Half a Million Views

Yesterday the number of views of posts on this site, since it started in 2010, exceeded 500,000. There has been a particular surge in the last few weeks - I don't know why. Thanks to everyone who has shown interest.

The most popular posts have been the ones on Selfridges and the Lyminster Knucker. The most viewed of more recent posts has been the list of vinyl records I played at The Berth of the Cool evening in Hastings last year. Once again, I have no idea why. 

This week, having spoken to some friends about their experiences with AI, I thought I'd find out what Chat GPT knew about me. I've not consciously engaged much with AI up till now. Here's what came back:

'Antony Clayton is a writer and author, although he is not as widely known as some mainstream authors. His work generally focuses on non-fiction topics, often relating to historical, cultural or social themes. Clayton's writing style tends to be informative and thorough, exploring the intricacies of various subjects with depth and research. He may not have a large presence in popular media but is known in more niche circles.'

London Underground Horror Films and Folklore - talk at the Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies

Another date for the diary. For the Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies, an in-depth study of horror films and folklore on the London Underground that will include Quatermass and the Pit, Bulldog Jack , Death Line and various other chthonic chillers. To be held at the Horse Hospital in London on Tuesday 14 October. I shall also be selling copies of my latest book Mansion of Gloom.

Book though the link here.

Hastings Book Fair and Talk at Kensington Central Library

Mansion of Gloom will be on sale at Hastings Book Fair on Saturday 13 September in the refurbished Observer building between 11.00 and 16.00. Details here. The book's brilliant designer Richard De Pesando will be there together with other examples of his design and typesetting skills. More about Richard here. 

Also an illustrated talk coming up in London on Thursday 6 November on Mansion of Gloom: the Unsettling Legacy of Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher'.  It will take place at one of my favourite talk venues the Lecture Theatre (recently refurbished with upgraded equipment) of Kensington Central Library. See here.

See here for details. The £3 entry fee includes a glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink.

Copies of Mansion of Gloom will be on sale.