Blake Books

I consider this the Holy of Holies for Blake's 7. My copy, obtained at a Barnes and Noble, is sadly showing it's age. It has all the plots, information and even a "synopsis" on who might have survived and who didn't. (Such as "Zen: Dead. Lost when the Liberator broke up over Terminal...", etc. A must have if you like Blake's 7!!

A must for any real Blake's 7 fan! Contains complete information regarding cast, directors, producers, plot summaries and interviews with several cast members and others. Index defines every term used in the series.

Are you familiar with the Bolton Priory Cottage? We lived there when there was only a dirt road access. We spent much time with the owner/resident of the big Priory, who was born in the cottage. A French family - he was head of J.P. Morgan at that time. Cottage dates to 1740. It was so special and appropriately filled with my Mother's fine antiques (she was a member of the Historical Society) that it was included in the Westchester Historical Society house tour. (By then, the road was paved and a few houses were built on the road). Before the stables were converted into a private home, Jules Martin, the French caretaker of the main house, played boule with his friends and drank red wine every Sunday on the grass between the stables and the cottage. I have the iron fireback that was originally in the large fireplace of the main house. My sister was married on the grounds under the beautiful wisteria arbor of the main house. Is the skating pond still there, with the stone hut for warming? We gathered watercress by the pond. My parents, Louise and Anthony Winkler-Prins sold the cottage in 1962 when Dad,then with the State Dep't, was transfered to Germany. A doctor bought it. The leaded glass windows in the beautiful livingroom plus the built-in oil painting above the fireplace were only part of a very special interior with fine carpentry and all fireplaces were well enjoyed. Friends still wistfully say it was the most charming home and setting they have ever known. Are you able to update any information on The Cottage, as it was known, for me? I truly enjoyed what I accidentally came upon today on the screen!! My name is Elizabeth Winkler-Prins Max and I'd love to hear from you whenever. I miss Pelham!

I have read this book nearly forty times -- before it was published. (????) I am the author! While I would love to tell you how excellent it is, I suspect that only one person in the world MAY share that view (and I love her!).

In any event, it is published out of pure love for the subject matter and I absolutely invite questions, criticisms, comments, commentary and additional information on the topic: bbell@stblaw.com. The subject matter of the book is dealt with extensively at www.historicpelham.com.

Best regards,

Blake

Thou Shell of Death (1936) is among the earliest mysteries by Nicholas Blake, and is rated as one of his best stories, along with The Beast Must Die and The Corpse in the Snowman. The poet and amateur detective, Nigel Strangeways, is asked to spend the Christmas holidays at the home of Fergus O'Brien, a legendary World War I flying ace. O'Brien has received four threatening notes promising that he will die on the day after Christmas. Despite Strangeways' presence, O'Brien dies.

For readers already acquainted with the Nigel Strangeways' stories, Thou Shell of Death is notable in that Inspector Blount of Scotland Yard is first introduced in this story. Also, at O'Brien's estate Strangeways first meets the adventuresome Georgia Cavendish; she later becomes his wife.

Thou Shell of Death is a literate, carefully constructed manor house mystery. The title, Thou Shell of Death, is a quote from a lesser known Elizabethan play, The Revenger's Tragedy authored by either Cyril Tourneur or Thomas Middleton. Familiarity with The Revenger's Tragedy might help the astute reader in unraveling this clever murder mystery.

Nicholas Blake is a pseudonym for Cecil Day-Lewis, poet laureate from 1968 to his death in 1972. The actor, Daniel Day-Lewis, is his son.

The Strangeways stories were reprinted as Perennial Library paperbacks by Harper Collins Publishers. Another source (The Nicholas Blake Treasury) is an inexpensive, four volume, hardcover, book club edition published by the Mystery Guild. Volume 1 (burgundy red cover) contains Thou Shell of Death, The Beast Must Die, and The Corpse in the Snowman.

A twentieth-century version of 'The Revenger's Art', a dying aviator invites the people he hates most to his estate for Christmas. When he is found murdered, the guests are put under house arrest and start dying. The aviator has planned their deaths from beyond the grave and the hero has to race against the clock to solve the mystery and save the victims. Beautiful.

A young woman returning to her hometown after the mysterious death of a close family friend discovers how past decisions have shaped her present, and an unwise decision to reconnect with an ex-boyfriend jeopardizes her future. Based upon real events, Though the Winds Blow is a stylish, interesting story with a surprise ending.

