Edward Thompson: Wartime C.M.E. Discussion

Thanks for the update, I was beginning to wonder I must admit.

Keep your chin up fella.

 

when ever it comes out I definitely buying a copy, I'm sure it be worth the wait...

 

With bored millions stuck indoors, you'd think publishers would be only too anxious to promote their wares.

Looking forward to getting my paws on the fruit of all your labours.

 

Absolutely agreed!

Richard.

 

It has been brought to my attention that a new book on Thompson has been published recently. Many thanks to those who have DM'd me on it. I will not be commenting on the author or the book until I have read it, however. The description of the book follows similar lines to my own, but it is likely that our methods and evidences will be different.

Keep an open mind, and be happy - as I am - that the tide of opinion in writing on Thompson's history is changing. That's what I have asked for, for nearly a decade. The main point is that we should be closer to the truth - that is what counts.

 

I had wondered if you'd decided on a pseudonym for safety reasons!

 

Well, my tin hat is a colander after all...

I am happy that in the debate over the last decade, we have made a positive contribution to changing the body of opinion on Thompson that is both far more likely, and far closer to what likely happened. If other authors have taken up the pen and followed our lead, then that is excellent.

 

Can we have an ISBN number please?

 

I presume this is it.....
https://rail-books.co.uk/collection...ompson-his-life-and-locomotives-9781526731166

 

Yes indeed.

 

One hopes that your excellent work hasn't been plagiarised - possibly from this forum ? - given the depth of discussion that has taken place this forum over the years. I - like many on this forum - have been waiting to purchase your book and would be greatly disappointed if your efforts are to be 'stolen' by someone unwilling to make the effort that you have made but simply 'steal' the work and claim (undeserved) credit. I await your review of the work with interest.

 

That's a giant leap forward Fred? The author of the 'new' book is well published in locomotive and aviation circles. I have his book on Gresley, which is a great and refreshing read.

 

I will keep an open mind - and of course, we must be fair: I don't have ownership over Thompson's history or any of the major publicly held archives in the UK on him. It's a free country and debate and anyone can write on Thompson if they so wish.

 

Thank You.
Am looking forward to read it and the LNER 4-6-0 book from same source.

 

I've just seen details of the other book on Thompson - Now I did buy his book on Tom Coleman - And learned some very interesting facts, But I was also a little disappointed with the written style of said book, which I found in places to be a bit sickly and sycophantic, with repetitions of the adulation which the author had for Mr. Coleman (and that is not to take any credit away from Tom Coleman either, by the way).
I do sincerely hope that your book reaches publication, and as I've said before, I am very keen to obtain a copy. I do think, however, that before considering obtaining the other recent book, I'd like to browse through a copy first.

Richard.

 

I also have his book on Gresley, and have been aware of him as an author before.

I hesitate to criticize anyone who writes. Writing is difficult and the process is long and arduous. If someone has written a book on Thompson that doesn't repeat the "Thompson looked to rid the LNER of Gresley" trope, then I'm all for that.

 

I'm less hesitant; my judgement is on the end product rather than the process. I commend, however, the review in the Sunday Times of 21st Feb 21 of Nick Lloyd's new book on the Western Front by Max Hastings for it's balance of respect for the research and very sharp criticism for the narrowness with which it's been pursued.

 

I make no comment on the quality of said author's work but given the timing of the release I wonder if this is yet another case of LMR / LNER spoiler. For reference - when 4472 was set to initiate the first non-stop London - Edinburgh service in 1928 the LMS cheekily sent Compound 1054 on a Euston - Edinburgh non-stop run the day before !

As I note I will reserve comment until both books are available for comparison.

 

Just in case you haven't noticed, both books are about Edward Thompson, ergo the LMR isn't involved.

 

I think - forgive me if I am misinterpreting you Fred - he wasn't commenting on the LMR, more the timing of the book using a railway analogy.