Author John Rapilliard to sign copies of The British Viking at Curiosity Bookshop, Runcorn

Jun 16 2011 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

LOVERS of literature with a historical twist are invited to a book signing in Runcorn on Saturday.

John Rapilliard, author of The British Viking, will be at Curiosity Bookshop, High Street, on Saturday from noon.

As well as signing copies of his debut novel, John will be talking about his work and answering questions from members of the public.

John said: “This novel, my first, is set in the North West of England at the end of the 7th century.

“The hero is half Viking and half Welsh, and torn between his dual heritage at a time of intense political and religious conflict.

“While preferring the Viking way of life, he marries a Welsh princess and endeavours to bring lasting peace to his part of the world.”

John worked in further education in Liverpool until he took early retirement last year.

He added: “I have had a lifelong interest in archaeology and history, especially of the Viking period, using this knowledge as background to my novel.

“I also write short stories which get published in various magazines.”