Celebrating Keith A Pearson

I’ve been a fan of this British author ever since I heard him on Ken Bruce’s Popmaster back in January 2021. But his latest novel is so blinking brilliant, I thought it was about time I swung the spotlight on some of his masterpieces.

The Last Stop Video Shop
A poignant, darkly humorous novel about faltering relationships, abandoned dreams, and a man quietly running out of road.
I just finished this phenomenal book and, even though the tears are still running down my cheeks (and few stories have ever done that), I wanted to capture the essence of why this one touched me so deeply.

This is a story every man should read, especially every father, because the ones to whom Keith A Pearson’s incredible message doesn't apply are few and far between.
By the same token, it's a story every son and daughter should read, because it may just go some way toward helping them understand why their father was so derelict in his paternal duties. Whether they can forgive him or not is down to their own capacity for forgiveness, and the severity of his transgressions, which for some males of that generation went far deeper than fear-induced indifference. 'Nuff said.
The timing could not be more salutary for me and may well result in me digging deep to tap into that well of forgiveness which I've been convinced is completely desiccated after many decades of enduring more than a grown woman should at the hands of someone who in theory is supposed to care. Hence my eternal gratitude.
A truly life-changing story.

This wonderful, salutary story is the 20th by this prolific author and I’ve yet to read one I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. Here are a few highlights:

The Strange Appeal of Dougie Neil
Dougie Neil isn’t exactly a catch. Middle-aged, soft around the edges, and spectacularly average, he’s no one’s idea of a romantic lead — including his own. Then something strange happens.
One thing you can be sure of when you pick up a book by Keith A Pearson – you will still be thinking about his characters days (weeks?) later, and some of them become like those friends you only see a few times a year, but can’t wait to meet again. Dougie is one of these, and his story is a total page turner, with a couple of didn’t-see-it-coming twists and a truly satisfying ending.

Terms May Apply
What would you give for a wish to come true? Your left arm? Your most cherished possession? Your last crumb of integrity?
The biggest thing for me when reading is feeling an emotional connection to the main characters, and I certainly had that in spades. I also love a good plot twist or six, and I got plenty of them. I really couldn’t see any way out of poor Kyle’s predicament (integrity intact), and the denouement was nothing short of genius. A cracking good read, full of unique situations, imaginative twists, and oodles of fun.

A Page in your Diary
Ten insane days. One miraculous opportunity to re-write the past.
My oh My - what a beaut. Just so-oo impressed with the characters, plot and the awesomely clever twists and turns our poor hero has to orchestrate to get him out of the latest pickle. Pure Genius. A must for all popmaster fans.

Clement Series
What’s not to like about this larger-than-life throwback of absolute and utter political incorrectness?
Certainly not his soft centre hidden beneath a rock-hard exterior. Magnificent!
Who Sent Clement?: A miraculous tale of debts, threats, and a dead man in double denim.
Wrong’un: Overcoming the worst kind of evil requires the strangest kind of Angel.
Clawthorn: When the truth is locked in the past, best you pray for the right locksmith.
Headcase: Delusion is the ideal place to rest on a painful journey to the truth.

Angel of Camden Series:
Eminence: Compelling, credible storytelling filled with charismatic characters, page-turning action and truly original plot twists. Clem's first American adventure has him giving Jack Reacher a run for his money, with the added bonus of a healthy dose of the author's dry, intelligent humour.
Terrier: Clement never disappoints - another rollicking good story with relatable characters in credible situations and enough cleverly disguised clues along the way to make it a fun cozy mystery. More of his softer side showing makes it possibly my favourite Clement yet.

Echo Lane Series: No Easy Deeds & The Fourth Clause
Cleverly blending elements of time travel and rom-com, these a hugely engaging stories feature a character struggling with the realities of adulthood, and the complexity of dealing with the grown-up world of mortgages, employers and relationships. With spot-on memories of the 80s and 90s, the supernatural/time-travel elements are, as ever, seamlessly woven and totally believable. Can’t wait for the next one.

Mungo Thunk Series: Meeting Mungo Thunk & The Way we Thunk
This isn’t just a page turner, it’s the mother and father of all page turners, gripping you in its spell until the empty stars come up at the end, wanting to be filled. Well, it would be rude not to after being so thoroughly entertained. Sure, Adam wasn’t exactly the most likable of characters, but he wouldn’t have had such a huge character arc if he was.
The fact I devoured both Mungo Thunk stories over the weekend instead of doing all the other stuff I should have been doing is testament to Mr Pearson’s absolute skill in weaving stories which engage, captivate and don’t let you go till they’re done. Every bit as satisfying as the first, I was pleased to see quite how many characters got exactly what they deserved.


