The Aylesford Skull

Professor Langdon St. Ives, an ingenious yet quirky scientist and adventurer, resides with his family in Aylesford. Nearby, pirates hijack a steam launch, slaughtering its crew, and there are rumors of a grave robbery involving the theft of a skull. The notorious Dr. Ignacio Narbondo, an old adversary of St. Ives, is suspected of committing the crime. The situation escalates when Narbondo kidnaps St. Ives' son, Eddie, prompting the professor to chase him to London.The work of James P. Blaylock has been met with acclaim, with William Gibson praising him as a "singular American fabulist." Notable names such as Michael Swanwick hail Blaylock as a magician of storytelling, while Charles de Lint remarks on the lyrical quality of his prose. Tim Powers, author of "On Stranger Tides," commends Blaylock for capturing the hidden magic of our world. "Publishers Weekly" lauds his novel for delivering the essence of steampunk, filled with adventure, humor, heartfelt connections, and a rich Victorian style. "The Aylesford Skull" is noted for its intricate portrayal of the Victorian character St. Ives, encouraging readers to explore more of his adventures, even as it stands solidly on its own.