainstream fiction. However, there has been a revival (of sorts) of this rather unique genre during the past few decades with some of the more well-known books being televised and even film versions being produced. With this revival, some great new books have been published, including The Lodger, by Helen Scarlett, released in March 2023.
The Lodger is Helen Scarlett’s second novel (following The Deception of Harriet Fleet in 2020) who, once again, delivers a tale of mystery and intrigue set amid a gothic atmosphere set amid a period of mourning in 1919 following the First World War.
Following the story of Grace Armstrong, a journalist for a small paper, mourning the disappearance of her fiancé at the Battle …
Gothic literature would, I imagine for some, be a genre confined to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, yet it has always continued, albeit predominantly in the background of the preponderance of mainstream fiction. However, there has been a revival (of sorts) of this rather unique genre during the past few decades with some of the more well-known books being televised and even film versions being produced. With this revival, some great new books have been published, including The Lodger, by Helen Scarlett, released in March 2023.
The Lodger is Helen Scarlett’s second novel (following The Deception of Harriet Fleet in 2020) who, once again, delivers a tale of mystery and intrigue set amid a gothic atmosphere set amid a period of mourning in 1919 following the First World War.
Following the story of Grace Armstrong, a journalist for a small paper, mourning the disappearance of her fiancé at the Battle of Ypres, and led on an investigation following the mysterious disappearance of the lodger residing at the family home. What follows is a journey which will lead Grace to self-discoveries of her own past, the intrigue of a mystery from the past and her realisation of the ghostly presence of loved ones lost to the war.
One of the main attractions of The Lodger is not only a good story, but the characters are both identifiable and sympathetic, with Scarlett’s narrative making the story even more believable by making the characters, the scenes, and the story perfectly believable. With this re-emergence of Gothic fiction's prevalence to the modern reader, The Lodger will sit firmly at the top of the genre, with great storytelling from an author at the top of her game. There is so much to The Lodger that I actually felt compelled to buy Helen Scarlett’s first novel!
This second novel from the author of The Deception of Harriet Fleet takes us back to the aftermath of the …
One of the wonderful things about reading travel books is the enormity of reading the world around you, and a world that has since disappeared, each one a snapshot of every footstep humans have taken not just through recent history, but also a distant past in which many cultures still claim to embrace. The travellers we read of, taking us on their journeys have not only entertained and educated us but inspired generations of travellers to follow in their footsteps, and in On Travel and the Journey Through Life, author Barnaby Rogerson has collected a number of quotes from many of these writers to inspire new generations again.
On Travel and the Journey Through Life is lovingly collected and charmingly illustrated by artist Kate Boxer, which adds to the charm of this collection of inspirational quotes, wise words and tips for what you may encounter on your travels. On Travel …
One of the wonderful things about reading travel books is the enormity of reading the world around you, and a world that has since disappeared, each one a snapshot of every footstep humans have taken not just through recent history, but also a distant past in which many cultures still claim to embrace. The travellers we read of, taking us on their journeys have not only entertained and educated us but inspired generations of travellers to follow in their footsteps, and in On Travel and the Journey Through Life, author Barnaby Rogerson has collected a number of quotes from many of these writers to inspire new generations again.
On Travel and the Journey Through Life is lovingly collected and charmingly illustrated by artist Kate Boxer, which adds to the charm of this collection of inspirational quotes, wise words and tips for what you may encounter on your travels. On Travel and the Journey Through Life in many respects may look like a pocketbook that the reader can dip in and out of, but as any reader of travel books will know, each page can bring a new adventure and with a book of quotes from some of history’s more renown travellers, explorers and thinkers we can take bite-size chunks of their travels with us wherever we go.
On Travel and the Journey Through Life is a wonderful addition to Eland’s catalogue and one that many can identify with the quotes and passages contained within, and being released as part of Eland’s 40th anniversary, it only leaves me to say, Happy anniversary Eland!
One of the wonderful things about reading travel books is the enormity of reading the world around you, and a world that has since disappeared, each one a snapshot of every footstep humans have taken not just through recent history, but also a distant past in which many cultures still claim to embrace. The travellers we read of, taking us on their journeys have not only entertained and educated us but inspired generations of travellers to follow in their footsteps, and in On Travel and the Journey Through Life, author Barnaby Rogerson has collected a number of quotes from many of these writers to inspire new generations again.
On Travel and the Journey Through Life is lovingly collected and charmingly illustrated by artist Kate Boxer, which adds to the charm of this collection of inspirational quotes, wise words and tips for what you may encounter on your travels. On Travel …
One of the wonderful things about reading travel books is the enormity of reading the world around you, and a world that has since disappeared, each one a snapshot of every footstep humans have taken not just through recent history, but also a distant past in which many cultures still claim to embrace. The travellers we read of, taking us on their journeys have not only entertained and educated us but inspired generations of travellers to follow in their footsteps, and in On Travel and the Journey Through Life, author Barnaby Rogerson has collected a number of quotes from many of these writers to inspire new generations again.
On Travel and the Journey Through Life is lovingly collected and charmingly illustrated by artist Kate Boxer, which adds to the charm of this collection of inspirational quotes, wise words and tips for what you may encounter on your travels. On Travel and the Journey Through Life in many respects may look like a pocketbook that the reader can dip in and out of, but as any reader of travel books will know, each page can bring a new adventure and with a book of quotes from some of history’s more renown travellers, explorers and thinkers we can take bite-size chunks of their travels with us wherever we go.
On Travel and the Journey Through Life is a wonderful addition to Eland’s catalogue and one that many can identify with the quotes and passages contained within, and being released as part of Eland’s 40th anniversary, it only leaves me to say, Happy anniversary Eland!