And the rest:

1970s Sports Cars

I remember the first time I really started noticing cars - I would have been around 15 or 16 and the guy living in the first house on our road built himself a red kit-car. It was the coolest thing ever.
Any fan of James Bond movies will appreciate the emphasis on what he drove, but the very first just happens to be the same as my trend-setting hubby's first car - a Sunbeam Alpine.
Several websites suggest the quintessential James Bond car was the Aston Martin DB5, known for its gadgets and iconic status. It has been featured in numerous films, including Goldfinger, Thunderball, and Casino Royale.

Here are some of the sporty ones which caught my eye.

Triumph Herald (1959-71)

The Herald - alongside the Mini and the Ford Anglia - was a British car sensation of 1959. With Michelotti styling, and a slightly elevated price tag, the Herald soon picked up an enthusiastic following - and all that really held it back was the lack of power. In 1960, the convertible was launched, and that received a twin-carb version of the engine. This was retrospectively fitted to the saloon to perk it up a little.

Jaguar E-type (1961 – 1975)

Although automotive styling is subjective, the one vehicle that seems to top more opinion polls naming the most beautiful car in the world, the Jaguar E-type. Styled mainly by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, with significant input by Sir William Lyons, the coupe and roadsters caused a sensation when unveiled in 1961. The E-type redefined the way we viewed sports cars, and how little it could cost to buy a 150mph car (it cost £2098, when an Aston Martin DB4 was over £5000). In 1971, the E-type received an upgrade as Walter Hassan, mastermind behind the Coventry Climax Formula 1 engines, worked with Jaguar technical boss Harry Mundy to produce an all-new V12. It was Jaguar’s first production V12-powered car, designed for maximum smoothness. Maximum speed was shy of 150mph, and fuel consumption was atrocious going into the 1973 energy crisis.

Triumph Spitfire (1962-1980)

The Triumph Spitfire came about as a direct response to the release of the Austin-Healey Sprite (and subsequently MG Midget). Just as with the TRs before it, Triumph found itself playing catch-up to Abingdon, and ended up producing a sports car to answer its rival, but which eventually improved on it in many significant ways. The Spitfire was underpinned by a Herald-style separate chassis, and was powered by the same family of engines. It was a lovely-looking sports car, with Michelotti-penned styling and a closely-cropped interior for two. Fun to drive, and somehow more appealing than the MG Midget.

Porsche 911 (1963 – 1993)

The Porsche 911 is an enduring success which, aside from a few wobbles in the late 1970s, sold strongly throughout its life. It turned automotive evolution on its head because the 911 remains stoutly rear-engined in a front-engined world. In 1964, when the 911 2.0 went on sale, it represented something of a gamble for its maker, by going upmarket, wearing a smart set of clothes styled by Butzi Porsche. The first car was powered by a new air-cooled flat-six 2.0-litre engine, nicely tuned to 130bhp. In August 1968, a new and lengthened B-series body was added to the range. The rear wheels moved back by 61mm to lengthen the wheelbase, add interior room and make the handling more stable. At the same time, the 911L gained fuel injection and wider wheels and became the 140bhp 911E. 1974 saw the introduction of calmer engines - that produced lower power but more torque - which were fuel injected by Bosch for smoother, cleaner and more economical running. The body - outwardly little changed - was wider, as were the wheels, and they added impact bumpers.

Triumph GT6 (1968 – 1973)

The Triumph GT6 was originally designed as a four-cylinder GT counterpart to the Spitfire. But when the first prototypes started running, and Triumph engineers realised that the coupe was somewhat slower than the roadster, they fitted the straight-six engine as used in the 2000 and Vitesse. A stylish car, with the added appeal of an E-type-style bonnet bulge, it looked worth every penny. The Mk3 GT6, launched in 1970, received the same visual changes as the Spitfire Mk4. They turned a stylish car into a desirable one - not easy when you consider it was based on an eight-year old car.

MG MGB GT V8 (1973 – 1976)

MG missed the boat with the 'B GT V8. At the time it was perfecting the MGC and trying to turn it into a successful Austin Healey 3000 replacement, Ken Costello had been making a good living converting MGBs to Rover V8 power. It was a logical car - and one that delivered all of the MGB's potential. By the time the MGB GT V8, the world had changed, and it had hit all manner of obstacles, despite having all the ingredients for success. For one, its launch coincided with the 1973 energy crisis - a time when fuel rationing was a very real threat, and the price of fuel was going through the roof. In one fell swoop, the demand for big-engined cars like the 'B GT V8 fell through the floor - a shame, because the 'B GT V8 was a great car.

Fiat X1/9 (1977-89)

The Fiat X1/9 has an awful lot going for it as an inexpensive wind-in-the-hair fun car. Although the X1/9 was launched in Europe in 1972, the UK had to wait five years before right-hand-drive examples became available. Those early cars had 1.3-litre engines and four-speed gearboxes, and were considered somewhat underpowered compared with rivals such as the Triumph TR7. But the X1/9 had balance, poise and style that British sports car buyers could only dream about, but it struggled to crack 100mph until 1978, when the X1/9 received an uprated 1.5-litre engine and five-speed gearbox.

