Reserve your seat now (by e-mail) for the official launch of Peter Willis’ new book about Nancy Blackett in London this Thursday evening (16th November), at 6:30pm, hosted by London’s West End chandlers Arthur Beale.

Arthur Ransome’s classic novel “We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea” (first published 80 years ago this month) was inspired by his boat, Nancy Blackett, which appears in the book as the Goblin. But there was more to her influence on the novel than that.

In 1996 Peter Willis launched an appeal to buy Arthur Ransome’s Nancy Blackett and preserve her to be sailed as a living reminder of Ransome and his works. She is now in the care of the Nancy Blackett Trust, and based on the River Orwell near Pin Mill. 

At Thursday’s book launch, Peter Willis will be giving a talk based on his new book “Good Little Ship: Arthur Ransome, Nancy Blackett and the Goblin”, which shows us the history of the boat herself, her life, near-death, restoration and renaissance as an ambassador for Ransome and his tales.

This talk should prove to be of interest to everyone, from East Coast Sailors and wooden boat enthusiasts to those fascinated by Arthur Ransome’s amazing life story and his classic maritime novels.

Peter Willis is a former Deputy Editor of “Classic Boat” magazine, currently performing a similar function at “Classic Sailor” magazine, and President of the Nancy Blackett Trust. He lives in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Book Launch details

• Date: Thursday, 16th October 2017
• Time: 6.30pm for a 6:45pm start
• Venue: St Giles-in-the-Fields Church, 60 St Giles High Street. London, WC2H 8LG – just over the road from the shop.
  
• Reservations: Please email talks@arthurbeale.co.uk to reserve your place.
• Admission: A nominal £5.00 entry fee is charged but this is fully refundable on purchase of the book (£14.00) or any item from Arthur Beale worth over £15.00.

The book is available to pre-order from the Arthur Beale website – bring your receipt for FREE admission, collect your copy on the night and if you’re lucky, Peter might even sign it for you!

Arthur Beale will also be open until 9pm on Thursday evening for your boat-themed Christmas shopping!