Dear Mr.Stroud
I have a question about your inspiration to Nathanael

When I read about Nathanael and his master Underwood I realized the similarity to Goethe´s sorcerer's apprentice! Like him he was underestimated by his master and so he wanted to do some real magic when the master is not looking at him. But then everything escalates. :D
Did you know the affinity or was this just a coincidence?

Thank you for spending some time answering my question!

Hi Affa,

Interesting question! I didn't realise the story of the Sorcerer's Apprentice was Goethe's! Thanks for filling me in. I haven't read G's original, but of course I know the story from lots of other versions (including the Mickey Mouse one..!). There's definitely an echo of that tale in the relationship of Nat and Underwood, but I didn't write the story with that in the forefront of my mind. Like a lot of literary influences, I suppose it sat in the background, somewhere in my head, while I scribbled away.

Because of the way Bart refers to other tales in his footnotes, I was able to get in references to other legendary magicians here and there, including Faust - another magician that Goethe wrote about. Having said that, I haven't read G's Faust either - but I HAVE read the Marlowe version, which is great.

Bye,

Jonathan