Literary legacy of York student (From York Press)

Literary legacy of University of York student James Jarvis

9:46am Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Haydn Lewis, haydn.lewis@thepress.co.uk

A UNIVERSITY of York student who died last year aged only 22 has left a lasting literary legacy with his first novel about to be published.

James Jarvis was a postgraduate student in the university’s Centre for Medieval Studies after graduating in history in 2010.

He was close to completing an MA in medieval history when he was found dead on July 12 last year.

His mother, Philippa, said she knew James had been writing a book, but it was not until after his death that she realised the full extent of his writing – with one book written on his computer and another four written out in long-hand.

Mrs Jarvis said: “It wasn’t a complete surprise as I know James had been writing a book ever since he was a teenager. He had sent some sample copies of his work off to publishers and after his death we got letters back from a couple of publishers saying they were interested in printing his work.

“He has written five books in a series called The Other World Chronicles and the first book called The Midgard Knight is going to be published by Teesside firm Quoin.

“Blackwells bookshop on the university campus has also agreed to sell it and currently we are looking at it going on sale at the end of the month.”

The book is a fantasy adventure telling the story of a young man from York in his late teens who gets drawn into a world of magic. Mrs Jarvis said James took inspiration and advice from author Anthony Horowitz who he met at a book signing.

After James’ death, his family set up a bursary at the university. Since it was established last autumn, it has helped three post-graduate history students.

Mrs Jarvis said: “James’ books are an amazing legacy, and if the first book sells well any money we raise will go into the bursary.”

James’ funeral was held at York Minster last year and although his family live on Teesside, Mrs Jarvis is from Kirkbymoorside and James is buried there.

The Midgard Knight is due to go on sale on October 29 priced £7.99.