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Day: January 19, 2015

PREVIEW: ‘Oscar Wilde’s Last Chance: The Dreyfus Connection’

Posted on by Besi

In Oscar Wilde’s Last Chance: The Dreyfus Connection, historian and biographer Mark Hichens sheds light on one of the most interesting public mysteries of all time.

Oscar Wilde

OSCAR WILDE came out of prison a broken man. There seemed no hope of reviving his spirit, of finding the spark that would once again set his genius ablaze.

Yet when he arrived in Paris in 1898 an extraordinary opportunity presented itself.  The city, the whole world of politics, fashion and society was in the grip of the Dreyfus Affair, the scandalous attempt to frame a Jewish army officer on charges of treason. One of Wilde’s closest friends had been told the true secret of the plot and passed the information to Wilde in the hope of enlisting his scintillating gifts in its exposure.

How this scheme backfired, how Wilde not only misplayed his hand but actually became the friend of the arch-villain of the piece, with results at first devastating to Dreyfus but ultimately to his persecutors, is the theme of this fascinating book, first published in 1999 and now reissued in paperback for the first time.

“Hichens writes with clarity, pace, wisdom and dry humour.” – The Spectator

Oscar Wilde’s Last Chance: The Dreyfus Connection by Mark Hichens is published in paperback by Book Guild Publishing. Price: £9.99.

To order your copy online, click here:

Or from all good bookshops.

 

Kemptown MP calls for clean election campaign

Posted on by Sarah Green

Following the opening shots of the 2015 Parliamentary election campaign being fired by national politicians, Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, calls for a clean election campaign.

Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven

WITH THE campaigning period for the 2015 national Parliamentary election having officially started on December 18th, Mr Kirby is calling on all candidates and volunteers to run a clean campaign, and to shy away from the dirty politics that he says go a long way towards turning members of the public away from politics altogether. He has given assurances that he will continue to work hard for all of his constituents, no matter how they intend to vote.

Mr Kirby said: “We are now officially in the election period, and I would ask that everyone involved in this upcoming election makes sure they are diligent in running a clean campaign, focused on the important issues and debates. It is vital that the members of the public remain engaged throughout the election, and are able to make their decisions based on the campaigns that we run.”

Nancy Platts: Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven
Nancy Platts, Labour parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven

Nancy Platts, Labour parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, responded: “As voters in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven know already, I shall be focusing on substantive issues of policy and campaigning on the things that matter to local people.

“I have worked closely with the community to replace the Eaton Place GP surgery and tackle cuts to the fire service that mean we’ll lose both a fire engine and 24 firefighters here in the City, putting lives at risk.

“Simon Kirby’s voting record as a Conservative MP needs to be scrutinised. He voted for the Health and Social Care Act that has opened up our NHS to privatisation, to increase the cap on tuition fees and for policies that hit the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities, such as the Bedroom Tax. My campaign will be clean but Simon Kirby should be ready for fair criticism of his actions.” 

Mr Kirby continued: “I work hard for every one of my constituents, and I would like to assure everyone that this will continue as normal, throughout the election period. I will continue to hold constituency advice surgeries, and will be responding to letters, emails, and calls as I would normally.

“If anyone needs assistance at any point in the upcoming months, or would like to raise their specific concerns with me, please do not hesitate to be in contact, as I am always here to help.”

James Dawson to pen mental health guide for young people

Posted on by Besi

Today, the third Monday in January has been described as the most depressing day of the year, or ‘Blue Monday’.

James Dawson
James Dawson

WITH YOUNG people’s mental health a greater issue than ever before, Hot Key Books have announced, on Blue Monday itself, that James Dawson will be releasing a book on mental health issues for young people entitled MIND YOUR HEAD in 2016.

Aimed at debunking myths and banishing stigma, MIND YOUR HEAD will give tips and ideas for living with and managing your emotional well-being, as well as knowing how to find support when you need it.

The book will be written with advice from clinical psychologist Dr Olivia Hewitt.

Earlier this year, 40% of 2,267 parents surveyed by charity Action for Children said their children’s emotional well-being was a primary concern. Despite this, NHS spending on children’s mental health services in England has fallen by nearly £50m. With one in four of us likely to experience a period of mental ill health in our lives, it’s one of the most common medical afflictions and yet it’s surrounded by stigma.

James Dawson said: “Between exam-camp (school) and the added pressures of living half a life online, I don’t know if there’s ever been a tougher time to be a teenager. It’s no wonder more and more young adults are seeking support for mental health issues such as stress, depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Even with the increased visibility of these problems, I found it easier to ‘come out’ as gay than to admit I struggle with anxiety attacks. Why is that? Why is there still so much stigma around something so common? Working with clinical psychologist Olivia Hewitt, we’ve found some truly inspirational young people whose stories will give hope, strength and guidance to the reader.”

Editor Emma Matthewson added: “James has already brought extraordinary warmth and humour to the non-fiction he has published with Hot Key and it feels very timely that he should now turn his attention to the issue of mental health and the pressures that teenagers face. With more and more children and young people reporting anxiety problems and stress, there is a real need for open discussion. James’s real skill is to take subjects which are hard to talk about and write about them in a voice young people can connect with. For teens suffering with a mental health issue, it can be a very lonely place and whether you or a friend are having a hard time, we hope this book will offer helpful guidance.”

MIND YOUR HEAD will join Dawson’s two existing non-fiction titles, BEING A BOY and THIS BOOK IS GAY.

MIND YOUR HEAD will be published in 2016.

 

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