Some books pop out at you from the shelf, but other ones seem to find you when you are not looking. This book was loaned to a friend, who then loaned it to a friend, who then loaned it to an other friend, who then loaned it to me, each one of them gave it a first-rate recommendation (far better than any marketing), so you know you will not be disappointed.
The Peshawar Lancers by S.M. Stirling Published by RoC 2002/2003. ISBN 0451458737
Blast this writing contraption, will type more soon....
For those of you who are familiar with, and crave more of, the adventures of the dashing young cavalry officer Athelstane King and his man Ranjit of the Peshawar Lancers, - look no farther than the novella Shikari in Galveston by S.M. Stirling, featured in Worlds That Weren't (Published by RoC 2002. ISBN 0451458869).The coal smoke of the Empire's industrialized towns and cities, with their heaving throngs of people, is left far behind for the swamps and dense woodlands and jungles of Texas. A place full of diverting possibilities for our young hero's derring-do.
The locals are good clean folk, etching out a fledgeling civilization from this frontier land in the aftermath of their ancestors. They are noting the use of vulcanized rubber, binoculars, the latest rifles, Steamships and other modern marvels of the Empire.
On leave from his duties in India, King is free to hunt for big game, Man-eaters have been reported and he hopes to bag some trophies. Athelstane's character is one which suffers no fools, believes in fair play and sportsmanship and, as a representative of the British Empire, comports himself impeccably, - winning-over the natives with his innate confidence and charm.
The novella is set in the post Steampunk world and does not disappoint with its turn of events. The author's confessional at the end serves to re-enforce one's fervour for this genre, and the love of adventure.
A darn good yarn of the highest order !
You've heard the saying “Half the fun is getting there!” - so it was loads of fun finding this little island of Victorian craftsmanship! Hidden from the main road and shrouded by farm and woodland, it is not far from the village of Papplewick which lies somewhere between Mansfield and the city of Nottingham. To find it you need your wits about you and a good navigator like my 14-year-old son Thomas who also thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
The main wrought-iron gates and path beyond give one the impression of a formal landscaped English garden. Entering the grounds through the Gate House, on your left is an ornamental pond of some length with a centre fountain, - not simply for show this was the Cooling Pond. For the young engineers among us, the cold water was sucked into the Engine House, condensed the steam, warm water then fed back into the pond. The fountain also had a more practical function, used to replenish the pond's water, maintaining the correct level.
The Engine House, which I refer to as a 'Steampunk Chapel' stands out from the countryside panorama with its terracotta brickwork and slate roof, - you can even make out its many arched windows.
I could only marvel at the Engineering and the Architecture with the loving thought that this place of such toil and labour was, and still is, of such beauty.
Papplewick Pumping Station is well worth finding and visiting as my few words can hardly do it justice.
Welcome to Papplewick Pumping Station
http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.co.uk/index.htm
Welcome to the Learning Zone for Papplewick Pumping Station
'The Science Fiction of Edgar Allen Poe', Harold Beaver (Editor)My enjoyment in discovering this little book and its collection of 16 short stories, even its very existence was enough for me to try and track it down, and find out more about the works of the Founder of Science Fiction.
Each of the tales has extensive notes, and an individual critique by the Editor, which only enhances the collection, and helps draw you in to the imagination of the Victorians.
A World with its details and its querks, its Amateur Scientist, and Hobby Mathematicians exploring the very Nature of the World – Physical and Spiritual and of the unknown...
I wholeheartedly recommend that you read the splendid story entitled “The Thousand-and-Second Tale of Scheherazade”, as well as the lurid tale of “Some Words with a Mummy”, and beautifully crafted tale of “The Balloon-Hoax”, and the equally inspirational short story entitled “The Unparelleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall”.
Poe's work as a Science Fiction writer is largely overlooked, but once you the reader have succumbedto his influences, His rightful place in the Literary “Valhalla” will be assured.
I IMPLORE YOU, - SEEK OUT THIS BOOK!
