A Conspiracy of Paper is a historical mystery novel by David Liss, set in London during the period leading up to the bursting of the South Sea Bubble in 1720. The novel follows Benjamin Weaver, a Jew and an ex-boxer, as he investigates the mysterious death of his estranged father, a notorious stockjobber. As an outsider in eighteenth-century London, Weaver prowls the city’s mean streets, tracking down debtors and felons for aristocratic clients.
In this ambitious first novel, Liss explores the city’s mean streets and the place where human greed operated. The book is a magical carpet ride, transporting readers into the hurly-burly streets of 18th-century London. The author, David Liss, metamorphoses into a character who lives estranged from his wealthy stock trader and is a Jew among Christians.
As the story unfolds, Weaver becomes increasingly involved in the city’s mean streets, investigating the mysterious death of his estranged father and the ruffian lifestyle of the city’s wealthy stock traders. The novel is a first edition/first printing, published in 2000 by Random House, and is signed by Liss directly on the half-title page.
As a literary masterpiece, A Conspiracy of Paper is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of 18th-century London and the complexities of human greed.
📹 Mysterious Galaxy Virtual Event: Author David Liss, in conversation with Joe R. Lansdale
Originally streamed on September 8th, 2021. Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore hosts via the interwebs author David Liss, …
📹 The Queen’s sense of humour remembered: from off-mic quips to tea with Paddington
From joking with world leaders to sketches with Daniel Craig and Paddington Bear, the Guardian looks back at her most …
Her dialogue with Paddington Bear, in hindsight, sounded like a valedictory speech although I thought would last several more years. My consolation is that Paddington Bear represented us all in time to convey our deepest and sincere gratitude to her literally for everything before she went aloft to oversee her son for the next decades. I cannot express enough how lonely I feel about my first Christmas without her warm yet thoughtful message. Thank you for everything, Your Majesty.
Before he passed away, my uncle was close protection for the royal family. He told me a story once about how he (about 6 foot 7) had to lift and carry Her Majesty in a training exercise. Every time he did, she was making silly jokes like “ooh, I can see my house from here!” and “The air does get a bit thinner, doesn’t it?”. Always stuck with me. Rest in Peace
The queen was not only an iconic British figure but she was a symbol of pride and patriotism for the British people. I am not British, however… perusal these articles from a few years ago before she passed allows me to learn more about British culture and hierarchy, now that the queen it gone it didn’t really hit me at first but now I’m tearing up 😢
She was a truly amazing woman and I can’t believe she has gone. She had a wonderful sense of humour, but also she kept to her vows and gave our nation 70 great years of service and kept going right to the end. But she was not only our queen, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother to her sons and her grandchildren. My sincere condolences and love to the royal family at this time of mourning. Thank you ma’am for a long and dedicated service to the nation. You will be sadly missed but your life will never be forgotten ❤
The solemn tone of Paddington’s “and thank you…. For everything..” hits differently, I wonder if someone knew to do this as her health was worse than we knew, and perhaps her last words were to us, knowing it would be her end soon. It’s comforting to think this is the case. I don’t know if the queen left us any last words, but I imagine this would be how she would react to our thanks to her today
Love her or hate her, there’s no denying that she has been a total badass. I have nothing but respect for her devotion and love of her country, of which she has served tirelessly throughout her entire reign. A world without her in it feels so surreal but I’m glad she’s reunited with her husband. May her Majesty rest in peace.
I’ve never been a royalist however I find myself a little weepy eyed at this. She seemed to always do everything right and I don’t think there will be another one like her. She kept the British tradition alive and in her death I can recognize and acknowledge her role that she played with conviction throughout her reign. Rest well, your legacy is timeless.