Triumph TR7 (1975-81)

When Triumph launched the TR7 in 1975 (in the USA; the UK had to wait until 1976), it was a clear signal that the company was making a big change in terms of the direction of the long-lived TR line. And even today, some people will find the wedged-shaped sports car a disappointment after the sporty, six-cylinder TR6. The car gained a roof and lost two cylinders, 500cc and independent rear suspension. Triumph had been forced into making it a tin-top on the back of threatened US legislation banning open-topped cars. In the end, that never happened and the convertible TR7 arrived in 1979. But for all the criticism over these points and the wedge styling, it sold faster than the TR6 ever had. It’s a much easier car to live with too, driving more like a two-seater saloon than a sports car. It’s also by far the cheapest way to join the ranks of Triumph TR ownership.

You may notice a teeny-tiny bias toward the Triumph models - just a happy accident.
A huge thank you to Honest John for his spectacular car reviews giving technical detail it would take me weeks to research. https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews

1970s Cars

The 1970s was a tumultuous time for the nation's manufacturing industries but that didn’t stop the public buying British cars - and many of the bestsellers were UK-made. 

Car makers ditched the chrome grills, the wood and leather interiors of the 60s and embraced American coke bottle styling, plastic fascias and matt black grills.
Ford won the sales war and the Cortina was the best selling car of the decade, with the Escort in second place. BL made a series of mistakes, the worst of which was to replace their best selling Austin/Morris 1100/1300 range with the blob shaped Allegro, affectionately known as the Aggro because of all the bugs.
This top ten is based on registration figures from 1970-1979.

Top 10 best selling UK cars of the 70s:
1. Ford Cortina (1962-82)

The Cortina was the most popular car in Britain during the 1970s. It offered a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a range of engine options. The Cortina was available in different trims and variations, catering to various customer preferences. If there was a car that summed up the mood of the early 70s perfectly it was the Cortina Mk III. The classic American inspired coke bottle styling was combined with plenty of chrome trim. Ford's stylists replaced the neatly minimalist Cortina Mk II, driven by Michael Caine in Get Carter, with the glamorous Mk III in 1970. The glam rock era had faded by 1976 and Ford stylists gave the market something more sober, replacing the Cortina Mk III with the Mk IV whose plainer styling owed a lot to the German Ford Taunus.

2. Ford Escort (1968-2004)

The Ford Escort was one of the most successful British cars of the 1970s. It was available in various body styles, including saloon, estate, and van. The Escort, known for its reliability, practicality, and affordability. was introduced late in 1967 as a replacement for the popular Ford Anglia. Remember that backward sloping rear roofline? The Escort continued the Anglia theme of a stylish body combined with basic, but reliable, mechanicals. In 1975 they gave the Escort a new squared off body and models near the top of the range had square headlamps too. By 1979 you could choose from 1100, 1300, 1600, 1800 and 2000cc models. In 1980 the Escort was upgraded to a the Mk III for the new decade.

3. Morris Marina (1971-80)

The Morris Marina was introduced in 1971 and quickly became a popular choice in the UK. It was available as a saloon, coupe, and estate. The Marina was known for its spaciousness, simplicity, and affordable price, making it a common sight on British roads. After years of building front-wheel drive Issigonis-designed cars, the rear-drive Morris Marina seemed a step backwards, but was actually what the market wanted. It was a strictly conventional machine, with much of its running gear Minor-, Triumph and MG-based, proving there were some clever parts-bin engineers at BL in the late 1960s. But despite the vogueish styling, its mechanical package was elderly for the era

4. Mini (1959-2000)

The iconic Mini continued to be a strong seller during the 1970s. This compact car was loved for its unique design, manoeuvrability, and fun driving experience. The Mini was available in various trims and had a loyal following. Such was the rightness of the original Mini, that once it had reached Mk3 form in 1969, there really wasn't much left to improve. And so, between the late '60s and early '90s, very little materially changed, other than trim and equipment. It had a boost in sales following the 1973 energy crisis and remained consistently popular until the arrival of the Austin Metro in 1980, when its sales gently slipped away. The Mk3 (1969-1976) hid the door hinges and replaced the sliding windows with wind-up ones. Changes for the Mk4 (1976-1984) were more subtle, with alterations to the interior and subframe. The Mk5 took over from 1985-92, with 12in wheels and front disc brakes.

5. Vauxhall Viva (1970-79)
The Vauxhall Viva was a compact family car that gained significant popularity in the 1970s. It was known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. The Viva was available as a two-door or four-door saloon and offered a practical and reliable driving experience. The new Viva, called the HC, was still a small car and in the Escort class, nevertheless it looked wide, low and stylish. Despite the smart new styling, the Viva HC was little changed underneath, with the engines and platform carried over from the HB. However, the range grew significantly – the Viva HC was available as a saloon, estates and as a coupé. During the 1973 facelift, they created a range of new engines, but to make the higher-powered cars stand out, they were re-badged as Magnums, and the sporty coupés became knows as Firenzas.

