The first review of my new book has appeared. I’m delighted to find it is ‘Editor’s Choice’ in this month’s Classical Music with a five-star review: ‘Those bewitched by Tomes’s three previous books (two published by the clearly perceptive Boydell Press) can prepare for bewitchment all over again. The title borrows from the thinking of […]

My new book is officially out today from The Boydell Press. In fact, in the mysterious way of modern publishing, it seems to have been available from various outlets for a few weeks now, as I discovered with surprise when I got a letter about it from a reader, weeks before its advertised release date. Sleeping in Temples […]

I’m delighted to be able to say that my fourth book will be published by Boydell Press later this year. I’ve just pressed ‘send’ on the final version of the manuscript – a huge relief after working on it intensively for over a year. I had to prise my fingers away from the computer keyboard […]

I’ve just finished reading a wonderful Irish novel written at the close of the 19th century. ‘The Real Charlotte‘ was written by Somerville and Ross, a pair of female cousins who co-authored a number of books including one of my all-time favourites, ‘The Memoirs of an Irish RM’ (‘RM’ meaning Resident Magistrate). The title sounds […]

Here I am, lecturing to the British Comparative Literature Association yesterday. At Deptford Town Hall! Who would have expected such a grand Victorian building, with a beautifully ornate staircase, and an excellent Steinway concert grand piano in the Council Chamber? London is full of surprises. I found it daunting – but also very stimulating – […]