John James (writer)
David John James, born 1 January 1923 in Aberavon, Wales, died 1 January 1993, was an author of historical novels.[1]
He studied philosophy at St David's University College, Lampeter, and also read and completed an MA in psychology at Selwyn College, Cambridge.[1] He became a psychologist for the Ministry of Defence, lecturing on the selection and training of air crews for the RAF at Brampton. In addition to writing he also worked as a teacher and later for the Scientific Civil Service working on aviation problems.
He is known for writing four historical novels set in Roman and early medieval Britain and Europe. Neil Gaiman is an admirer of James, especially his novel Votan, which provided one model for American Gods calling it “I think probably the best book ever done about the Norse”.[2] James's skilful evocation of life and myths of Dark Age Europe also won him the admiration of neo-pagan authors John and Caitlin Matthews.
Bibliography
Fiction
- Votan (1966) Merchant Photinus the Greek travels into Germanic lands where he inspires rumours which lead to the creation of Norse Mythology.
- Not For All The Gold In Ireland (1968). Photinus the Greek travels in Britain and Ireland and encounters situations from Celtic myth.
- Men Went to Cattræth (1969) More serious than his earlier novels this recounts the tragic story of Battle of Catterick using the Y Gododdin of Aneirin as a source.
- Seventeen of Leyden (1970) The adventures of Dr Richard Wormset, Physician and Number Seventeen of Leyden in the Knotte (the formidable secret service of His Majesty King James II), as he sails in pursuit of his betrothed who has been transported to the Indies for complicity in the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion.
- Lords of Loone (1972) A story of country life in 18th century Britain.
- Bridge of Sand (1976) Set in Roman Britain. Juvenal the satirist leads Roman troops to conquer Ireland via a mysterious rumoured bridge of sand.
Non-fiction
- The Paladins (1990) A social history of the RAF up to the outbreak of World War II.
References
- ^ a b James, John (1968). Not For All The Gold In Ireland. Great Britain: Cassell & Company LTD. pp. Book Jacket. ISBN 304 92713 9.
- ^ Interview with Neil Gaiman
External Links
| Persondata |
| Name |
James, John |
| Alternative names |
|
| Short description |
|
| Date of birth |
|
| Place of birth |
|
| Date of death |
|
| Place of death |
|