6. Austin Allegro (1973-82)
The Austin Allegro is a small family car that was manufactured by the Austin-Morris division of British Leyland from 1973 until 1982. The styling - particularly of the estate - was controversial at the time however the Allegro offered exceptional space and comfort in a relatively small package and is much-loved by enthusiasts to this day. The butt of many jokes, the Austin Allegro (1973-82) became a scapegoat for all the failings of 1970s British Leyland. That reputation for failure stuck with the Austin Allegro for many, many years. And for many older car fans, it still holds true to this day. Nowadays it has some cult appeal as the ideal starter classic for the impecunious, thanks to its simplicity and low cost.

7. Ford Capri (1969-86)

The Ford Capri is a fastback coupé built by Ford of Europe, designed by Philip T. Clark, who was also involved in the design of the Ford Mustang. It used the mechanical components from the Mk2 Ford Cortina and was intended as the European equivalent of the Ford Mustang. Ford's mid-sized four-seater Capri created a European market for 'pony' cars, combining great styling with straightforward mechanicals and brilliant marketing. That legend started with Ford's own advertising strapline, which described the Ford Capri as 'the car you always promised yourself.' In just five years, almost 1.5 million customers added a Capri Mk1 (1969-73) to their lives. The Capri was a close relative of the Cortina and Escort, the long bonnet appealing to the “boy racers,” creating an engine bay large enough to swallow the 'Kent' 1.3- and 1.6-litre engines with room to spare. As did 0-60mph times of under 9.0 seconds and a top speed approaching 120mph.

8. Austin/Morris 1100/1300 (1963-74)
Lively thanks to the A-Series engines, the Austin and Morris 1100/1300 (1963-74) came close to Mini levels of fun. With front-wheel drive, front disc brakes, interconnected Hydrolastic fluid suspension and a surprisingly large interior considering the compact external dimensions. The twin-carb engine was tuned to MG/Riley-spec and bold colours such as orange and yellow were offered, complemented by the black vinyl roof. For the 70s there were some detail improvements and some great 70s' colours including purple and bright orange. Just like its cousins from the 60s, the 1100s and 1300s were spacious, reliable and mechanically simple. Production ended in 1974, when the Austin Allegro took over.

9. Ford Granada (1972-94)

The new executive car was certainly smart and well-proportioned, and proof that Ford in the UK had not lost its direction stylistically. The first-generation model was produced from 1972 to 1976 at Ford’s German factory in Cologne and at its British factory in Dagenham. In 1976, production switched entirely to Germany. Ford’s purchase of Italian coachbuilder Ghia resulted in the luxurious Granada Ghia in 1974, which meant the end of the Executive nameplate, as well as the beginning of one of the most recognisable luxury trim levels in the business.Launched in 1972, it was produced until 1994 and as well as being popular with the general public, it was used widely as both a taxi and a police car, famously used in The Sweeney.

10. Hillman Avenger (1970-76)
The Hillman Avenger, produced by Chrysler UK, was a compact family car that gained popularity in the 1970s. It offered a practical and reliable driving experience and was available in different body styles, including saloon, estate, and coupe. Despite the appealing styling, it didn’t sell as well as rivals from Vauxhall or Ford, although the ealiy-tuned twin-carburettor engine made the Avenger Tiger more popular. It started out life as a Hillman, became a Chrysler in 1976 before being rebadged as a Talbot in 1979.

Also worthy of note:
Austin Maxi (1969-81)
The Austin Maxi is a medium-sized, 5-door hatchback family car that was produced by Austin and later British Leyland between 1969 and 1981. It was the first British five-door hatchback. British Leyland built and sold the Maxi alongside the 1971 Morris Marina and 1973 Austin Allegro. All three were replaced by the 1982 Austin Maestro.

Landrover Range Rover (1970-1996)
The Range Rover might not have been the first luxury off-roader - that honour probably went to the Jeep Wagoneer - but in Europe, it soon became the most recognisable of the lot. Powered by Rover’s ex-Buick V8 and using chassis technology similar to the Land Rover's, its off-road ability was beyond reproach, and the styling was so lean that the Range Rover was at home in the politest places.

Rover P6 (1963 – 1977)
Although the Rover 2000 was capable, in no way could it be described as quick. Yet with the installation of the ex-Buick V8 it became Rover’s first Q-car, offering Jaguar-matching pace. The P6B was initially offered only as an automatic, in 1971, the 3500S was introduced, featuring a four-speed gearbox. The P6 remained this way until 1977, when it was finally replaced by the Rover SD1.

