Hello everyone, well as promised – two Blogs in two days! And that’s not bad going for me!
Yesterday’s Blog was about something very special indeed – as is this one. Over the last year I have been following with interest and great anticipation the progress of a new title by my friend and fellow author Paul Adams. Paul has written many books focussing on paranormal history and activity, and is very skilled in presenting fresh views and perspectives on well-known cases which have captured the public’s imagination. He has, for instance, worked at length with Peter Underwood (who I presume needs no introduction to my readers here), on cataloguing the Borley Rectory case, which my organisation, the BPOS, have also investigated.
I would like to extend an invitation on behalf of The Spooky Isles to all readers of my ‘The Human Touch’ Blog to attend the launch of Paul’s forthcoming book ‘Written in Blood – A Cultural History of the British Vampire’, on July 12th. There will be a short introduction to Paul’s book by myself, which I was asked to contribute in light of my central involvement in the Highgate ‘vampire’ case when it first hit the headlines in 1970, and my continued research into the genuine phenomena which inspired this particular vampire myth over the proceeding 44 years (to date!).
I believe that Paul also wants me to do a short interview about psychic research and my own views on ‘vampires’. Although I am a psychic investigator, and not ‘Britain’s Number One Psychic’ (anyone who promotes themselves in such ways would obviously be inviting scepticism regarding their claims, especially where these are fantastical! ), I feel that I can confidently predict that Paul’s book will ‘go down a storm’ when it hits the shelves. It is a ground breaking work, and his handling of the Highgate ‘vampire’ case has been very objective, unlike many stories which have appeared in the popular press. The number of books which have featured this case over the years is astonishing – as is the space they take up in my flat, as people tend to send these to me either because I have contributed or for my general interest. However it is rare to find a text upon this subject which pushes the envelope (or goes the extra mile, however one chooses to phrase it), and presents the facts in a cohesive and fresh style, but above all accurately.
I would like to say well done to Paul for his stoicism and enthusiasm in tackling such a nebulous and misrepresented paranormal case, as well as for completing a book with much broader implications for other cases, some well-known, some obscure – not to mention the impact of literature and movies upon popular culture including my old favourite bugbear, the influence of ‘Hammer Horror’ films!
The launch is taking place at the King and Queen public house in Foley Street, London, from 7.00pm, and full details can be found here.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as can make it on the night!
If you can’t attend, I heartily encourage you to obtain a copy of Paul’s work, which is essential reading for anyone interested in the Highgate ‘vampire’, and vampirism in general. It can be found on Amazon here.
For now,
David Farrant.
