This is an auction for DEAD CERTAINTIES (UNWARRENTED SPECULATIONS) by Simon Schama.

"This book can be read on at least two levels. First, there are the two intriguing stories told by talented writer and noted historian Schama, author of CITIZENS, one about the triumph and death of James Wolfe at Quebec in 1759, the second an exploration of the murder of the Boston Brahmin George Parkman in 1849. But Schama is after bigger game, and his target is the gap between a "lived event and its subsequent narration." In the chasm separating the two lies the ambiguity that obscures a more complete rendering of the past. This experiment in writing history attempts to close the gap through imagination - jumbling chronology to force the reader into more active participation in the story, and adding other voices to the usual historical narration. These include the musings of a governor of Massachusetts, the broad accents of a (fictional) soldier, and the urbane confessions of a Boston lawyer. These two "historical novellas," as Schama calls them, demonstrate the power of good storytelling in bringing history to life."

• Library Journal (US)

Very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Hardback 1991.

333 pages.

Good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95 (ordinary post) or $5.95 (tracked mail). If you are on rural delivery and want tracked mail, the shipping cost will be $8.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.