Triumph 2000 (1963-77)
The Triumph 2000 is a mid-sized, rear wheel drive automobile which was produced in Coventry by the Triumph Motor Company between 1963 and 1977. It was introduced on 15 October 1963. It was styled by Giovanni Michelotti.

Triumph Dolomite (1972-80)
The Dolomite was a compact executive car that achieved success in the 1970s. It offered a stylish design, comfortable interior, and good performance. The Dolomite featured a range of engine options and was well-regarded for its handling and ride quality.


A huge thank you to Honest John for his spectacular car reviews giving technical detail it would take me weeks to research. https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews

Goodbye Gorgeous Girl

1970s Books

The 1970s saw a diverse range of bestselling books, reflecting the era's cultural shifts and literary innovations. Among the best books of the 1970s, some stand out for their enduring appeal and impact on generations of readers.
Stephen King's The Shining introduced readers to a world of spine-chilling terror and psychological thrills, solidifying his status as a master storyteller.
Sophie's Choice by William Styron offered a heart-wrenching portrayal of love, guilt, and survival set against the backdrop of the Holocaust, leaving an indelible mark on all who read it.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. This coming-of-age novel explores themes of adolescence and identity, resonating with young readers.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown. This historical account of the American Indian experience during the 19th century reshaped perceptions of American history.
Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, a powerful exploration of race and beauty standards, has become a touchstone in modern literature.
These examples represent just a fraction of the exceptional works that defined the era, demonstrating the rich tapestry of stories and emotions found among 70s books.
Again, most of the lists I can find are extremely USA-centric. I’ve tried to compromise by considering a stack of different sources, but the final choice is my own, based on books I’ve read, or have heard of. The USA list gives Publishers Weekly list of bestselling novels in the United States for that year.

1970

Great lion of God Taylor Caldwell 1970
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison 1970
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl 1970
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart 1970
If Only They Could Talk by James Herriot 1970
My Sisters' Keeper by L.P. Hartley 1970
USA in 1970
Love Story by Erich Segal
The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
Islands in the Stream by Ernest Hemingway
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
Great Lion of God by Taylor Caldwell
QB VII by Leon Uris
The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight by Jimmy Breslin
The Secret Woman by Victoria Holt
Travels with My Aunt by Graham Greene
Rich Man, Poor Man by Irwin Shaw


1971

That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton 1971
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss 1971
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth 1971
Adolf Hitler: My Part in his Downfall by Spike Milligan 1971
The Impossible Virgin (Modesty Blaise) by Peter O'Donnell 1971
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson 1971
The Diamond Hunters by Wilbur Smith1971
Maurice by E. M. Forster 1971
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor 1971
USA in 1971
Wheels by Arthur Hailey
The Exorcist by William P. Blatty
The Passions of the Mind by Irving Stone
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
The Betsy by Harold Robbins
Message from Malaga by Helen MacInnes
The Winds of War by Herman Wouk
The Drifters by James A. Michener
The Other by Tom Tryon
Rabbit Redux by John Updike


1972

The Odessa File by Frederick Forsyth 1972
August 1914 Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 1972
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach 1972
Watership Down by Richard Adams 1972
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P.D. James 1972
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot 1972
It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet by James Herriot 1972
USA in 1972
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
August 1914 by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The Odessa File by Frederick Forsyth
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
The Word by Irving Wallace
The Winds of War by Herman Wouk
Captains and the Kings by Taylor Caldwell
Two from Galilee by Marjorie Holmes
My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok
Semi-Tough by Dan Jenkins


1973

Let Sleeping Vets Lie by James Herriot 1973
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl 1973
Fear of Flying by Erica Jong 1973
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut 1973
The Silver Mistress (Modesty Blaise) by Peter O'Donnell 1973
Burr by Gore Vidal 1973
Evening in Byzantium Irwin Shaw 1973
Captains and the Kings Taylor Caldwell 1973
USA in 1973
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
Once Is Not Enough by Jacqueline Susann
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut
The Odessa File by Frederick Forsyth
Burr by Gore Vidal
The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart
Evening in Byzantium by Irwin Shaw
The Matlock Paper by Robert Ludlum
The Billion Dollar Sure Thing by Paul E. Erdman
The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene


1974

All the President’s Men by Carl Bernstein 1974
Vet in Harness by James Herriot 1974
All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot 1974
Lovehead by Jackie Collins
Carrie by Stephen King 1974
USA in 1974
Centennial by James A. Michener
Watership Down by Richard Adams
Jaws by Peter Benchley
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
Something Happened by Joseph Heller
The Dogs of War by Frederick Forsyth
The Pirate by Harold Robbins
I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution by Nicholas Meyer
The Fan Club by Irving Wallace


