I would like to introduce myself. My name is Nick, I come from Italy and although I might say that I like fantasy books (I grew up with The Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons), the reason why I got to know this fascinating trilogy is quite different...

I am going to be Mr. Stroud's interpreter at the upcoming Festival of Literature of Mantua, Italy (www.festivaletteratura.it). I read his works in order to know what we are likely to speak about and was just spellbound. I would just object to a few minor translation choices in the Italian version (which is good, though, on the whole), but then I would go off-topic.

Regards,

Nicola

P.S. Just in case, I happen to be a man, "Nicola" being the Italian equivalent of "Nicholas".

That's awesome. Welcome to the site!

That is indeed truly awesome!
And welcome! Glad to have you here =D.

That is quite probably the most interesting way to get introduced to the trilogy. :)
Welcome!

That is an awesome job.

Welcome!

Nick76 wrote:but then I would go off-topic.

Oh we all tend to get a little carried away on here. It would be interesting to be able to see some thoughts on the Bartimaeus trilogy that haven't already been discussed before.

And .

I wonder if you can actually FEEL the ENVY emnating from your computer screen. We all wish we were you... That's so awesome...
Benvenuto Nicola! :)

Lilith wrote:I wonder if you can actually FEEL the ENVY emnating from your computer screen. We all wish we were you... That's so awesome...
Benvenuto Nicola! :)

I thank you all for your warm welcome.

Incidentally...

> I wonder if you can actually FEEL the ENVY emnating from your computer screen

Why don't you hop on a plane* and come to Mantua, then? Mr Stroud will be holding two talks on Thursday, one in the afternoon (he's going to speak about his works) and a shorter one in the evening (he's going to comment on "Treasure Island", which he describes as the best adventure book ever). Plus Mantua is a quaint old town and they cook delicious pumpkin tortellos...

Regards,

Nicola

* Not one of the seven planes, of course.

Oh, he likes Treasure Island a lot? So do I!
I hope I could come to Mantua. Anyway, do tell us everything that goes on there during those two days.

Welcome!!!! Have a ! Trust me, this one is completely safe. We wouldn't want someone who is gonna meet Stroud to get sick, would we?

nathanielandbartimaeus wrote:Oh, he likes Treasure Island a lot? So do I!
I hope I could come to Mantua. Anyway, do tell us everything that goes on there during those two days.

I certainly will report the talks and perhaps post a picture of two*. You may think I am too unbearably painstaking, but Stroud is going to deliver both speeches on the same day**. In any case, there is a similar festival of literature in the UK every year, which may be easier for you to reach, does anyone know if he has ever taken part in it?

Regards***

Nick

*Of Mr. Stroud, certainly not of myself. Though some of you might appreciate my long red hair.

** I'll be there for five days, I'm also working with other writers, though he's my favourite this year.

***You may argue that there is no point in writing so many annoying footnotes. You're perfectly right. Barti-style is just contagious.

There are various literature festivals here. I know he's spoken at the Cheltenham Literature Festival before because I've seen him there, but he's not on the list for this year, despite his journal saying he's doing a UK tour roundabout when it's being held.

What a coincidence!* I have just found out that the second event with Mr. Stroud in Mantua will be broadcast live in the Festival website!

On Thursday, 9th September, at 8:30 or 8:45 p.m. you should find it online at the address www.festivaletteratura.it. The site is in Italian, however there is an English version of it**. Obviously, what the author says in English will be translated into Italian, whereas you will not hear the translation into English of the questions (if any), since I'll be whispering the translation to Stroud***. Gee, you might even catch a glimpse of me live. I have to remember to put on a nice tie.

Regards,

Nick

*But I do not believe in coincidences, as Barti said in the first book.

**You should click on "English" in the top right corner. Maybe the smartest of you could have figured that out by themselves.

***After all, it's free of charge. Do not complain, please.

I WISH I could "hop on a plane" and come join the fun, but unfortunately I am a student and therefore have no money. :(

Nick76 wrote:What a coincidence!* I have just found out that the second event with Mr. Stroud in Mantua will be broadcast live in the Festival website!

On Thursday, 9th September, at 8:30 or 8:45 p.m. you should find it online at the address www.festivaletteratura.it. The site is in Italian, however there is an English version of it**. Obviously, what the author says in English will be translated into Italian, whereas you will not hear the translation into English of the questions (if any), since I'll be whispering the translation to Stroud***. Gee, you might even catch a glimpse of me live. I have to remember to put on a nice tie.

Regards,

Nick

*But I do not believe in coincidences, as Barti said in the first book.

**You should click on "English" in the top right corner. Maybe the smartest of you could have figured that out by themselves.

***After all, it's free of charge. Do not complain, please.

I wouldn't be able to see it live as I would most probably be in college then and anyway, my speakers don't work*.
And yes, footnotes ftw. It is sad we don't use it much here**.

*Nevertheless, I like the fact that it is broadcast live =D.
** Hence me using it =D.

Hey, as everyone else said, welcome. I love your footnotes ^^

Also, I would come, but all my money is going to university right now, so...