Now, I love history, really love history and have many, many history books. So many in fact, that I am now prohibited from buying any more due to lack of space. I am not interested in historical ‘novels’, though these are cheap as chips. I read factual history books based upon a solid body of research and evidence.  I decided therefore to go and check out some of my favourite historians to see what their bestselling works were going for. My first port of call was Barry Cunliffe, well known historian whose specialist field is the Celts. Imagine my consternation when I discover that his best selling work ‘The Celts’ published in 1997 is £10.99, and the paperback version (wait for it), £10.99. Another of his, ‘The Ancient Celts’, also published in 1997, Kindle version£11.63, paperback edition £12.92.

I did some research and discovered pretty much the same situation for most of the history books that interested me.   I am at a loss to understand how the publishers can justify this pricing policy when there are no printing costs or other related overheads? I appreciate that there is the royalty payment to the writer…but still!!! How is this mark-up justified?

So,  my Kindle experience thus far? Disappointing.

ETA: Having said that, reading the books I have downloaded thus far is an enjoyable experience.

It was quite a challenge, and the questions Bill sent me were pretty thorough and covered a lot of ground, but I really enjoyed it, despite that writing about oneself can be quite a daunting task. Here is Part I of my interview. Also on the site is a nifty video of my work spliced to some pretty funky music.

Thanks Bill for such a great opporunity for some fantastic exposure, and a very flattering introduction to the interview. Bless you.

If you do go and have a read, please do leave a comment, as it’s so appreciated by both Bill Weaver (who puts so much work into the site) and I.