James Curtis

[Mr Steal]

Does anyone have any information about this author, who wrote several London-based novels in the 1930s about criminal/low-life types. Most of his books haven't been reprinted since then, although his first, The Gilt Kid, came out in Penguin in the 1940s. James Curtis was a pseudonym, apparently.

[molly]

If you go to the british library website they list his books. [1] The Gilt Kid. A novel. CURTIS. James. pseud. pp. 293. Jonathan Cape: London, 1936. 8o. [2] There ain't no Justice. A novel. CURTIS. James. pseud. pp. 283. Jonathan Cape: London, 1937. 8o. [3] They drive by Night. A novel. CURTIS. James. pseud. pp. 284. Jonathan Cape: London, 1938. 8o. [4] You're in the Racket, too. A novel. CURTIS. James. pseud. pp. 288. Jonathan Cape: London, 1937. 8o. "they drive by night" was made into a film in 1939. http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/502445/

[Mr Steal]

Thanks for that, Molly. I was actually in the British Library yesterday - have arranged to look at the books that are missing from my collection! Curtis is a very interesting writer who gives what is (I presume) an amazingly realistic picture of life in the London underworld, with much use of the arcane slang of the time. I'm surprised that he hasn't been rediscovered and republished. I'm aware of the film of They Drive By Night - had no luck in tracking down a copy, though. A friend reckons it was on TV not so long ago, so it must be knocking around.

[narrow0]

I also have a keen interest in James Curtis,in fact I own two of his books.

The Gilt Kid & Their aint no justice.

my interest stems from the fact that I grew up in the area of "Their aint no Justice"in the pre war era.

Ihope this whets your interest and I look

[narrow0]

forward to hear from you

Sorry about the blip

R A lee