Author of the Month: J.L. Carr
Selected by the Bookshop
J.L. Carr (1912-1994), our Author of the Month for January, worked most of his life as a teacher and headmaster in Kettering, from where he also ran the Quince Tree Press. His novels appeared sporadically, from small publishing houses, to little fanfare (although A Month in the Country and The Battle of Pollock’s Crossing were nominated for the Booker Prize). Since his death, his reputation has been in the ascent: quirky, structurally playful and very English, he is simultaneously one of the great English comic writers of the 20th century, and absolutely heartbreaking. Penguin are currently reprinting his work as Modern Classics, including the much-loved A Month in the Country, a perfect starting point for newcomers to Carr.
From the publisher:
'Tender and elegant' Guardian'Unlike anything else in modern English literature' D.J. Taylor, SpectatorA damaged survivor of the First World War, Tom Birkin finds refuge in the quiet village church of Oxgodby where he is to spend the summer…
From the publisher:
Young teacher George Gidner grabs the chance to spend a year teaching in 1930’s South Dakota. So begins his life as a foreigner and a fascination with the heroes of the frontier. The Battle at the Crossing is the climax of…
From the publisher:
'One of the greatest football novels ever written and a comic masterpiece' DJ Taylor' DJ Taylor'But is this story believable? Ah, it all depends upon whether you want it to believe it.' J.L. CarrIn their new all-buttercup-yellow-stripe,…
From the publisher:
George Harpole, acting head of a primary school, is determined to climb the career ladder. The way ahead to teaching success seems clear, but he is hampered by his honesty, fair mindedness, and his fellow teachers. The hugely…
From the publisher:
George and Emma are amongst the characters from earlier novels who make a return in this book about publishing. All areas are explored from the perils of a humble printing press to the giants of the greater publishing world, based on…
From the publisher:
“This whole business from start to end, was like a game of cricket, the issue never sure, who’d win, who’d lose and who’d just watch...and go away!” The little victories of everyday life are played out against…
From the publisher:
Hetty is a spirited intellectual girl sustained by English literature in her struggles against a brutish home life. When she discovers that she was adopted she runs away in search of her real parents. Finding shelter in a…
From the publisher:
The early train brings Peplow, intent on avenging his young son’s death, to Great Minden on the day of the annual fair. Newcomer and residents alike each have their own agenda and hidden lives. As they entwine within this…
From the publisher:
The best known of J.L.Carr’s works, this is a poignant tale of missed moments, love and discovery. Set at the close of the Great War and enacted amongst a Yorkshire village community beneath the slowly unravelled mystery in the…
From the publisher:
'A fine biography...Rogers has done a wonderful job' Daily Telegraph J. L. Carr was the most English of Englishmen: headmaster of a Northamptonshire school, cricket enthusiast and campaigner for the conservation of country churches. But he…
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