James Rainsford Libri

James Rainsford's fast-paced story-telling and acerbic wit lead the reader along the corridors of Gruffud ap Cynan Comprehensive School, through the hilarious consequences of teaching the young, inexperienced and bewildered pupils the values of sex education, the devastating repercussions of a too liberal selection process for the Year 11 s two week work experience, and the disastrous consequences of staging an end of year prom in a newly built plush hotel, when mixed with the combination of concealed alcohol and the rampant hormones of one hundred and sixty teenagers. A teacher nearing retirement, Dave Falconer tries to make his last few years as comfortable and trouble-free as possible. His attempts are in vain, however, when faced with colleagues mad enough to be certified and school children hell-bent on testing his tolerance to the limit.

We Cast Pale Shadows is a selection of poems that reflect James Rainsford's thoughts and feelings during years of observing the world and the follies, foibles and fortunes of its varied and entertaining inhabitants. Inspired by the sombre and comic absurdities of life, the poems are moving, ironic, whimsical, erotic and often darkly humorous.