To mark the paperback publication today of Mr Barry’s War. Rebuilding the Houses of Parliament after the great fire of 1834, I interview myself on how it came about. Q. Hello readers. Today we’re with Caroline Shenton to talk about her new book, Mr Barry’s War. Welcome, Caroline! A. Thanks, Caroline, it’s a pleasure to be here [sips a […]
Publishing the Book
Moonlighting
Lots of people have been asking me about the striking cover of Mr Barry’s War (out in paperback next week) so here’s a little more about it. The painting belongs to the Government Art Collection (ref GAC 12453). I’d no idea where it hung when I suggested it as an image for the dust jacket but romantically liked […]
Why Books Are My Bag
Today in the UK, it’s Books are My Bag day. All over the country, readers, booksellers and authors are getting together to host the nation’s Big Bookshop Party, in shops throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. To mark this auspicious day, I have taken the opportunity to interview myself about my book-ey thoughts. What Do […]
One Year On…And the Search Continues
Today is the first anniversary of publication of the book. A lot’s happened. Many lovely people have got in touch to say how much they enjoyed it. New accounts and relics of the fire have come to light. The reviewers liked it. It was book of the week/year in some papers. And – ahem – it was nominated […]
Publication Day
It’s finally here! More…
How I Got to Here
So, with just a week to go until publication of The Day Parliament Burned Down, the story behind the story… When I began work at the Parliamentary Archives in 1999, I often found myself having to tell readers in our public searchroom that nearly all of the historic Commons’ records were lost in the fire of […]
