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News 21 June 2005
New Acquisition
Mainstream is delighted to have acquired the rights to BATTLING JACK You Gotta Fight Back by Jack Turpin with W. Terry Fox. 'Battling' Jack Turpin is the last surviving member of his generation of the best-known, best-loved boxing family. Struggling against poverty in a post-war racist society, the excitement and gladiatorial glamour of the ring lured Jack and his brothers into professional boxing. From a homemade backstreet gymnasium, they punched their way into the record books. Randolph, the youngest of the three brothers, defeated the legendary US boxer Sugar Ray Robinson in a bout for the world middleweight title and Dick, the eldest, was the first black British boxer to win the British middleweight title after the colour bar was lifted in 1948. These great title fights are described in gripping, adrenalin-laced detail. While recalling the glory, Jack does not shirk from addressing the scandals that also blighted the family. He discusses Randolph's arrest for sexual assault while in the US and the controversy over his tragic death. Far more than a sporting hero's biography, this is a highly entertaining oral social history of working-class life in the first half of the twentieth century and gives a thought-provoking account of the way black people were perceived and treated during that period. Now almost 80 years old, Jack Turpin is as charismatic and feisty as ever. BATTLING JACK is the remarkable tale of a man whose indomitable spirit has out-stared ignorance and prejudice, tasted triumph and celebrity, and endured hardship and tragedy. World rights are available. For more information please contact karen.brodie@mainstreampublishing.com
Publicity
Sony BMG's new star, Rachael Yamagata, may be a successful singer, but it seems that she needs guidance from Mainstream authors when it comes to men. In a recent interview for Mail on Sunday's You magazine she revealed her favourite book to be HOW TO SPOT A BASTARD BY HIS STAR SIGN by Adele Lang and Susi Rajah. Rachael said: 'Most astrological books tell you about the challenges you face: this book cuts through the bull. Very valuable!'
SAUDI BABYLON continues to generate publicity. On 19 June, Sandy Mitchell appeared on BBC2's Heaven and Earth Show. He will also be interviewed by Simon Mayo on Radio Five Live at 2.30pm on 5 July.
Events
Excitement is building for The Edinburgh International Book Festival which will run from 13 to 29 August. Once again, Mainstream is pleased to have our authors hosting events:
Mark Hollingsworth, co-author of SAUDI BABYLON, is speaking on the subject of East and West on 16 August at 7.30pm.
Peter Mortimer, author of COOL FOR QAT, is also talking about East and West, on 25 August at 4.00pm
Roger Hutchinson, author of A WAXING MOON, is speaking on Scottish History and Language on 28 August at 10.30am.
For more information and to book tickets please visit www.edbookfest.co.uk.
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And Finally...
A belated welcome to Paul Murphy who has joined Mainstream as an editor, and welcome back Debs Warner, editor, who has been recuperating after breaking her wrist. We are thrilled to have our editorial team fully powered again.