I have been at work, for several years now, on a book about the Canterbury scene. I am finally close to finishing it. A publication date for the French version has been set for November 2012; hopefully an English translation will follow in the not-too-distant future.

The book will aim to provide the definitive history of the Canterbury scene, as documented in the extensive press archive I have had access to, and as told by its protagonists, a lot of whom I have interviewed. The book will also offer a critical perspective on the vast musical legacy of that scene.

Why a book? What will be in it that can't be offered on Calyx?

There are several answers.

- First of all, a lot of the information uncovered during the research for this book will eventually be added to the various databases on this site. I'm not "selling out", and still believe strongly in the original spirit of the Internet, which I hope Calyx continues to embody.

- Secondly, I see a book as something quite different to a website. Calyx has been designed with the characteristics of the internet in mind, i.e. linking various separate entities (biographies, discographies, lyrics...) together via hypertext. The book will attempt to fuse those approaches together.

- Lastly, one cannot overlook the economic aspects. Such a project involves a huge amount of work, which I feel I am entitled to be paid for, although I am not silly enough to expect to make a fortune out of this. I am convinced the finished product will be more than worth its price anyway.

"I am a fan / a collector of Canterbury music. How can I help?"

Well, one thing's for sure : I *need* your help.

Given the level of detail I am aiming at with this study, I need to gather as much research material as possible. Which means : any magazine articles (especially interviews) in any language, press cuttings (concert dates etc.), any rare or unreleased recordings there are (at least for the "main" bands), photos, and any other materials that can help me with my research (someone's offered tapes of interviews which were never published, for instance).

I can't offer much in return for any such help, except credit wherever appropriate, but I am sure you will understand this venture is not motivated by profit, and is basically a labour of love.

If you feel you can help, please contact me at once at: calyx@club-internet.fr

In related news...

French and French-speaking readers may be interested to know that I have published three other books, about Pink Floyd, King Crimson and progressive rock - they can be ordered from Amazon.fr, direct from the publisher, or in selected bookshops (including Fnac, Virgin etc.). I have been on several radio shows to discuss these books (again, in French only - sorry!)