The elegance of Though the Winds Blow by Judith Schaefer took me by surprise; she's a skillful writer with first-hand knowledge of a fascinating mystery that was never solved. Masterfully blending romance with intrigue, this book really delivers. I had trouble putting it down, and was sorry when it ended.

The Thought of Her What a beautiful story of love and courage!! I enjoyed the entire read, start to finish. If you don't pick this book up now, you're missing out!

The Thought of Her is the third novel of Blake Bailey's that I have read. It is an adventure story laced with insight into the lives and experiences of divergent characters whose lives merge into a culmination at the end of the tale. It is quite captivating, and I suggest you snatch it up and fall into the story.

Once I began reading this book, I could not put it down, and I found myself chilled every time I was reminded, that it is in fact a work of non-fiction. This story of survival and support is very moving, and deeply touching. The author writes with a clever and self-less hand, filling this book with wonderful and very real descriptions, and delightful moments of humour, all the while maintaining a commendable respect for her husband's dignity. A significant book, not just because it is so well done, but also because it is such an important story. The more people who read and become aware of what happened to Billy and how his heroic wife firmly supported him, the more good it can do for other survivors. This book can surely help survivors, spouses of survivors and the general public who until reading it, may well have little idea of how some have suffered.

I would not normally read this genre of book but the story was told with such dignity and taste. I simply could not put it down. Billy's life is unbelievable and the love and support from his wife, Alix is truly remarkable. I liked that it was told from the spouse's point of view. A great read and full of hope.

Despite the title, this sequel isn't simply a tale of revenge. The characters pick up the trail already on a collision course, but new players enter the scene. And all the various forces and mystery come together in a roaring climax and a few surprises. If you're looking for a fresh adventure in a traditional Western world, I recommend this series.

My uncle gave me this bood as a birthday present and told me he thought I would enjoy it a lot. He was right. I did. Max Blake is the coolest. I don't read as much as I should but this makes me want to get into more westerns, especially ones about Max. Just a few pages will get you hooked.

Everybody knows somebody who owns a restaurant or WANTS to own a restaurant. This is the book for them! it is also a book for woodworkers and artisans who value perfection in their work (the owner of the 20 Elephant restaurant hates a table that wobbles and you need to put a matchbook under the leg even BEFORE the elephants dance on it). In a perfect world, every town would have a 20 Elephant Restaurant where talents and craftsmanship are valued more highly than "you want fries with that?" and paper hats.

I first read this book fifteen or so years ago when I was a university student. I was studying literature at the time and had just read Riddley Walker. I had the privilege to hear Hoban speak at the time and read from Pilgerman which was then a work in progress. As for this book, I noticed Hoban had also written children's stories so I started collecting them. I will just say Twenty Elephant Restaurant is one of the most simple, wonderful and beautiful things ever written. I now read it and other of RH's stories to my children who love them. Thank you and god bless you Mr Hoban.

This travel guide provides up-front and honest opinions of accomodation, eating, things to do (both city and backcountry). The authors have provided plenty of ideas that allow you to design your own trip that doesn't have to follow the crowds. (They don't exclude the popular destinations either, if that is your preference.) The book is layed out in a nice logical fashion broken down by the 7 regions and Salt Lake City. Included is a good background on the State and its history, without turning into a textbook. As someone from the other side of the world, I found the advice on customs (such as tipping, Utah's liqor laws) very useful.

I'm lucky to have a good public library near me and I checked out every guidebook on Utah they had--nine or ten. The Moon guide is the best of the lot. I liked it so much I bought it and took it with me to a recent 8-day visit to the state, and was able to give it an "on the ground" trial.

The Moon guides are unique in the depth of coverage. No sketchy descriptions of attractions here--each place is covered in detail and depth. The Utah guide includes the "little things" that might interest you no matter what kinds of scenery or attractions you like--or you can pass them by. The maps are good, but of course no book map can replace a good full-size folding map. Sidebars or "boxes" in the text pick out particular bits of information that make the area come alive.

The guide is not as complete about hotel/motels as some, but I belong to AAA for that kind of information, which becomes out of date as soon as any guide is published anyway.

The quality of any guide book, whether Moon or Lonely Planet, or whatever, depends on its authors. This one hits the mark.

First of all this is a great book. Iam buying it for my grandso
in his new house for a coffee table book. The price was good and the condition of the book was excellent. You can't beat the packing and shipping time.

WAYFARER by James Dickey and William A. Bake. A haunting story from the mountains of the South and 178 glorious full-color photos by "The Faulkner of Photography."