Giveaway Week Begins! First up: The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man

It's Giveaway Contest Week here at the Steampunk Librarian! We'll be posting several reviews and giveaway contests this week, which means there's a good chance that you, the reader, may win a book of your very own and/or may be mocked by a Victorian puppet. We're kind of unpredictable that way. Let's begin!

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Burton & Swinburne in The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man by Mark Hodder (Pyr)

  

Burton and Swinburne are back! Time is still out of joint, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

 

When last seen, explorer Richard Burton and poet Algernon Swinburne had resolved the matter of Spring-Heeled Jack, and were official agents of King Albert. (Why Albert and not Victoria is appointing agents is one of the many reasons it's probably best to read the previous book before tackling this one; it's not completely necessary, but does answer many questions a reader might encounter.) In this sequel, author Mark Hodder introduces Burton and Swinburne to the mysterious Tichborne affair, and sets them investigating. They are aided by their allies at Scotland Yard, and also by an itinerant philosopher by the name of Herbert Spencer. Their discoveries lead to one shocking revelation after another, and finally addresses the mystery of this alternate history in which the characters find themselves.

 

If you can't tell by now, I am a huge fan of the Burton & Swinburne series. The books reinvent history while keeping true to the characters of the real-life people who appear in the narrative, which is no small feat. As a librarian and history geek, I love the references to Victorian people and places. My father, a former English teacher with a philosophy degree or two, also likes the books, and the appearance of Spencer has led to many a discussion between us. (Burton & Swinburne: educating the populace while simultaneously entertaining them and bringing families together! Well, strange families, perhaps.)

 

I'd pre-ordered a copy of The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man before it was published, and then Pyr was good enough to send another copy my way, so on to the contest! In the comments below, post a thought or two on your favorite Victorian-era poet, explorer, or philosopher, depending on your particular bent. The entries will be put into a top hat and the winning entry will be drawn at random (perhaps by a puppet, if I can convince Sir Reginald to participate). The deadline for entering the giveaway contest is 11:59 pm EST Friday, May 27; we'll hold the drawing sometime over Memorial Day weekend and post the winner straight away!

(More information on The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man is available at Pyr's website; Mark Hodder twitters away as The Dissuader.)

Comments

[Ru3]

Kipling or Conan Doyle. Eh, who am I kidding? Much as I love Holmes, I have to go with Kipling.

[Jennifer Harris]

Jules Verne definitely. :)

[Sr Lobo 75]

Much as I love Doyle, Kipling, Thackeray, and Stoker ... I believe that I have to choose Lord Dunsany s my first choice. And so - mock away, ye scum !!!

[tati]

Just the name alone makes me WANT! My faves are Doyle and Verne--for fantasy, vision, food-for-thought, terrific characters, and great writing, for the most part!

[eeeeeelizabeth]

I adore the wonderful, witty Mr. Wilde! :)

[Barry Huddleston]

Sorry folks but the correct answer is Poe --- lol

[Chibimonnie]

I'm going to second the adoration of Mr. Wilde.

[Tim]

Too many to mention. Henry Rider Haggard, Robert Louis Stevenson, Lord Dunsany, H.G. Wells, but my favorite is still Jules Verne. Verne expounded much on the idea of exploration into new worlds.

[Jenna]

Robert Louis Stevenson and also the indispensable Jules Verne.

[Alden Ash]

For poetry I do love the nonsense of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear (or is Lear too early?).

[Liam]

To change gears completely, Gerald Manley Hopkins. Lord Dunsany is another great choice.

[Nancy1745]

Edgar Allen Poe. I first read him in fourth grade, and the mental pictures he painted for me then have stayed with me ever since...

The despair in Fortunato's voice crying "For the love of God, Montresor!" as the final bricks slide into place...

The beating of the Tell-Tale Heart...

Learning that 'true wretchedness is to be buried while alive.'

And last, but not least, that El Dorado lies just 'over the Mountains of the Moon, down the Valley of the Shadow'.

What did I learn from this? To never insult someone, as it might come back to bite you someday. To never do something so wrong that it will haunt you forever. To not let the knowledge that today is bad and tomorrow could be worse keep you from moving forward.

And last, but not least, that something good could be just around the corner or over the next hill, but that you must 'ride, boldly ride' if you want to find it.

[Sophie Gale]

let's go with investigative journalist Nellie Bly, who went undercover for 10 days in an insane asylum, and went around the world in 72 days (meeting Jules Verne in Paris).

[Catherine]

Isabella Bird, author of A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains. Or possibly Frances Trollope (mother of Anthony), whose book about her adventures in retail among the Americans is a masterpiece of snark.

[Page Turner]

May I have the temerity to direct your attention to the writings of Christabel LaMotte, that sublime poetess of an alternate Victorian universe? To learn more about La Dame LaMotte and read her stunning poetry, please consult "Possession, a Romance," by A. S. Byatt. Any similarities between LaMotte's verse and that of Rosetti or Dickinson is hardly accidental. They were clearly influenced by LaMotte, probably while dreaming. Christabel LaMotte's poetry will take you whither it will, whether you are willing or not.

[UGLIFROG]

Hard choice, but either Conan Doyle for his Professor Challenger charcter or Jules Verne - really like Master of the World. Thanks

[Shahar]

Do I have to choose - I just LOVE all of it! I suppose though, I would probably give my top 3 to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mr. Kipling, and a tie over Jules Verne and Mr. Wilde...okay, obviously I just can't choose!!!!

[Nicole Dunlap]

Is it too cliche to say Poe? I love his work, nearly all of it. All the brooding and darkness appeals to me, I guess.:D

[Soundofthunder]

Oh, since I'm Spanish, I'll go for Spanish poet Espronceda: his "Canción del pirata" is very well known in Spanish-speaking countries, and just brilliant! Though I guess he'd be "early Victorian" only.

Oh, and Poe, of course...