{"title":"Alan Spence","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our collection of works by the acclaimed author Alan Spence, a celebrated name in contemporary Scottish literature. Known for his lyrical prose and profound storytelling, Spence has earned a reputation for crafting narratives that beautifully intertwine the realms of imagination and reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong his many celebrated works, \u003cem\u003eMister Timeless Blyth: A Biographical Novel\u003c\/em\u003e stands out as a testament to his literary prowess. This intriguing novel offers readers a glimpse into the life of a rather unconventional character, exploring themes of time, identity, and the human condition through Spence's characteristic blend of wit and wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlan Spence's books are categorised under General Fiction, yet they often transcend traditional genre boundaries, offering readers a rich tapestry of experiences and insights. Whether you're new to his work or a seasoned fan, delve into these pages to discover stories filled with depth, warmth, and a touch of the mystical.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mister-timeless-blyth-a-biographical-novel-by-alan-spence-9780804856355","title":"Mister Timeless Blyth: A Biographical Novel","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLovers of Haiku, Zen and Japan will find this novel truly inspiring!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAn extraordinary man at a crucial time and place.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eImprisoned during World War I as a conscientious objector and interned during World War II as an enemy alien, Reginald Horace Blyth was a poet, a scholar, a musician, a linguist and a student of Zen who ultimately became teacher to an emperor. His pivotal works were published in Japan even during his internment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlyth ultimately became the key link and mediator between the Imperial Household and the occupying American forces, whom many credit with saving Japan from chaos after the war. His fingerprints are everywhere today in the study of Zen, Haiku and Japanese culture, and his work has influenced some of the most important writers of the 20th century—including Huxley, Oshi, Aiken, Watts, Salinger, Kerouac, Ginsberg and others. He was, in many ways, a man who changed the world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMister Timeless Blyth\u003c\/i\u003e is his story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in the form of an autobiographical novel filled with Zen and poetry, this book recounts a life of hard work, books and music, of spiritual questing, and of learning to be at peace with one's self and one's choices. It celebrates a man who built bridges between East and West for the greater part of his lifetime. Through it, we understand someone who moved with a sense of purpose, warmth and humour and left a mark that was very distinct indeed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e‘In \u003ci\u003eMister Timeless Blyth\u003c\/i\u003e, writer Alan Spence has created a fascinating (auto) biography, convincingly in R.H. Blyth's own voice. In it, he has conveyed the haiku scholar's love of music, eastern and western literature, Zen Buddhism, and sly contradictions. Blyth's profound understanding of haiku and his self-deprecating humour permeate every page. Throughout this work, Mr. Spence has included an interesting constellation of characters who influenced Blyth on what he considered his own karmic path, giving us an entirely new perspective of his life and personal development. I could not put the book down.’\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e- William Scott Wilson, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Life and Zen Haiku Poetry of Santoka Taneda\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853823725804,"sku":"9780804856355","price":44.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/15119093482474.jpg?v=1759220237"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/alan-spence.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}