We are delighted to announce that ‘One Last Bend: A personal history of Peter Henry’s travelling shop’ will be published this October, with launches in the author Mr Vincent Henry’s hometowns of Tullamore, Co Offaly, and Clara, Co. Offaly. The book will be launched by former Taoiseach Mr Brian Cowen (former prime minister of Ireland), with details to follow.
Vincent availed of JM Agency’s comprehensive and bespoke Book Management service, where our team manages all aspects of the publication process for the author or publisher.
Editors Susan and Sarah worked on early drafts of the manuscript, editing and developing what was such a promising story, while graphic designer Parvathi created a beautiful cover that captures the essence of Vincent’s book. Graphic design team Amit and Soumi have worked their magic on the book interior, creating a font and presentation style that conveys the essence of the book. Jeremy managed the process with his publisher’s hat.
A little about One Last Bend
For 40 odd years Peter Henry drove his mobile shop up and down the narrow roads and byways of the Irish midlands. His mission was to bring food and farm supplies to the hearths of remote cottages where life hadn’t changed in a hundred years.
Peter delivered more than goods, of course. His presence was his customers’ contact with the outside world; he brought news of weddings and wakes, funerals and football.
In One Last Bend; A personal history of Peter Henry’s travelling shop, Peter’s son Vincent, a former civil servant, school teacher and footballer, recounts the remarkable story of his family’s enterprise. Henry charts the van’s history from staple of rural life to a vestige of a bygone era. Readers will also encounter the many colourful characters who populated these Irish hinterlands; including Razor Devine, the gifted footballer and unrepentant thief; Junior, the hapless bachelor farmer; and Nannie Berry, famous for her mouthwatering butter.
What people are saying about One Last Bend
Praise for ‘One Last Bend’ has been coming quick and fast. Mr Ciaran O’Reilly, actor, playwright and inductee in the Irish America Hall of Fame, wrote:
‘With humor, poignancy, and monumental affection for the people of Clara and its environs, Vincent Henry delivers a throbbing travel memoir.
As travel memoirs go, it does not aspire towards the Taj Mahal or the Pyramids or any of the world’s seven wonders. Instead it reveals the world’s eight wonder: the grit and charm of a vibrant community.’
Professor Paul Rouse, of UCD School of History, remarked:
‘This lovely book brilliantly captures a world that no longer exists. The Van passed along the High Road in Durrow where we lived and was an essential part of the life of the community.
Vincent Henry’s ‘One Last Bend’ is no mere work of nostalgia; it offers a vivid insight into the social history of the midlands in the decades after World War II, when everything began to change, and then continued to change very quickly.’
While former Taoiseach Mr Brian Cowen wrote:
‘Vincent’s recollections following his father in their travelling shop reminds me of the life and times of rural Ireland in a bygone age.’
If you are an author or publisher, and you would like us to work our ‘Book Management’ magic on your book, contact us to arrange your initial complimentary consultation with Jeremy.