The First of Mark's Volumes of Mark: Quotes, Philosophy & Poetry [Paperback]

This volume contains a number of poems on a wide variety of topics, from History to Philosophy, and Society to Politics, as well as a good (and sometimes random) selection of thoughts, beliefs and comments - including a number from the author, his friends and colleagues.

While the description of this title provides an essential outline of its content, I think I can best provide comments by quoting from my introduction in the book itself: '...If it is to be hoped that this volume will help stimulate thought, then there is another key purpose. I have decided that – making the brave assumption that it makes any profit! – the money earned should go to charity. There are so many people in the world who live without access to clean water, a guaranteed supply of food, or shelter, let alone an education or the Western luxuries that we can all too easily take for granted. Anything that will help alleviate these problems, in however small a measure, should be heartily welcomed.' Having hoped that the volume will serve to stimulate thought, it is interesting to opine that few books will combine quotes by such a range of people and groups as John Lennon, The Beatles, Captain E.J. Smith of the Titanic, Berk Pickard (a passenger on the Titanic) and the propaganda department of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Probably even fewer will then also contain cocktail receipes, as this one does. And, even fewer still will contain poems as diverse as 'The Magic Stick,' 'Buzz Bomb,' 'Mission to Moscow,' or 'Fish and Chips, Dear Vera.' Whether such variety is good or bad is a judgement that can best be left to the reader.

Mark Chirnside has had a passion for writing since an early age. He is the author of The Olympic Class Ships - Olympic, Titanic and Britannic and RMS Olympic - Titanic's Sister (both Tempus Publishing). He has also written a large number of maritime articles for magazines, which have been well received and won considerable praise. He remains active in the field of maritime history and this volume, The First of Mark's Volumes of Mark - Quotes, Philosophy and Poetry, represents new ground for him.