Blake Books

Nigel Strangeways is investigating who might have altered a proof copy of General Thoresby's memoirs, resulting in a libel case against the prestigious publishing firm, Wenham and Geraldine. Matters worsen when the flamboyant romance novelist, Millicent Miles, is murdered one evening in the publisher's office. End of Chapter (1957) finds Strangeways once again drawn into a homicide case.

Strangeways is at home in this traditional, English publishing firm as he is a successful poet, not unlike the author himself, Cecil Day-Lewis (writing as Nicholas Blake) who served as poet laureate from 1968 until his death in 1972. The chapter titles are appropriately selected from editing terms like setup, first impression, run on, delete, lower case, transpose, etc.

End of Chapter is a good example of a Nigel Strangeways mystery. The characters are well-educated and the dialogue is urbane. The solution involves untangling complex relationships and integrating clues from the past. The solution is not altogether surprising, but it is not obvious either.

End of Chapter was reissued in 1977 in a Perennial Library paperback by Harper and Row Publishers. It can also be found in The Nicholas Blake Treasury, Volume 4, a hardcover book club edition published by the Mystery Guild.

This is mainly a plea to any lurking representative of a
publishing house which might be able to reissue this mystery in
English (it is still in print in German as "Ende des Kapitels").
Featuring Blake's appealing amateur sleuth Nigel Strangeways,
this book begins with the murder of a bestselling author who is
midway through writing her memoirs. Suspicion centers (although
not exclusively) on the tightly wound employees of the victim's
employer, the Wenham & Geraldine publishing house. Strangeways's
difficult and poignant unmasking of the criminal flows from his
understanding of human psychology and the literary mind. This
is a memorable offering from the man whose day job (as Cecil
Day-Lewis) was serving as the UK's Poet Laureate.

Fettered for Life is a 'must' for those interested in women writers. The subversive nature of the plot about a woman who makes her way in New York in the 19th century reveals how ahead of her time Blake was as a feminist and a writer. The afterword by American Literature scholar Grace Farrell provides a lucid, informative historical account of 19th century feminist issues found in the text.

Having been written in the 1870s, the book documents how people in NY really lived at that time, how they spoke, what they thought of the issues of the day, and how they treated one another, specifically, how they treated women. All classes of women are portrayed, from wealthy society women, to middle-class working girls, to the lowest class of the poor. Very eye-opening, and worthwhile reading. Good action-filled story too. We really have come a long way, baby!

This book is a long free verse poem about the ways of the fox in nature. There is a lot of elegant descriptive language, but no real story line. Some of the vocabulary could be challenging for younger readers. One scene shows the fox eating an animal, which could be disturbing for some young readers. The font is relatively large, and there are few words (about 200).

This is one of my 3 or 4 favorite children's picture books. The paintings by Robert Blake are beautiful, and perfectly matched to the theme of Allison Blyler's text. In fact, I am not sure whether the pictures illustrate the text, or the text explains the pictures.

The illustrations follow a fox from clear daylight, across a nighttime hillside, into mysterious, dark woods. Paralleling this journey, Blyler's poem begins with simple observation of the fox, through increasingly futile contemplation of its elusive nature, to final acceptance of our inability to truly know the fox at all. Like the tao, the fox that we can understand is not the real fox: "I do not know the ways of the fox. I ask the river." Meanwhile we realize that the pictures are not just showing us the fox, but that other foxes are there too: real foxes in the distance, maybe, or "an imagination of foxes" in the shapes of shadows or patterns of branches. Soon we are "finding foxes" not only where Blake has hidden them, but even where they are not there at all.

Certainly, young children will fully comprehend neither the subtlety of Blyler's poem, nor the interplay of the text and the illustrations, but they will enjoy the game of looking for foxes everywhere. This is literature--it will reveal to its reader the meanings that the reader is ready to receive, and withhold its other meanings for other readers or other times. All the more reason to read it to children beginning when they are young, so they can appreciate it at all levels over the years.

Those looking for a "story" may be dissappointed though: this is lyric, not narrative art. The poet is telling us about herself as much as about the fox. And so is the painter. And both are giving our children a chance to learn about themselves and about the nature of knowledge, as well as knowledge of nature.

This book is widely revered as a masterpiece of its kind - invaluable in the extreme, comprehensively knowledgeable, hugely informative, in addition to being the ideal literary vade mecum for anyone hell-bent on getting their unpublished work published. Hey, and so it is - and so it should be too. Because Ms Blake is only joint managing director of top London-based literary agency Blake Friedmann and she obviously knows what she's talking about . . .

'Or does she?' whispered a tiny voice from the bottom of Ms Blake's slush pile. 'Consider, if you will,' the voice persisted, 'Selection Criterion #1 on p. 7 of the book where Ms Blake bitterly complains that "I am regularly offered novels that are 50,000 or 60,000 words."' The voice gave way to a wheezing laugh. 'Oh dearie, dearie me! Well, there's DEATH IN VENICE, THE GREAT GATSBY, and A CLOCKWORK ORANGE in the trash can for starters.'

