j. harris Anderson
Prophet of Paradise
Prophet of Paradise, J. Harris Anderson, Blue Cardinal Press, 2013, paper, 483 pages, $22.95With foxhunting’s rites and traditions, its vestments and rich history, and even its own patron saint, it was but a short leap for author J. Harris Anderson to christen the chase as a religion in “The Prophet of Paradise,” his novel about sects and sex in the Virginia Hunt Country.
Ryman McKendrick, Joint-Master of Montfair Hunt, takes a tumble when his horse is startled by a large buck with something glowing in its rack. McKendrick is convinced that the illuminated object is a cross, and when the Montfair begins to see the best foxhunting—and sex—in Virginia, McKendrick is sure that he is the chosen one to spread the word about venery. He founds the Ancient and Venerable Church of Ars Venatica and is soon leading hunt members in prayer and preaching from “The Foxhunter’s Faith” before each meet.
Horse Country to Launch John Anderson’s New Novel
The Prophet of Paradise, J. Harris Anderson, 2014, 487 pages, Soft Cover, $22.95J. Harris Anderson’s new novel, The Prophet of Paradise, will by launched Thursday, March 20, 2014, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Horse Country Saddlery in Warrenton, Virginia. Anderson’s byline, which appears regularly in the pages of In & Around Horse Country, may be familiar to foxhunters across North America, but the tenor of his first novel, written for a mature audience, may be less familiar! In Anderson’s new book, tradition-bound foxhunting society becomes threatened by a radical concept: The Church of Foxhunting. The promo blurbs tell us that “a current of titillation flows” among the true believers, from teenagers to grandparents, and the “two meanings of venery—pursuits both sporting and erotic—happily blend into a single drive,” creating conflict and tension in the hunting community. Anderson will discuss his work and sign copies of his book. Refreshments will be served. RSVPs will be appreciated (540-347-3141 or 800-882-4868). Posted March 14, 2014 Save
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