1975

‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King 1975
Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl 1975
Curtain Agatha Christie 1975
The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins 1975
The World Is Full Of Divorced Women by Jackie Collins
Shōgun by James Clavell 1975
Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow 1975
The Moneychangers by Arthur Hailey 1975
The Eye of the Tiger by Wilbur Smith 1975
USA in 1975
Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow
The Moneychangers by Arthur Hailey
Curtain by Agatha Christie
Looking for Mr. Goodbar by Judith Rossner
The Choirboys by Joseph Wambaugh
The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins
The Greek Treasure by Irving Stone
The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton
Shōgun by James Clavell
Humboldt's Gift by Saul Bellow


1976

A Stranger in the Mirror by Sidney Sheldon 1976
Dolores by Jacqueline Susann 1976
Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer 1976
Vets Might Fly by James Herriot 1976
All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot 1976
Last Day in Limbo (Modesty Blaise) by Peter O'Donnell 1976
USA in 1976
Trinity by Leon Uris
Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie
Dolores by Jacqueline Susann
Storm Warning by Jack Higgins
The Deep by Peter Benchley
1876 by Gore Vidal
Slapstick or Lonesome No More! by Kurt Vonnegut
The Lonely Lady by Harold Robbins
Touch Not the Cat by Mary Stewart
A Stranger in the Mirror by Sidney Sheldon


1977

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough 1977
The Shining by Stephen King 1977
Fluke by James Herbert 1977
Shall we Tell the President? by Jeffrey Archer 1977
Sun Horse, Moon Horse by Rosemary Sutcliffe 1977
Dreams die first by Harold Robbins 1977
Beggarman, Thief by Irwin Shaw 1977
Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin 1977
Daniel Martin by John Fowles 1977
USA in 1977
The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien and Christopher Tolkien
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré
Oliver's Story by Erich Segal
Dreams Die First by Harold Robbins
Beggarman, Thief by Irwin Shaw
How to Save Your Own Life by Erica Jong
Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin
Daniel Martin by John Fowles


1978

Bloodline by Sidney Sheldon 1978
Scruples by Judith Krantz 1978
Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett 1978
One Corpse Too Many by Ellis Peters 1978
SS-GB by Len Deighton 1978
Fools Die by Mario Puzo 1978
The Stand by Stephen King 1978
The World According to Garp by John Irving 1978
Dragon's Claw (Modesty Blaise) by Peter O'Donnell 1978
USA in 1978
Chesapeake by James A. Michener
War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk
Fools Die by Mario Puzo
Bloodline by Sidney Sheldon
Scruples by Judith Krantz
Evergreen by Belva Plain
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
The Holcroft Covenant by Robert Ludlum
Second Generation by Howard Fast
Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett


1979

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams 1979
Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut 1979
Sophie’s Choice by William Styron 1979
The Dead Zone by Stephen King 1979
Kane & Abel by Jeffrey Archer 1979
Smiley's People by John le Carré 1979
The Bitch by Jackie Collins 1979
The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart 1979
A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford 1979
USA in 1979
The Matarese Circle by Robert Ludlum
Sophie's Choice by William Styron
Overload by Arthur Hailey
Memories of Another Day by Harold Robbins
Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart
The Establishment by Howard Fast
The Third World War: August 1985 by John Hackett
Smiley's People by John le Carré

1970s Men’s Magazines

During the 1970s, men's magazines played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of masculinity, evolving to reflect changing societal norms and interests. Many featured a mix of articles on fashion, grooming, fitness, and relationships, alongside more risqué content. This decade saw the rise of several influential publications that shaped the landscape of men's media. They often addressed contemporary issues such as gender roles, sexuality, and personal style, reflecting the broader cultural shifts of the time. The content was not only entertaining but also served as a commentary on the evolving identity of men in society.

Notable Titles

1. Playboy: Perhaps the most iconic men's magazine, "Playboy" continued to dominate the market in the 1970s, known for its provocative content, interviews with celebrities, and articles on culture and lifestyle.
2. Esquire: This magazine focused on men's fashion, culture, and politics, offering a sophisticated take on masculinity and style. It featured in-depth articles and high-quality photography.
3. Gentlemen's Quarterly (GQ): Launched in the 1970s, GQ quickly became a staple for men's fashion and lifestyle, providing insights into trends, grooming, and etiquette.
4. Top Shelf: Men Only, Mayfair, Penthouse

5. Car Mags: Autocar, Car, Car Mechanics, Motor, Motor Sport, Autosport
Autocar, first published in 1895, is the world's oldest car magazine, featuring brief road tests of new models, analysis of how a model compares relative to rivals and summaries of current racing news, especially F1 and rally.|
Car is a monthly automotive enthusiast magazine including 'newcomer' first drives of new cars, interviews with significant figures in the motor industry and a regular group test under the 'Giant Test' name.
Motor was considered more informative and more conservative than its big rival, Cae. It included two car reviews, both 2 pages long with specifications and impressions, very detailed road tests and scoops of the latest cars.

