Looptron

I’m trying to remember the first Iain Banks book I read. I’m not sure if it was “Espedair Street” or “Consider Phlebas”. Maybe both without realising they were one and the same author? I definitely read the former book during my first year at uni though, so it’s been at least two decades.

He’s written some of my favourite 39 Steps-style, penny-dreadful chase stories; I’ve probably read “Against A Dark Background” ten times. I adored “Transition” too.

I’m not really one for having favourites, but as authors go he was as close as they come.

Rest in peace, sir, and thanks.

I got distracted while eating my lunch and ended up doing some research.

Maximum extent of The British Empire:

Countries in which Starbucks operates:

Of course, one of these brought untold suffering to millions (and the other one is the British Empire arf arf arf.)

[Images from Wikipedia.]

Warren Ellis has shut down his Machine Vision mailing list as part if his falling out with Mulholland Books.

Which is a real shame, you know, because if ever there was a mind suited to that format it is his.

Also, he is the man who introduced the word “dadpaste” to my vocabulary.

It’s so funny how we don’t talk anymore. (Oh god, now I’m singing it.)