Swallows, Amazons and Coots by Julian Lovelock

Following a successful book launch last week, the highly anticipated “Swallows, Amazons and Coots: A Reading of Arthur Ransome” is published today, and available from the Nancy Blackett Shop at the special introductory price of £17.00 (saving 15%).

In the first critical book devoted wholly to the Swallows and Amazons series, author Julian Lovelock takes a fresh and nostalgic look at Ransome’s creative process and narrative technique, and highlighting his contradictory politics, his defence of rural England, and his reflections on colonialism and the place of women in society.

Like the Swallows and Amazons, Julian Lovelock spent his childhood summer holidays afloat and has been messing about in boats ever since. He was until recently a lecturer in English Literature at the University of Buckingham, where he became Dean of Arts and Languages and Pro Vice-Chancellor. He is a member of the Arthur Ransome Society, and editor of its journal, Mixed Moss.

The book includes a foreword by Sophie Neville, current president of the Arthur Ransome Society, who also starred as Titty in the 1974 Swallows and Amazons film.

“Swallows, Amazons and Coots: A Reading of Arthur Ransome” can now be ordered from the Nancy Blackett Shop at the special introductory price of £17.00 (plus p&p) – the offer ends on 31st October.

As always, all proceeds go towards the care of the Nancy Blackett. If you’d like to help Nancy Blackett last forever, then please also consider donating to our Appeal.