Seth Grahame-Smith's literary "mash-up" Pride and Predudice and Zombies
Da Vinci Code sequel set for 2009 A sequel to Dan Brown’s conspiracy theory novel The Da Vinci Code will be published on 15 September 2009. The Lost Symbol will follow hero Robert Langdon through a 12-hour timeframe. Brown described writing the new novel, which was originally set for release in 2006 as “a strange and wonderful journey”.
Rare Potter drawings go on sale Original Harry Potter book illustrations are to go on sale at the 14th annual Glasgow Art Fair. The preparatory drawings by illustrator Cliff Wright were used as the basis for the front and back cover of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. One drawing depicting Harry and his friend Hermione astride a “Hippogriff” – a hybrid of an eagle and a horse – will be on sale at just under £13,000.
Rowling quits charity over ‘rift’ JK Rowling has stood down as patron of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland claiming that the charity is being split by an internal row. The Harry Potter author, whose mother had the disease and died aged 45, has backed the charity for nearly a decade. But she said conflict between Scotland and management in London had resulted in resignations and demoralisation. An MS Society spokesman said it was undergoing a governance review and regretted Ms Rowling’s departure.
It’s… Darcy of the Dead “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.” It’s an opening line that might make Jane Austen turn in her grave – or rise from it with her arms out-stretched. For writer Seth Grahame-Smith has taken Austen’s Regency classic and turned it into Pride and Prejudice with Zombies. The novel, which uses the the vast majority of Austen’s original text, is being touted as the first mainstream literary “mash-up”. It’s a bizarre mix of genres which sees Elizabeth Bennet as a kung-fu expert dedicated to wiping out the zombie menace in the quiet village of Meryton. The publication of the book comes amid plans for a sci-fi horror film in which aliens wreak havoc on a Jane Austen-style period drama. Elton John’s film company, Rocket Pictures, is to start filming Pride and Predator in London later this year.
Roads named after Discworld books Discworld author Sir Terry Pratchett has unveiled road names at a new housing estate in Somerset which were named after the fictional world. Peach Pie Street and Treacle Mine Road are included in a list named in honour of the comic fantasy novels at the Kingwell Rise development in Wincanton.
