Classical Comics New Titles

The menu is self-explanatory - try it and see for yourselves. The magazine is arranged into three main sections, REVIEWS, FEATURE ARTICLES and STORIES, and NEW & COMING SOON TITLES. The latter section is a little like a bookshop where you can browse what's new for this month, but it is arranged by Publisher, as this is the easiest way for me to do it. Let me knowwhat you think...

If you were lucky, and you're a dad, you might have received a copy of this fantastic book on Father's Day! Neil Oliver, the historian from the smash BBC series COAST, retells the stories that inspired us to be better men during the last century. He laments... more

Amanda Greenslade is a fantasy writer, like me (except she's young enough to be my granddaughter, and therefore has time on her side!). Her ASTOR CHRONICLES look fantastic, and I hope it won't be long before she finds a publisher. In the meantime, there's an interview with Amanda in this issue, together with information on TALON, the first book in the series.

KELLEY ARMSTRONG's latest book, THE SUMMONING, is so good I had to give it joint book of the month in the fantasy section; Kelley never lets you down, and this is a terrific read, chilling and entertaining at the same time - don't miss it!

And don't forget to let me know what you think of this issue of BOOKS MONTHLY ~ you can e-mail me at editor@booksmonthly.co.uk

Last weekend the fourth INDIANA JONES movie smashed box office records with takings estimated to be in excess of Ł148m - there are lots more great new Indy books reviewed in this issue, see the Feature Articles and Stories menu above

All of the titles listed or reviewed in Books Monthly are available from the store. Click on the Amazon logo to check availability as many are not yet published.

STOP PRESS: Classical Comics have free downloads (PDFs) of the set sections for the 2008 Key Stage 3 English test (Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest and Richard III) - all brilliantly illustrated and annotated (three versions, original, plain and quick text) - go to www.classicalcomics.com - here's a taster:

Classical Comics ~ Macbeth
William Shakespeare

John McDonald (Adaptation writer); Jon Haward (Artist ~ pencils and inks)

What an absolutely brilliant way to read (and learn) Shakespeare! Last night I found myself reading the plain text version and thoroughly enjoying it - as much as I love the sound of Shakespeare I can't claim to always understand it - but this version from Classical Comics enables you to do both, and it's outstanding! I don't know if it's because I've always been keen on comics and graphic novels ~ my first introduction to TARZAN OF THE APES was in the comics my uncles used to bring home ~ but this is something else. The Scottish Play is brought to life in a way I would never have thought possible. I cannot recommend this series enough, it is a triumph of inventive publishing that succeeds on multiple levels. It's enjoyable to read per se, it will help scholars to understand Shakespeare, it presents the very finest imagery, and even allows you to read the original text as well. There have been comic versions of classic novels in the past, but nothing so comprehensive and engaging as this.

Classical Comics follow up their outstanding success with HENRY V (reviewed last month) by bringing you three stunning versions of MACBETH ~ top-quality comic art combined with three excellent versions of the text - if only these had been available when I was doing A Level English! No more wondering what Mr Shakespeare meant when he used certain words and phrases, it's all here. You'd be mad not to get at least two versions, all three would be better, and you could get all three for Ł21 from my Amazon store (+p&p). Just put "Classical comics macbeth" in the search box and away you go - couldn't be easier. Patrick Stewart says: "I'm fascinated by your approach... I find them gripping, dramatic and, although for me the original Shakespeare is always my reason for turning to these plays, I think that what you are doing in illuminating and making them perhaps more lucid for young people, is clever and meaningful" - quite an endorsement!

"All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter."

Fate? Destiny? Or one man's obsession with power? Macbeth is probably the most dramatic of Shakespeare's tragedies. Set in 1040, this spectacular treatment of one of the greatest works of the Bard will give you a brand new and totally fulfilling view of the sheer genius of his story telling. Witchcraft, superstition, murder - it's all here! Featuring stunning artwork, and full of action, atmosphere and intrigue from start to finish; this new graphic novel of
The Bard's wonderful tragedy will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Books Monthly (formerly Gateway Monthly) is published by Paul Edmund Norman on the first day of each month. You can contact me via e-mail at: editor@booksmonthly.co.uk . If you'd like to get a story published in Books Monthly just e-mail it to me and I'll consider it - no payment though, I'm afraid!