6. DIY Mags: How it Works, Handyman, Do it yourself
How It Works magazine is a haven for the curious, offering enlightenment, engagement, and education across diverse topics. From captivating science to thrilling technology, intriguing transport, cosmic space, and rich history, each issue delivers instant intrigue with vivid imagery and fascinating facts.
Family Handyman: This American magazine, published monthly(ish), is run by passionate DIYers and includes helpful DIY projects, tips and repairs and how-to instructions for improving homes, yards and vehicles.
Do it yourself magazine, published in London since the 50s, and features articles on house repairs, renovation and construction.

7. Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone was founded in 1967 in San Francisco by Jann Wenner and Ralph J. Gleason, with its first issue covering the Monterey Pop Festival. The magazine became renowned for focusing on music, culture, and politics, featuring legendary journalists like Hunter S. Thompson, and covering major artists including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, and David Bowie.

1970’s Boys Comics

Boys comics of the 1950s and 60s presented a world of constant, dependable friends and reliable traditions. Easter always brought loads of adventures involving eggs. In August, the sun always shone on the sands, the cliffs, the lighthouses, the sparkling sea and the crabs. In November, the pages and the title whirled with sparks and whooshing rockets. And at Christmas – apart from slap-up feasts of spherical puds and cigars – there would always be snow on the lettering and a cascade of presents and overflowing stockings, often distributed from the open cockpit of a plane by a genial Santa Claus. Reading them required, of course, a complete acceptance of people rolling downhill engulfed in a monster snowball; of dogs, snakes, horses, bears and ostriches being able to talk; and of lightbulbs hovering over people’s heads containing the word “Idea”.

Many boys' comics of the 1970s focused on adventure, humour, and action, often featuring relatable characters and exciting storylines. This era saw a continuation of themes from previous decades, with a strong emphasis on friendship, bravery, and fun. A variety of boys' adventure comics, with titles like Valiant and Tiger gained popularity, featuring new adventure heroes as they continued to adapt to the changing tastes of the audience.
The rise of television and the introduction of colour television in the UK also influenced the comics industry, leading to a shift in focus towards television-related characters. comics began to adapt by incorporating more dynamic and engaging narratives, often reflecting contemporary issues and interests of young readers. The mid 1970s saw a mix of traditional and new styles, as well as a growing interest in science fiction and superhero comics in such titles as Action and 2000AD. These are some I remember perusing in my folks' newsagent shop.

The Dandy

A British children's comic magazine published by the Dundee based publisher DC Thomson whose first issue was printed in December 1937. The most notable difference between this and other comics of the day was the use of speech balloons instead of captions under the frame. The comic has had a number of different cover stars (comic strips appearing on the front cover), firstly Korky the Cat, who was on the cover from 1937 to 1984. Desperate Dan, long since the comic's most popular character, then took over the cover until 1999. Some of the most popular characters include:
  •   Desperate Dan – A wild west character, the world’s strongest man who can lift a cow with one hand. His beard is so tough he shaves with a blowtorch.
  •   Korky the Cat – A black, male talking cat who behaves like a human and is accepted in a world of humans
  •   Hungry Horace – The adventures of a boy who thought of nothing but eating.
  •   Beryl the Peril – Originally in The Topper, she devilishly tormented her parents and other members of her community, causing chaos through menacing her neighbours, parents and school teachers – a female Dennis the Menace (created by the same artist).

The Beano
Anxious to repeat the success of their comic, The Dandy, Scottish publishing house DC Thomson introduced The Beano just 35 weeks later in July 1938. It was practically a replica of the first comic and, again, proved a great success. It is now the longest-running British children’s comic. During World War II, The Beano switched to fortnightly publication to save paper, alternating weekly with The Dandy. Illustrating the great British ability to laugh in the face of adversity, The Beano continued to serve up jokes and stories, laced with a large helping of patriotism as the comic’s characters tackled the Nazis in highly-imaginative ways. Documents found after the war revealed that, along with the editors of some national British newspapers, the editors of The Beano and The Dandy would have been arrested had Hitler’s forces invaded Britain. Some of the most popular characters include:
  •   The Bash Street Kids – Smiffy, Plug, Danny and the other ageless reprobates of Bash Street High School
  •   Dennis the Menace – The crown prince of British comicdom. Lumbered with his lifelong foe Walter the Softy, Dennis arrived on 17 March 1951 and later joined by his pet dog, Gnasher (an Abyssinian wire-haired tripe hound)
  •   Lord Snooty and his Pals – The adventures of Lord Marmaduke Bunkerton (aka Lord Snooty) who wore a Lord Fauntleroy suit without explanation
  •   Minnie The Minx – A feisty, energetic tomboy, preferring mischievous and violent antics over those that would be normal for a typical ten-year-old girl.
  •   Pansy Potter the Strong Man’s Daughter – The strong-arm girl who became a household name

