I'm very pleased to be able to say that my book 'James Fitzjames: the Mystery Man of the Franklin Expedition' will be launched with a Reception and Lecture to be held at Trinity House in the City of London from 6:00 pm to 9:30 on Tuesday 27th July, 2010.
The book is the first ever biography of James Fitzjames. On and off, I have spent a lot of time over the last two years reading, thinking, talking and writing about James Fitzjames and I feel I have got to know him quite well. He was a remarkable man with a rare combination of charm and intelligence and I hope the book is an appropriate memorial to him. As well as that, I hope that some readers at least find the account of his life and adventures exciting. And also, the book contains two significant exclusives. The first of these is who he was - his origins and family has always been unclear - and the second is the source of his influence. Neither of these have ever been known before and their revelation will cast significant new light on the Franklin Expedition.
Trinity House is a wonderful setting for this Reception and Lecture. One of the artefacts on display there is the sextant Admiral (then Captain) Collinson used during his search for Franklin (and Fitzjames of course). Collinson knew Fitzjames as they had both fought in the First Anglo-Chinese War.
I truly hope that this Reception is a worthy memorial to a brave man. If you would like to attend please let me know by contacting me through blogger or Facebook, where James Fitzjames has his own page.