The laughter became a tad more hysterical: 'And on Page 9, you'll find, Ms Blake promulgates Selection Criterion #3: "Is the world that I have created in the novel one my readers will want to spend time in even before they know the story or the characters?" Uh oh! In the trash can with A CLOCKWORK ORANGE again (that unpublishable Mancunian's nothing if not persistent), swiftly followed by BRAVE NEW WORLD, 1984, and THE GRAPES OF WRATH.'

For a time no sound could be heard in the room other than the tumultuous trashing of unpublishable typescripts by the score.

'So,' said the tiny, slush pile shrouded voice as Ms Blake collapsed with Repetitive Strain Injury: 'I wish you better luck with Ms Blake and all her house than Thomas Mann, Scott Fitzgerald, Anthony Burgess, Aldous Huxley, George Orwell, John Steinbeck - or I ever had, though I confess to finding it mighty reassuring to enjoy such exalted company for once in my life, thanks to Ms Blake.'

I found this book both fascinating and enormously helpful.It covers everything from doing market research before writing a book, through how to make a submission and on to understanding royalty statements and beyond. Wonderfully readable and peppered with anecdotes it shows how the publishing system really works. Definitely 5 big stars for this hugely informative book!

Blake Whitman does a very good job of breaking through to the core of much of Jesus' teachings, especially in regards to the importance of the myths we all live by, if only unconsciously. He presents a Jesus whom men like Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins could appreciate. And he gives us wonderful ways of seeing our myths for what they are, while setting aside the fear of bringing in new ones. His exposition of the process of creation is also dead-on.

But Jesus wasn't secular. He understood that there's a world much bigger than the material one we're used to, and that this world is reaching down to us to help us out. He also understood that there really are spiritual powers that work very hard to keep you in the dark. This is the biggest problem I have with this book. But he understands Jesus and his message a lot better than your average Baptist. That's for sure.

From a Jungian perspective I see that Whitman is very big on the Feeling function, but that's not the only way to find your way to Jesus. The point is he's got a very good feel for the man and his message. I'm big on the Thinking function myself, so more than once I'd roll my eyes at some of the books more pithy passages.

Still, I give him high marks. We can't all be good at everything!

The cover says that you'll find The greatest hero intriguing not only because it suggests a different and original explanation of the critical events of Jesus' life and death and resurrection but because it embodies some very thoughtful interpretations of some of Jesus' most puzzling pronouncements. It says a lot more than that.

The book has Jesus say that when you are having a problem you should look first within your own mind for an answer and through the creative process (epiphany or inspiration) you will find an answer to escape despair. Within the realm of your mind lies 'all the human heart could ever desire' or answers to questions you can't even imagine. The book identifies the creative process as an adaptive process which is the essence of the spiritual experience. You don't need to listen to others tell you what to believe because using your own innate creative ability you can find your own answers. Creativity is an innate capabilitiy of every human mind.

"Genius," Jesus stresses, "is not some trait
bestowed upon some and denied others,
But merely a habit of mind and emotion."

Apparently Jesus' goal was not to save the world but to free our minds from superstition. His major opponent was the religious establishment of his day. Were he here today, he would be on the side of Sam Harris (The End of Faith), Richard Dawkins (The GOD Delusion) and even Michael Onfray (In Defense of Atheism). This is definitely a much different Jesus than we met in Sunday school.

Tom Blake is excellent... a must for all those who have made the journey, or have just dreamed about it

This is an excellent, even amazing book, considering that Tom Blake was from Northern Wisconsin. I wish there was more about Wisconsin; I found only one reference. Otherwise, the book has a good history of surfing by Hawaiians, native and not, and is interesting reading.

If you've read Henry's previous books, you have to read Horse Sense. His adventures continue and find maturity in his final work. After paying his dues and struggling with his redeemed misfits such as the indomitable "Cork Beg," Henry finally gets to realize some of his dreams as a trainer and competetor. I wasn't ready for this book to end.

I strongly suggest the reader progress through Henry's work in sequential order; Talking With Horses, Thinking With Horses and Horse Sense. By doing so the reader can enjoy the greater adventure in chronological sequence and fully enjoy the colorful characters, both human and equine, that Henry brings to life in his work.

Henry Blake is probably my most recommended author for horse enthusiasts and home horse trainers to read.

Although this is not normally the kind of horse and/or riding book that I read, I'm glad that I made my way through the entire three book series. Since I've finished them I've put into practice that what I picked up and have seen a difference in the relationship that I have with my riding partner. There's something to be said for age and experience especially when it comes from someone with "horse sense".

Martin Amis once said that Maggie Gee was the only female author of his generation that he would bother to read. And while one might not endorse such sentiments wholeheartedly, in this dystopian novel with its themes of man's relation to nature and technology and relations between men and women it is clear that she has an unusual capacity for writing from the standpoint of her male protagonist-narrator. The novel has both suspenseful and darkly humorous moments, and although it won't make anyone forget "1984," or even the more contemporary writing of Octavia Butler, it is certainly a good read.

