Hello!
First I would like to thank you for the trilogy, it kinda saved me from depression when I first read it and after a year of not-reading turned me back to the books I always loved so much. The second book wasn't out back then and a local bookstore was probably very tired of me always making them check their computer when it was comming out.

I just found out you're writing another Bart book and I must say: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! (yes, I know I'm late) ... I just hope shipping will be fast, because I can get kind of obsessive when it comes to books I love. :wub:

I've always been weird with demons, when other people thought they are ugly and scary I found them interesting, so I would like to ask you a couple of questions about them and Bart:

1. Spirits don't like (hate) this plain of existance, but I was wondering, is there something spirits like about it and miss in the OP? Or is/was there some spirit who found something that would be worth staying (if it wasn't for the constant pain/discomfort) and what would it be? Are there some 'loose' spirits in the world (the one that are summoned and then forgot about in that chaos of war)? BTW: I read your anwser on how spirits are created and I was also wondering does the power of this spirit that then defines it come from how strong the magician summoning it was and therefore how MUCH of a spirit he summons for the first time its calling?

2. How well do spirits connect with nature? I think it must be better than cities and crowds for them, if it is, for what reson?

3. When Bart was caught in the net of the Afrit in AoS, he fell week and 'passed out' (we must not offend Bart, saying he ACTUALLY passed out). Net was supposed to include Earth element, which was the most alien to Bart and it made him week. I was wondering if the elements that were close to Bart would make him more powerful and maybe even a little light-headed (we all know too much good isn't good for you :P )?

4. Was Bart always the way he is (sarcastic and all those easy-going qualities that shall remain nameless not to offend him)?

and finally 5. In the OP, where essence intermingles without order, does that mean that even spirits like Bart and Faquarl mix freely (without some argument between them), or do they kind of 'stay away' from each other? And how does essence of one being 'defined' from the other? Are Afrits different, with more amount of esscence or are they all the same?

I know it is a lot of questions, but I would really like to know more about their world and their thinking - I'm a real myth freak adn a lot of myth-related and symbolism can be founc in your books, which makes me one happy reader!

Thank you for the trilogy again (and the book that's comming out in future of 2010 :D )!
Barbara

Hello Barbara,
I'm very glad the books came at the right time for you, and I very much hope you enjoy the new one! Not too long to wait now.
Sorry to be slow replying, and thanks for all the interesting questions.
Okay, here are some answers:
1. Spirits generally hate being away from the peace and comfort of the Other Place, but you're right that there ARE some things about Earth that some of them quite like. Bartimaeus, for instance, very much enjoys the sense of history and achievement that all his adventures give him, and he rather relishes his own character too. If he had never been summoned to Earth he'd never have experienced all these things that, essentially, define him. I don't think that there are 'loose' spirits, as such, though the idea is interesting. The nearest you get are spirits that are trapped or imprisoned in some way for prolonged periods of time, but they're always bound to an object or place. I think your analysis of a first summoning is really good: yes, I think the strength of the initial summons is likely to determine how much essence is brought over, and therefore how strong the new spirit becomes.
2. Spirits and nature: Bart and other djinn dislike cities because they are made (largely) of Earth, which is an uncomfortable element for fiery spirits, but also because they are heavily associated with magicians and the least pleasant forms of slavery. In general, peoples who lived nomadic lives were less harsh with their spirits, and often interacted with them in a more equal way. Also Bart likes all that air and space - it's closer to the OP, because less defined.
3. That's a good question: you're probably right that if Bart was given the right balance of fire and air (his top elements) he'd probably feel rather giddy and exhilarated! Too much of either wouldn't be healthy though.
4. See The Ring of Solomon for the answer to this question!
5. When they're back in the Other Place, the essence of all the spirits mingles freely - and their 'personalities' become markedly less important. Faquarl and Bart would both basically be drops in an ocean, and would be too busy enjoying being part of this fluid whole to worry about getting on each other's nerves!
Thanks again, Barbara.
All the best,
Jonathan