The Empirical Observations of Algernon

by Iain Cameron Williams

The Empirical Observations of Algernon by Iain Cameron Williams is a journey into the everyday unknown and the everyday ordinary. Kooky, quirky, passionate, cool, and on occasions, provocative. The strength of the narrative comes, in essence, as much from the reader's soul as that of Algernon’s. The writer, as a traveller, is as much a tourist as a documenter; the two go hand in hand. The Empirical Observations of Algernon [vol. I] - the first volume in an intended series of four - is six months into that journey. In this travelogue, the writer visits America (New York, Long Island), Canada (Montreal), and various cities in England.
This is Williams' debut travelogue and includes poetry, prose, observation and photography compiled over a six month period between January 2018 to June 2018.
The book contains 33 colour pictures and 1 sketch.

104 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 2019

About the author

Iain Cameron Williams was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, of Scottish and Welsh ancestry. His mother was born in New York, America, and his father was born in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. His grandfather is the missionary, writer, and poet Rev. Aeneas Francon Williams, and his great grandfather is the renowned Welsh writer and geographer John Francon Williams. On his maternal side, Williams is a third cousin of the author D. H. Lawrence. Iain Cameron Williams is the writer of The KAHNS of Fifth Avenue [publ. 2022], and the travelogues The Empirical Observations of Algernon (vol. I & II). Williams' debut novel for younger readers, The Tail of 'Too Bad' Mike (audiobook released July 2023, narrated by Eilidh Beaton), follows the adventures of a skateboarding shrew named Mike. Set in the fictitious kingdom of Pembridge, the story introduces the reader to a curious little world full of hidden meanings. ‘Too Bad’ Mike™

Brighton Follies - A Stage Musical in Two Acts [publ. Nov 2023].

The Clock Winder: a short story [publ. Dec. 2024].

The Empirical Observations of Algernon (vol III) travelogue, to be published in 2025.

To read a selection of poetry from The Empirical Observations of Algernon (vol I) follow the link: https://b2l.bz/XKlHUM

Karaoke Freedom, a new screenplay by Iain Cameron Williams to be published in 2025. Set in Brighton in 2010 during the annual PRIDE event. '’An uplifting story of hope, diversity and challenge..."

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while a book comes out of nowhere and you think to yourself, where the hell did this come from! The Empirical Observations of Algernon fits that category. It could almost be termed a poetic 'travelogue' although the word 'travelogue' doesn't necessarily fit. Some of the poems and accounts wrench at your heart, some are witty, I especially liked the descriptive 'Hotel Buena Vista' where the authors use of imagery shines. The writer certainly has a fertile imagination. A mixture of influences and writing styles, possibly a touch of Edward Lear in parts. After finishing the book I reread some of the poems, one in particular 'Jazz Hands' stands out for all the right reasons, as does 'America.' I previously read the authors book about the moon a couple of years ago, which I thoroughly enjoyed, hence why I checked this one out on Kindle. I'll be interested to read the next volume in the series to see where it leads, as this could so easily be the start of a very, interesting journey.