Hands up, all H.E. Bates fans

    Who else is a lover of H.E. Bates' work but hasn't read any for years?

    If you're a fan you'll be pleased to hear that this year and next Bloomsbury are re-issuing the complete short story collections in ebook format with some of them to come out in paperback, too. I have the first of the set, Day's End and Other Stories, and I'm very much looking forward to reading it and becoming reacquainted with a writer I loved when I was in my twenties but haven't picked up since.

    Often described as the British Chekhov for his mastery of the short form, Bates was also a bestselling novelist with books such as Love for Lydia, Fair Stood the Wind for France, and the Pop Larkin chronicles (beginning with The Darling Buds of May). His work was also adapted for the big screen, the most renowned film being The Purple Plain starring Gregory Peck.

    His stories "often explore country life, the sadness, joy, humour and darkness in what may be seen as a simpler way of life. He writes intimate character studies against vivid rural landscapes and, in so doing, beautifully captures a spectrum of emotions from innocent childhood and early adolescence to wise and experienced old age."

    If you'd like to sample the short stories you can do so at no cost by downloading Castle in the Air, a humorous piece which was lost and unknown to the Bates family until 2013, and for more information on Bates and his work, visit the H.E. Bates Companion, or sign up to the newsletter, link at the bottom of this page.

Comments

[Kim Williams]

I have just downloaded Castle in the Air to my kindle. I have read and re-read all the Pop Larkin books (which I love) but nothing else by H.E Bates. Thanks for a lovely and informative post.

[Cornflower]

You're welcome, Kim!
I liked the Larkin books, too, and others I have still on my shelves include The Yellow Meads of Asphodel, The Triple Echo, The Song of the Wren ...

[Cosy Books]

Fair Stood the Wind for France is such a wonderful book and one of my favourite reads. I own a slim volume of Bates's short stories but this new one is something to look forward to...and such a lovely cover!

[Cornflower]

Bloomsbury are bringing out 27 collections over this year and next, so there are hundreds of stories to discover or revisit! The covers I've seen are in the same style as the one shown here and very attractive.

[Mary Mayfield]

I have Day's End downloaded but started reading this new series with Bk 2 The Watercress Girl http://ourbookreviewsonline.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/the-watercress-girl-by-h-e-bates.html

[Elaine]

Just received this and looking forward to reading it

[Spade & Dagger]

Didn't get to watch the TV series Darling Buds, but always intended to read the books. Finally, last year, I got it out of the library (basement storage) with high expectations of enjoyment .... and maybe I should have read it back in the day! The first half of the book concentrating on Charlie was captivating, but by the end cynicism won out and I just couldn't take any more of Pop Larkin.

[Janet]

I read a number of H E Bates novels, including Fair Stood The Wind for France, and The Darling Buds of May and others in the now distant past, but I'm not sure about re-reading those titles. I will try this story on my Kindle ( also now an ancient object, as it has a keyboard)

[Liz Wood]

Fair Stood the Wind is a fabulous read. A complete page turner

[Naomi]

Regarding the re-issue: are the pages being reset or will the type and layout have the old look? I ask because I had trouble reading Virago Press reissues; my eyes couldn't handle the lack of space between the lines and the large-ish type.
Thank you.

[Cornflower]

My copy of Day's End would suggest it's been reset, Naomi - certainly it's very clear and well-spaced to my eyes.

[Cornflower]

I must get it!

[Cornflower]

Didn't it seem ground-breaking at the time! I too had a keyboard type when they first came out. Eventually I gave it to Mr. C. and moved on to a Paperwhite, which I like very much.

[Cornflower]

Oh, what a pity!

[Cornflower]

As I recall (though it's been a long time), Elaine, he is very readable.

[Cornflower]

Many thanks for the link, Mary - I like the sound of that collection.

[Ann]

I remember reading The Triple Echo shortly before it was made into a film. Reading your post gave me a sudden flashback to Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed! I enjoy H.E. Bates' non-fiction and have a treasured copy of "In The Heart of the Country" illustrated by C.F. Tunnicliffe.

[Toffeeapple]

Thank you so much for the information and the link. I had read Bates in my teenage years but have since forgotten anything I did read. I have downloaded Castle in the Air and will look forward to the new re-prints.