I am not going to reveal much about this book. It is probably better than 1984 of George Orwell. It is an undeniable masterpiece, you must search for other reviews if you have trouble believing me. This book will be probably amongst the greater masterpieces of human history. Prophetic, brutal,elegant,real, human. It will change your life. It makes a difference in an era of too much novels published. Immensly poetic from the begining to the end. To me is clear that is the best narrative ever, but you should see for your self. A unique book, that never goes out of mind.

DEA Agents Ted Silliman and Castro Baxter are part of a joint workforce with the Las Vegas Police Department investigating the use of the date rape drug "J"; the victims end up in many cases mutilated and dead. Evidence leads to the Fantasy Resort owned by septuagenarian Frankie "The Bayonet" DiBondi, but it makes no sense for him to deal with an illegal relatively minor remittance when his legal brothel brings in a million declared dollars a month and who knows how much of the profit iceberg remains beneath the surface. Still they follow DiBondi onto an Indian Reservation when Ted suddenly goes into convulsions and dies.

The official response is an overdose of cocaine, but Castro rejects it as inane because he knew his partner and knows what a cocaine death looks like. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Dr. Alex Blake conducts an autopsy and agrees with Castro. She believes Simmons died from his body violently reacting with a hyper-immune response. Soon afterward his corpse disappears and DEA grabs the autopsy results and all related information to the Simmons' death. Teaming up with Castro, Alex learns of eight other identical deaths on that same night that all tie back to a fountain in a Taos, New Mexico public square. Based on unnamed government sources the media blames Native American radical rights group Red Rights for introducing a new "silent assassin" disease into the drinking water as a widening epidemic seems imminent with new deaths; shockingly Homeland Security chief Martin Kincade demands Blake and Castro back down or else.

This exhilarating conspiratorial thriller will grip readers with the opening prologue when the seemingly healthy but tired Silliman suddenly convulses. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plenty of action and strong characters (including the lead duo) with personal agendas; these protagonists represent real groups' goals such as denoting Native American issues and signifying Homeland Security leaderships' self interests. Readers will enjoy the latest AFIP adventure.

Harriet Klausner

DEA Agent Castro Baxter and his partner, Ted are out on a stakeout, when all of a sudden Ted starts having convulsions. Ted's whole body is rapidly swelling. Before Castro can get help Ted dies. Castro's boss thinks Ted died of a drug overdose but Castro believes that's not true. When Dr. Alexandra Blake gets involved, her tests prove Ted didn't die of an overdose but of something more horrifying. Before Alex knows it people all over are dying. It is turning out to be a major outbreak of the dangerous kind. Alex will have to use every part of her knowledge as well as wits about her in order to keep more people from dying. That's the easy part. The obstacle will be staying alive. The people responsible for starting this whole epidemic don't appreciate Alex sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. Will the bad guys end up on top this time or can Alex come out the hero?

Readers who have followed Dr. Alexandra Blake will not be disappointed in Lori Andrew's latest Immunity. The plot for this book was both intriguing and frightening. Intriguing that something like this could happen so easily and frightening for the same fact. For anyone who likes medical thrillers then you will enjoy reading this book. From the first couple of pages till the end, Immunity was first-class. I thought Immunity was a mix between a Tess Gerritsen novel and CSI. Need I say more? Ms. Andrews brings so much intensity with her expertise on genetics and law. See for yourself what I am talking about in Immunity.

Written by renowned historian Robert Blake, this commissioned history of Jardine Matheson presents a sweeping history of this primus inter pares among British hongs, whose 171-year existence helped revitalize an Empire, and irrevocably changed the face of Asia.

Jardine Matheson is a British company whose prodigious trading activities were responsible for helping maintain a delicate balance of trade for Great Britain during the nineteenth century. A unique tripartite trade arrangement, bullion for tea and tea for opium, emerged, and the story of how this came about is as interesting as the story of Jardines.

During the 1830s, Chinese tea was in great demand in Britain, which consumed about 30 million pounds per annum. Tariffs on tea imports contributed about three million pounds annually to the British treasury; therefore, tea commerce held great political and commercial significance. However, this happy state of affairs presented a conundrum. Because the Chinese would only accept specie metals, such as silver, in payment for what an observer called 'the deleterious produce of China', the ever-increasing importation of tea from China began to considerably--and negatively--affect Britain's trade balance with that kingdom. To the Chinese kingdom's detriment and regret, the traders learned through trial and error that Indian opium was the key to maintaining the lucrative tea trade with the Middle Kingdom.

Jardine Matheson did not devise this three-sided trade, but the firm was in the right place at the right time, and was thus poised to profit immeasurably from this sort of arbitrage. The China trade made Jardines immensely powerful--so powerful, in fact, that its lobbying efforts to exact an indemnity from the Chinese government, which tried to stop the opium trade, led to the First Opium War.

This book makes an enthralling addition to business historiography, and considerably illuminates the role of private firms in economic and colonial adventurism in the Far East during the nineteenth century. For further reading, I recommend "Merchants to Multinationals: British Trading Companies in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries" if one wants to delve more into how the great British trading companies adapted to a changing economic landscape.

The book clearly gives a very accurate account on the setup and running of the Great Firm right up to after WW II and its facts true amazing!