Although I’m not British myself, I still feel a great sadness and grief over this tremendous loss. She has always been there, and has been a constant, reassuring presence in an ever-changing world. I feel that with her loss a part of Britain died with her. Truly, she was one of a kind and there will never be anyone like her again. She was like a grandmother to all of us and I can say from the bottom of my heart that she will be truly missed. Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth II. Long live your memory ❤️
My favourite story about the Queen is about the then crown prince of Saudi Arabia visiting Balmoral and agreeing to a tour of the estate. Coming from a country where it’s illegal for women to drive, he didn’t expect the Queen herself to get on the driver’s seat and use her wartime skills as an army driver to basically Vin Diesel her way through the Scottish countryside, all the while constantly talking to him. To say the prince was shooketh is an understatement.
Coming from a former British Colony the Queen was ever present, seemingly almost immortal. She conveyed a sense of great wisdom and was truly one of the greats. Although I knew she was advanced in age and her health had evidently deteriorated throughout the year, the announcement of her death never the less shook us and the sense of great loss to the country brought us to tears. She was a great queen, a cherished queen and may she rest in peace.
I don’t like monarchies in principle, but as a person, a political leader and head of state, the Queen was invaluable to the development of the modern British nation, its democratic values and the peaceful decolonization of the British Empire. I do not know how the UK would have looked like without her steady and masterful leadership.
I am not from UK, but I also feel a big loss. She was the Queen for all of my life, and I don’t remember the world where there was no her. And nobody never said “the queen of Great Britain” but simply “the queen” and everybody knew who they meant. And in spite of her unique world status she was very humble. Such an example for all the politicians of nowadays. She will always be missed😢
“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” I’m glad she was able to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee as one final hurrah before her eternal rest. She was the sanest person in the British political scene, the country will never be the same
I’m French, not a royalist in any ways but I can definitely recognize how important she was as a figure to the United Kingdom and all the Commonwealth of nations and how her death is seen as a tragic news for our dear neighbors I know our respective countries have always shared a complicated history but I wanted to express all my sincere condolences to our British allies in honor of a woman whose existence will for sure be graved in the history books . Take care in those difficult times British friends
I only got to see the Queen once and that happened in 1970 in Sydney, while I was standing with thousands of others along the edge of the road that lead from the airport to the city. As the royal car approached and I suddenly found myself looking straight into Her Majesty’s eyes and a little 2 or 3 y/o boy being held up high by his dad grabbed my hairpiece and yanked it off. The Queens eyes almost popped out and she burst into laughter. I couldn’t hear it but her laughter was loud enough to cause the Duke, who was looking the other way, to quickly turn to catch me trying to retrieve my hair-piece from the baby LOLOL. .. I laugh now but I’d never felt so embarrassed at the time…
Of all the royals, she was the star, Never ever put a foot wrong, upheld the highest standards at all time. Showed compassion and humility at every moment. Cared more for the country than any politician. Showed us the way to behave and gave us hope to believe in the future. She was a Queen for all of us. She will be missed so much and by so many . More than most will admit. I thank Her majesty for the unwavering service she has given to our country for all of her life.
She was looking so bright and healthy up until after the Duke passed on. I think then it really hit her that she was on her own. It took a toll on her . It was so much harder on my grandmother in her late 80s when all her friends, cousins, husband and even some of her children she had outlived were gone. She was such a wonderful woman. Dutiful till the end. Rest in peace.
This Queen had a real twinkle in her eyes and was always ready for some light hearted mischief! she was so childlike and had an infectious warm smile ☀I truly love her and felt a sense of emptiness and insecurity for an era that is slipping away with traits that I cherish deeply. May you rest in peace my sparkling queen ❤
I liked the thing at the Olympics where she had James Bond escort her to the stadium. Also fun fact: She was the one constant but unseen “actress” in all the James Bond movies. It was Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The “Her Majesty” has always been Queen Elizabeth. James Bond himself and even Q have been played by different actors but there has been only one Queen.