Buster

Launched in the 1960s, "Buster" continued to be a significant boys' comic in the 1970s. It featured humour and adventure stories, appealing to a wide audience of young readers. The comic was known for its engaging characters and entertaining plots, making it a staple in many households. The title character, whose strip usually appeared on the front cover, was Buster himself, originally billed as Buster: Son of Andy Capp. Andy Capp is the lead character of the eponymous Daily Mirror newspaper strip, and Buster wore a similar flat cap to reinforce the connection. In early issues, Buster often referred to his father, and Andy was seen in the comic attempting to find a gas leak in three frames of the 18 June 1960 issue. Buster's mum was often referred to by name, and was consistently drawn to resemble Andy's wife Flo. The decade saw the incorporation of new characters and stories, such as the mad German scientist in "Von Hoffman's Invasion" and the Sludgemouth Sloggers. Buster's popularity was evident as it celebrated its tenth birthday and continued to be a staple in the UK comic scene. Some popular characters include:
  •   Faceache: A young boy with the ability to change colour at will, known for his mischievous and humorous antics.
  •   Johnny Samson: A young mad inventor with a penchant for creating inventions that often lead to trouble.
  •   Crabbe's Crusaders: A group of young adventurers who embark on various quests and adventures.
  •   The Toys of Doom: A collection of toys that come to life and embark on their own adventures.
  •   The Leopard of Lime Street: A story featuring Billy Farmer, a boy who discovers he has the strength of a leopard after being scratched by one.

Victor
The Victor was a British comic paper published weekly by D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. The Victor ran for 1,657 issues from 25 January 1961 until it ceased publication on 21 November 1992. Many of The Victor's stories focused on the exploits of the British military in World War II and each week the front cover carried a story of how a medal had been won by British or Commonwealth forces during the Great War or the Second World War. In addition to these, the comic also featured science fiction stories, adventure stories and sports stories. The emphasis was on the ordinary man or boy involved in action adventures. Stories involved decent, upstanding British or Commonwealth men and boys fighting in wars, or competing on the sporting field or in general adventures, including sci-fiction yarns. Well known characters such as Alf Tupper, the runner; Sergeant Matt Braddock, World War Two pilot; Morgyn the Mighty, the strong man and Gorgeous Gus, the rich owner/sometime football player, who had all appeared in other D.C. Thomson comics, were dusted off and given a new lease of life in The Victor. These four characters were the backbone of the comic and one or all of them appeared almost in every issue for the first twenty years.

Whizzer and Chips

A British comics magazine that ran from 18 October 1969 to 27 October 1990, when it merged with the comic Buster. As with most comics of the time, Whizzer and Chips was dated one week ahead of the day it actually appeared on newsstands in Great Britain. The format of Whizzer and Chips presented the comic as being divided into two separate parts—a novel idea at the time. One part was called Whizzer and the other was called Chips, with Chips existing as a separate pull-out section in the middle. The slogan "Two comics in one, double the fun!" was used. In the offices of publisher Fleetway, Whizzer and Chips was always regarded as one comic. One ongoing concept was that the two comics were fierce rivals. A guest appearance by a character from one of the comic strips in the story of one in the other magazine would be described as a "raid", and the other comic would seek its revenge with a raid of its own the following week.
Readers were encouraged to become either a "Whizz-Kid" or a "Chip-ite", depending on which section they preferred. The leader of the Whizz-Kids was a boy called Sid and his snake Slippy, from the Sid's Snake comic strip. The leader of the Chip-ites was a boy called Shiner from the comic strip of the same name, who had aspirations to become a boxer and always ended up with a black eye (the eponymous "shiner").

Action
Launched in 1976, "Action" was known for its controversial and gritty content, which included stories about war, crime, and adventure. It pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in children's comics at the time, leading to both popularity and criticism. While initially a sales success, the comic quickly received media criticism for its violent content, causing a moral panic that ultimately saw it withdrawn from sale by IPC in October 1976, amid rumours it was to be banned. Action returned two months later in a much-sanitised form, quickly losing readers and being cancelled the following year. The comic was eventually merged with "Battle" but left a lasting impact on the genre.

2000AD

This comic debuted in 1977 and quickly became a landmark publication in British comics. It introduced readers to a darker, more mature style of storytelling, with iconic characters like Judge Dredd, a law enforcement and judicial officer in the dystopian future city of Mega-City One, which covers most of the east coast of North America. He is a "street judge", empowered to summarily arrest, convict, sentence, and execute criminals. Judge Dredd stories often satirise American and British culture, with a focus on authoritarianism and police brutality. The comic's blend of science fiction and social commentary resonated with older boys and teenagers, setting a new standard for comic storytelling. Other series in 2000 AD include Rogue Trooper, Sláine, The Ballad of Halo Jones, Strontium Dog, ABC Warriors, Nemesis the Warlock and Nikolai Dante.