Edward Thompson: Wartime C.M.E. Discussion

Indeed so. I was thinking of certain reactions Simon's worthy tome has provoked ahead of publication. Still, kevlar jacket and latest spec military helmet, a couple of armed bodyguards and there shouldn't be too much to worry about.

 

If you got yourself an agent they could arrange signings at events ie galas, etc. Maybe a special book signing (rail) tour hauled by 61306.

 

Maybe a tour of Great Western "Hall" Territory then? At least the folks in East Yorkshire and Cumbria would get a look in!

Richard.

 

You may as well sign the lot then - there's only 1,000

 

I'd like to put my name forward for a signed copy too please, if there's a possibility. This is a book I have been really looking forward to reading for a long time!

Richard.

 

Should be a peace of Battenberg cake, that!

Richard.

 

A case of both - part of life's rich texture (and in more ways than one !!)

 

Terry Wogan used to say that the unsigned copies of his books were worth more than the signed ones.

I have just pre-ordered mine and don't mind if it is unsigned or signed.

 

I have just pre-ordered a copy, and have gone through the "contact" link at Strathwood Publishing to request a signed copy. Hopefully this will work!

Richard.

 

I’m overwhelmed by the responses to the book thus far. My publisher had increased the print run to 1000 from 750 based on the interest he’s observed.

My sincere hope is that this marks - along with Tim Hillier Graves tome - a sea change in how railway history is written.

 

It's been a long time coming - says he looking on the shelf behind him at the run of "Regional History" volumes that started that mission when I was as yet unconceived of - and very good to see developing in the engineering side of the hobby.

 

Generally it takes about 5-10 years. 1 year for the reviews to come out. This tends to drive people to read it, then a second year for authors to read an process it, and then five years for people to do their own research and writing, plus a year for publication. I reckon by about 2050 we'll know if you are the Fernand Braudel of railway history

When the reviews come out will be interesting as to how much pushback you get and how you respond to it. I am sure there will be the odd egregious review that deliberately misses the point, especially as you are upsetting the established narrative.

 

How I will respond to it is simple. I will make myself a cup of tea, sit down and read the review, pause for reflection and then carry on writing the next book regardless.

You learn more from failure and poor reviews than you do from good ones. And, however much you would like universal acclaim: it's not possible.

 

Damn, I should have asked for a signed copy to go with my signed TOTUE haha.

 

Just had a nice reply from Victoria Derrick at Strathwood, saying that she would pass on my request for a signed copy onto her husband Kevin. Nice personal touch, that.

Richard.

 

I've ordered a copy. If it gets signed, great, if not I'll need to buttonhole Simon some time.
I'm wondering how much will be material we haven't seen here already, but even if that's not much I will be glad to have the pukka printed version.

 

You will be surprised how much is new material.

 

The main problem of having a book published is discovering things you missed out and feel ought to be in - after the book is published !

 

I recall in one preface "grudging thanks to Messrs xxxxx and xxxxx for coming up with new information, just before the book was going to print"!