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Cybirdy Publishing
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Percy Bysshe Shelley was one of the major Romantic poet and thinker of the pre-Darwinian 19th century. He was together a prodigy and a rebel, an English gentleman and an advocate of free love.
Percy Shelley wanted to live according to his values but was cast away by his family and tragically died in 1822 at the age of 29 when his sailing boat sank off the coast of Viareggio, Italy.
Originally written in French in 1923, Ariel Percy Bysshe Shelley is a well-documented upbeat biopic of the genius poet brought up to date by this excellent new translation by Alix Daniel, helped by audacious illustrations from Anwot.
An addictive and often harrowing read!
A romantic biography of an English poet’s life—easy to read, captivating, and immersive.
This fresh and idiomatic translation of Andre Maurois‘ biography of Shelley makes a good introduction to the entire Romantic movement. The relations of the young poet with Godwin and Byron, for instance, are convincing and well-drawn. The shifts of scene within England and to the Continent are well drawn. Above all, the language of this translation is altogether more accessible than the previously available translation from the 1930s. Strongly recommended and especially for anyone new to Shelley‘s life story and poetry. It makes a great portal to the Romantics. The cover and the strikingly apt contemporary black and white Illustrations are another plus.
Being more familiar with his poetic works and not his actual life, I was keen to read a biographic piece on such a historic and beloved writer.
A truly moving life story that reads smooth in this new translation and punctuated by amazing artwork by the immensely talented 'Anwot'.
Highly recommended and a definite must share with fellow lovers of poetry, history and of course, love (however hard it can be at times).
This splendid little volume repays study.
A retranslation of Andre Maurois’ book - a fictionalised biography of Shelley which was the first ever Penguin Paperback, published in the summer of 1935 - was overdue.
Shelley’s doomed Romantic career trajectory makes him the poster boy of the movement and the fictional narrative is fascinating not least because it is also very largely history.
I was interested enough to compare this translation with that of Ella D’Arcy (1935) and concluded that this new book has performed a public service by its more engaging idiomatic approach.
Among its other virtues, Ariel would make a a good introduction to Shelley and the Romantics for any young adult reader.
The illustrations by Anwot add interest and are also very contemporary and metropolitan.
It would be churlish to dwell upon the few literals scattered through the text which a subsequent edition could quickly tidy up. The cover image is arresting and the layout very accessible.
In brief, a worthy addition to the literature surrounding Shelley, his circle (Godwin, Byron et al) and the Romantics in general.
A translation of André Maurois’ 1910 ‘Ariel, ou La Vie de Shelley’, this really brings the life of the tragic Romantic to life for the widest possible audience. Alix Daniel makes the story skip lightly along, holding you to it. A real page-turner if ever there was one, whether, like me, you are a lover of the Romantics, or whether you are looking to learn more about the movement, you won’t be disappointed!
Review of Silent Riders of the Sea
This historical novel is set in 1930, and takes place on board a fishing vessel.
The author, John Gerard Fagan, has an impressive way with words and imagery, his use of language and striking metaphors being standout features of the novel.
It is told in an interesting and rarely-encountered way, as a work of free verse, like a long prose poem. For some, I suppose, this may take some getting used to. But the majority of readers of literary fiction will quickly adapt.
In terms of form it is not a million miles away from Solar Bones by Mike McCormack, a novel which takes a similarly radical approach to narrative form, and which won the Goldsmiths Prize and the International Dublin Literary Award.
While it is too soon to know whether Silent Riders of the Sea will win any awards, what I can tell you is that it is definitely worth your time. It will very quickly transport you to a world of hardship that is (thank God) for the most part forgotten in the U.K. Fagan’s writing is so vivid you will come close to enduring the hardships that Jack, the protagonist, endures. You will certainly feel for Jack and you will be taken on a highly-charged emotional journey.
So read this book, by all means.
A word of caution, though. If you are looking for an uplifting novel, this isn’t it. Silent Riders of the Sea, for all its poetic inclinations, is a gritty read, and is utterly unsparing in its attention to uncomfortable detail. Your emotions while reading it are likely to encompass pity and fear, and perhaps even horror.
You will not leave this book feeling uplifted. You will leave it feeling the same way you might after watching, say, a performance of King Lear. You will have the impression you have witnessed an unfolding of terrible events, and the experience will probably bring home to you how blessed you are to be living the life you have.
Which is the point of tragedy, isn’t it?
First, I have to say—the paperback itself is gorgeous. The quality fully deserves the special edition label. The illustrations, print, paper, and editing make it a genuine joy to add to my bookshelf. And for such a young author—f**k me—what a lucky lad.
The content is deliciously vile. It tackles mental health, the impossibility of being comfortable in one’s own skin, the restless mind, and the desperate urge to rip and tear your way free. This anthology is a treat for anyone who enjoys the more extreme side of literature. With time and experience, I can see this author walking in the footsteps of Jack Ketchum, Garrett Cook, and Wrath James White—if he chooses.
I’ll end with my favourite passage (and trust me, I don’t write many reviews):
I see so much, so much that you ignore. I’ve seen people dying, calling out for help, but their cries fall on your broken ears. Alcohol and drugs run rampant through your body, your gift, decimating what He has provided. You will not be saved.
This perfectly captures the beauty and terror of a mind reaching for a higher power that doesn’t exist—the essence of existential dread and the folly of existence. If you want an experience, give this young author a try.
A very well written story ithad me engaged from start to finish.....I would definitely recommend it.
Books were delivered VERY promptly and the books were excellent reads.
The publisher‘s blurb for this novel is superb and compelling that i will go straight to a comment : the book has something in common with Leonard Cohen‘s two novels and especially Beautiful Losers. The emotional hooks and shocks are well paced. This is a departure for the Washington Post celebrated author of Ezra Slef. The denouement is surprising and i only guessed it at about 90 per cent read. A compelling story that has a life affirming conclusion and which is surprisingly satisfying. Recommended.
Books were delivered VERY promptly and the books were excellent reads.
I'm grateful to Cybirdy for (a) drawing my attention to the novel Silent Riders of the Sea, and (b) dealing with my order of a hard copy of the novel in a very timely, professional, and efficient manner.
So easy! Book chosen in less than an hour, delivered to my door in 48 hours and read in 5 days !
