Video: Dan Simmons (02/18/09)

As I wrote two days ago HERE when I featured Subterranean Press, I am an avid Dan Simmons fan. Ever since Hyperion, the man simply doesn’t have a bad book in his sci-fi/fantasy work. And whenever he comes out with a new novel I buy it on release day.

Luckily, two years in a row, Dan has visited Seattle on tour and held signing events at the fantastic University Bookstore where this time he spoke about his new book, Drood.

The premise of Drood is brilliant, in my opinion.

On June 9, 1865, author Charles Dickens was traveling by rail when, by human error, the train jumped the tracks. Many cars tumbled off, killing those within. Interestingly enough, the only first class car to not derail contained Dickens, who helped the wounded and dying as best he could until help arrived. For the next five years until his death on June 9, 1870—exactly five years after the accident—Dickens would be plagued by darkness and failing health, interested in death, the occult and hypnotism, only able to write half a novel in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and never staying in one place for very long.

Dan brings to the fore those final five years of Charles Dickens’ life in Drood!

And reveals the dark mysterious descent of arguably the 19th century’s greatest writer.

In the forthcoming seven videos, Dan gives a far more in depth look at the life of Charles Dickens and Drood. He then reads from the book and answers questions from the audience.

Here is A Speech, Reading and Q&A with Dan Simmons! Enjoy!

Part I of VII:

For the other six parts to Dan’s event, continue on!