It’s been a while since I sat down and read a book based in the 18th century but when I received an advanced copy of Robin Blake’s “A Dark Anatomy” – published by Pan Macmillan – I knew, upon looking at the magnificent and opulent book jacket, I just had to read it!
In fact it made me wonder how many people are swayed by attractive book designs. I know when I choose a bottle of wine I do find myself temptingly drawn to the more attractive label on the shelf – despite a lack of knowledge of the wine’s quality (until tasting!) – I wondered if we approach books in the same manner. Do we select a book purely based on artwork alone?
By going down this decision making road you always run the risk of choosing style over substance – but have no fear – this certainly isn’t the case as far as “A Dark Anatomy” is concerned – a distinguished jacket protects a sumptuous and enveloping narrative.
It took a few chapters to reacquaint myself with 18th century English and all its glorious foibles but once I’d settled down to the language the narrative flowed extremely well. I did find myself pausing momentarily to consult the dictionary, which in turn did cause me to re-read certain sections, but that was more to satisfy my curiosity than a fault of Robin Blake’s writing!
Part of the market spilled over into cheapside, and my street had become established as the poulterer’s pitch, always flapping with birds brought out of their coops and hung my the legs from stall-poles. Amidst all this squawking and commotion I could not see Fidelis anywhere. But since he was a notorious slug-a-bed and my cob had been ready and waiting
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