Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Lost novel of Flashman Papers creator to be published for first time

Seven years after the death of George MacDonald Fraser, his novel Captain in Calico, written 60 years ago, will finally be published

George MacDonald Fraser at home on the Isle of Man. His first novel is 'not vintage Fraser', say his family.
George MacDonald Fraser at home on the Isle of Man. His first novel is ‘not vintage Fraser’, say his family. Photograph: Terry Smith/Time & Life Pictures/Getty
Scottish author George MacDonald Fraser’s famous Flashman Papers, which transformed Tom Brown’s best known bully, Harry Flashman, into an unlikely Victorian hero, have won legions of fans and accolades.

But the novelist’s first attempt at fiction would prove less of a literary success, failing to find a publisher – until now.

Seven years after his death, a forgotten novel, written 60 years ago and found locked away in a fireproof safe in his old study, is finally to make it into print. Vintage Fraser it is not, the author’s family candidly admit, though “Captain in Calico”, about real-life pirate John “Calico Jack” Rackham, is still a “cracking little story”.
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