She wasn’t just a queen, she was The Queen. For most of her subjects she was the only monarch they had known all their lives. She witnessed and saw her subjects through some of the hardest times in recent history, always remaining steadfast. She represented a level of continuity, an anchor, in turbulent times. Without her I fear this world has lost another tether hold humanity back from the brink of chaos.
She reminds me so much of my grandmother who was more of a mother to me. She was ten years younger than the Queen and I lost her on my birthday this year. The Queen’s death reopened my wounds and I just couldn’t help it. RIP to these two sensational women who were symbols of strength and light in their worlds. In our hearts, your eternal summer shall not fade
Rest In Peace, I hope she lived a wonderful life, and she will be missed by many. Even though I never met her, the bright personality, the things she has accomplished for the world, her lovely smile, those things she had in her will never be forgotten. Queen Elizabeth II was and still is a brilliant person.
As a Frenchman, I want to send my sincere condolences to the British people and the people of the Commonwealth for this great loss. I feel your pain and I envy you at the same time for having had such an head of state. She will be missed in the whole world. We are all in great great sorrow since the announcement of her passing. May she Rest In Peace, together with her beloved husband, the Royal Duke of Edinburgh.
Still saddened by the news of her passing, though I guess I shouldn’t be. She’s had a long and exceptional life and she did her duty with grace and dignity. A true Majesty all around as far as I’m concerned. Condolences to my friends in the UK – even to those who aren’t fans of the monarchy – for a truly exceptional woman has left this world. Rest in peace, ma’am – you’ve truly earned it.
Never really been a royalist, but I’ve always understood the importance of the monarchy in our culture. This is a monumental event in British history, and something that will be talked about for hundreds and hundreds of years.The queen is really the only member of the royal family I liked. It’s a shame to know she’s not here anymore.
How amazingly she fulfilled every role in her life. I loved the clip of Harry with her saying: “Boom!” She was Queen to many people, but in that moment, the fact that she was the Queen and the head of a commonwealth of many nations was so far from her mind. She was simply in pure grandmother mode! She was the epitome of grace in every aspect!
Honestly, I didn’t think it could happen. It seemed that Elizabeth would rule forever. But, unfortunately, such a fate awaits everyone, it has always been like this, and the Queen is no exception. Of course it’s a pity. On this day, everyone mourns, even the Russians, including me. Hello to all those who read this comment. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.
She was more than a Queen,she was a symbol,a hallmark of Great Britain. Especially on the international landscape,her Majesty’s image succeded to make such a lovely impression. An elegant,charming and intelligent lady,a true Queen who passed trough many rough periods and remained courageous . To her Majesty,Queen Elizabeth II. Rest in peace,your majesty!
I still get a bit emotional when I see this clip of Her majesty having afternoon tea with Paddington. Makes us realise how humble she was and a sense of humour with a twinkle in her eye. You served your country and Commonwealth so elegantly Ma’am You will be missed for many years to come…. To me you were the glue that held us all together during covid. . And we loved you more for that…Goonight Elizabeth II now at peace with Phillip, your Mother and your sister. 🙏🤗 3:49
This is so heartwarming. She performed all her responsibilities with elan inspiring people world over. Statesmanship seemed innate to her personality. As a child, to me, Britain was synonymous with her name. I still remember talking among family about the colourful designer hats she wore whenever she was on TV. May she RIP!!💝💝
I’m an American born and bred. However I have always felt and believed in a deep kinship between the U.S. and the U.K. I remember staying up all night secretly perusal news coverage of Princess Diana’s death. I was 10 years old but it felt so personal and significant to me for some reason. I feel the same feeling today. We may have rebelled against the crown and earned our freedom but that doesn’t take away the connections we share historically. We wouldn’t exist as we are if not for Great Britain and if I were ever to swear allegiance to a crown it would be the British crown. We your American cousins share your grief today. By all accounts she was a great and lovely woman. RIP
From an American sailor to all of Great Britain, The WORLD has lost one of the GREATEST TREASURES it will ever know ! This AMAZING LADY served during some hard times in the worlds history. From WWII on. She actually went to HER troops to hand out care packages &my father was handed one. I still have the photo. All of my family who served in my country’s military during hostile times up to & including myself was given thanks by Her Majesty the Queen. She gave so unconditionally to not just Great Britain but to the world ! My heart cry’s for the loss of this Queen. R.I.P your Majesty ! ! !
