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Peter Rothwell
The landscape of North Devon is dramatic and impressive and has long been the inspiration for painters and poets, writers and dreamers. Charles Kingsley, Turner, R. D. Blackmore, Agatha Christie an...view moreThe landscape of North Devon is dramatic and impressive and has long been the inspiration for painters and poets, writers and dreamers. Charles Kingsley, Turner, R. D. Blackmore, Agatha Christie and more recently Ted Hughes and Henry Williamson to name but a few. Peter Rothwell follows in their illustrious footsteps.
Readers familiar with the novels of Henry Williamson will recognise in the title 'ANCIENT SUNLIGHT', a reference and a tribute to his fifteen volume 'Chronicle of Ancient Sunlight', which contains, particularly in the four books set during the Great War, some of the best writing in the English language. Williamson, in his title for the 'Chronicle', was paying homage to Richard Jefferies, whose autobiography'The Story of My Heart' had had such a profound effect upon the young soldier home from the trenches
For Peter Rothwell, it was the discovery of Henry Williamson's 'Dandelion Days' when he was fourteen that prompted a deep interest in Williamson's work, eventually leading to several meetings with the author. One of the topics discussed was the ending of 'The Pathway', the final part of Williamson's tetralogy 'The Flax of Dream'. Why had he chosen to end the story the way he had? It transpired that he had considered a number of alternatives.
It was at this moment that the idea of writing a 'post-script' to 'The Pathway' was born and approval sought. “You may write what you wish. You may send me a copy, but I will not promise to read it...” came Williamson's reply.
'ANCIENT SUNLIGHT' is the outcome of that conversation...
Peter Rothwell is well-known for his paintings and illustrations of North Devon and his books about Lundy Island.
'ANCIENT SUNLIGHT' is his first novel. and won an award from The Winston Graham Trust.view less