We will miss her humor Her genuine honesty Her loyalty to her people and country And this is for all the trolls who’ve nothing better to do..my opinion is just that..and YOURS means nothing to me..were not friends, were not acquaintances so what would make you think I would value your posturing about your pretend outrages over what you think..assume ..believe she may,might,could have done?My question to you is what HAVE YOU DONE to try and change what you presumed shes done?!All I hear is blah..blah. blah. The woman is gone OBVIOUSLY hundreds of thousands LOVED her..can YOU say the same? Don’t bother answering..I’ll just block you and scroll past your comments. The End
I can’t put it into words. Queen Elizabeth has passed away. Charles has become king, the country is in shambles, and it feels very clear that the golden days are behind us all. The Queen got us through the dark times, and now I sit back with million others, waiting patiently for what unfolds in the future. What a remarkable lady, delivered on her words when she devoted her life to our service, united our country, became a worldwide icon and showed us her warmth and passion through thousands of interactions and engagements she had with the public. She’s lived a life that we will never understand, her personal life and family matters heavily covered and scrutinised by the media and through all the difficulties she overcome in her long and illustrious life, she kept pushing on until her final hours. It’s hard to imagine life without Queen Elizabeth, she was always there, getting on with the job. We took her for granted and never realised just how much she meant to all of us until she finally passed. As the nation mourns, let us be glad that through the most unexpected twists in the history of the monarchy, Princess Elizabeth became our Queen and for the last 70 years, she has been a beacon of light, a breath of fresh air and the greatest monarch the world has ever seen. She may be someone’s daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, but she also happened to be the greatest Queen of all time who has left a gigantic void that will never be filled ever again. RIP your Majesty.
I held back the tears until Paddington said those ‘thank you Ma’am for everything’ words. She had such a twinkle in her eye. But I think the whole Commonwealth’s pride in our Queen was notched up ten fold when she volunteered to do that Bond sketch. And the fact that even her own grandchildren didn’t know about the jape!
Miss our wonderful late Queen. Still emotional when I watch her amazing Jubilee & didn’t disappoint us making her appearance though health issues. I know in my heart the Queen 👑felt the love of her people. ❤. Even though ones tried to ruin the reputation of her Majesty yet failed. The Queen’s loyalty fairness & truth overrides evil.
I watched an interview with her one time where she was driving an old manual transmission Range Rover around the fields at one of her homes with her husband and the interviewer. She was a real woman, strong yet feminine, quick witted and graceful. I immediately adored her strength and personality. Most likely the last great royal to have such an impact and be so loved worldwide.
I highly recommend perusal “the Royal Family” now that the film has resurfaced on YouTube!! It’s a beautiful historical portrayal of her humor as well. It shows that you’ve got to be insanely witty and talkative for this important job of hers. Truly heartwarming to see her smile and shine through with her kind personality. She was inarguably special in this world. Thank you Elizabeth.
How I miss Queen Elizabeth!!! Such a great loss to the entire world. I wish she could have lived another 98 years!!! We all, the entire world, miss her terribly!!! May she RIP beside her dearly beloved Prince Philip. I am so glad that she’s not around to see all the nonsense that’s happening now with Harry and Megan!!
I found her very dignified. No one is perfect, but she to me is a role model of how to behave in a civil society. From her service during World War II to her reign as Queen of the United Kingdom, she demonstrated for me great character. I have much respect for her. One of the great Monarchs in history.
My granny was the in-house carer for a Maj-General who knew the Queen. He said he ate soup with a tablespoon because she ate soup with a tablespoon, and he slurped his soup because she slurped her soup. The first time I ate dinner with him I waited for him to start first because I didn’t want to be rude, he said it was okay if I wanted to slurp my soup because that’s how the Queen ate hers. Just a fun little anecdote, but it was a nice story to tell a child. And that’s why I eat soup with a tablespoon instead of a soup spoon, and slurp soup when I eat it too. He always said she was really nice and funny.
I’ve seen the Paddington clip before and didn’t expect to get emotional but I did get a tear in my eye. My grandma passed a few years ago and she admired the Queen so much. It’s surreal that she’s no longer here but her legacy will undoubtedly live on forever. May Her Royal Highness rest in peace and rise in glory 🌹🇬🇧
Her Majesty the late great Queen Elizabeth 2nd was first n for most a mother and a grandmother and great grandmother! She had a human side to her and i think she was quite a funny person in private despite her duties and role bless her I’m not a die hard royalist but i had n have respect for the British royal family!
This feels so utterly bizarre yet we all knew it was coming. This feels so strange. She has been a constant in most of our lives. Most of Britain has not known another monarch or was a small child when she became monarch. She’s been queen for seventy years, a timeframe I can’t even comprehend and yet that wasn’t even fully her life. And now Prince Charles is no longer Prince Charles, but King Charles III. It must feel so strange for that family right now to lose such a massive presence.
I watched this because I love the Queens sense of humour, with it being so similar to my own grandma’s humour who passed away a few years ago, expecting to laugh along with her. What I didn’t expect was the flood of tears I’m now in with it bringing back the loss I felt years earlier. I’m deeply proud to have served the Queen twice in my life, both in her air force and in her civil service, and feel blessed that I managed to meet her not once but twice. We could never have asked for a better head of state.
“I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice, but I can do something else. I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations.” Queen Elizabeth II, in her own words: Her most memorable remarks. “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest,” King Charles III says to his darling mama.
You have to remember, she grew up and was born in a time where there were no electronics and nothing really interesting, so of course she had to have fun like humans are supposed to. She really knew how to make people smile. She didn’t look her age 96, she was very upgoing and just bright, active, she talked like a middle aged woman, thats very amazing.
Not long before his death, Ukrainian designer R.Baginskiy created a hat for Elizabeth II, and the Queen of Great Britain accepted such a gift. The royal court was offered 20 sketches, of which the queen chose this one. The blue hat is decorated with handmade silk flowers. With his gift, the designer decided to thank the Queen and the whole of Great Britain for the constant support of Ukraine. He handed over an exclusive headdress for the queen on the Independence Day of Ukraine on August 24. Ukrainian diplomats helped to hand it over. The Queen is gone, the era is gone. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.
I can’t help feeling that the void left by her passing is absolutely massive. No matter what people may think of the Monarchy as an institution she herself was a truly remarkable individual. So many personal qualities allied to a truly sincere devotion to duty and of course an unparalleled reign. I for one will feel profound sadness for a while yet.
“THE Queen”👸🏼. I never got tired of hearing my grandmother talk of her coming to the throne, her life, of perusal her coronation on the black and white TV, etc. I feel so fortunate to have been in a group she stopped to say a few words at 13 yrs old when she came to lay the foundation stone at the new buildings of my secondary school in Barbados (Queen’s College). Even our one main hospital is named Queen Elizabeth Hospital and she opened that one too. One of a kind💯. Grace, wit, integrity; decency. ” Never complain, never explain”- mantra for life. RIP ma’am🙏🏼❤
She was our nana. She was 1 year younger than my nana. She’s 99 now, but with dementia and doesn’t know who I am. She gets scared when I visit her because of this. The last time I saw her when she (sort of) remembered who I was, the carer put her funeral on tv. She didn’t know what was going on; but whenever the sailors were on she’d snap out of it and say “elo sailor!” The queen is the nations nan. But my nan looks so much like her too. It’s still hard