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Shakespeare Press
No. 4 Sheep Street: The Memoir of Gerald Jaggard
by Andy Jaggard
A Journey of Discovery and Redemption: The Memoir of Gerald Jaggard
“Shakespeare Press – The Memoir of Gerald Jaggard” takes readers on a captivating journey through the haunting tales of No. 4 Sheep Street, a bookshop teeming with ghosts and the unfinished memoir of Gerald’s father. Unearthed after his father’s passing, Gerald Jaggard’s memoir, titled “The Life and Death of a Stratford Bookshop,” reveals his determination to uncover the truth about his eccentric father, Captain William Jaggard. However, the memoir remains incomplete, leaving a void in Gerald’s heartfelt story.
A Strange Enquiry and Unveiling the Past
Three years ago, an American researcher’s inquiry about a famous Shakespearean book, once owned by Captain William Jaggard and bearing Shakespeare’s signature, triggers a series of events. Intrigued, Gerald’s son embarks on an investigation, delving into the “Jaggard Papers” and Captain William Jaggard’s century-old research on the Jaggard family tree. As the pieces come together, a compelling idea takes shape – to uncover what happened to Gerald and his family, understand why he abandoned his emotional story, and, if possible, complete his father’s memoir.
The Linking of Generations and a Tale of Survival
The iconic bookshop in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon serves as a symbolic link between the two men – Gerald and his father. However, the true drama lies in the extraordinary life of Captain William Jaggard, whose colorful and seemingly unbelievable existence had a profound impact on Gerald’s life. As readers delve into “Shakespeare Press,” they witness the damaging effects of Captain Jaggard’s legacy and Gerald’s journey towards survival and a fresh start.
A Memoir of Discovery and Redemption
“Shakespeare Press, Gerald’s completed memoir,” invites readers on a three-year voyage of discovery, where the past unravels and secrets are revealed. This memoir not only explores the intricate family dynamics and the haunted history of the bookshop but also delves into the resilience of the human spirit. It is a testament to the power of uncovering the truth, finding redemption, and piecing together a fragmented past.
Immerse yourself in “Shakespeare Press – The Memoir of Gerald Jaggard,” a tale that intertwines generations and illuminates the enduring impact of family history. This captivating memoir charts a journey of discovery, redemption, and the eternal quest for truth and understanding.
Published by Shakespeare Press on 2023-04-22
Andy was born in Tiddington near Stratford-upon-Avon in 1952. He attended King Edward V1th Grammar School where he was recruited by maths teacher and neighbour, Douglas Tuckey, to cox the 1st four in the rowing section. In the Sixth Form he was Captain of Boats and took up single sculling.
After teacher training at Durham University he taught Drama and English at a comprehensive school in Essex for two years. Attracted by a more informal learning environment he went to work at an Outdoor Education Centre at Sharpness in Gloucestershire, for many years.
In his thirties after completing a two-year B.Ed. Honours degree he made a career move into Management Development, initially as a Leadership Programme Manager for a large retail organisation, then in consultancy, before establishing his freelance business, Arena Development in 1996. He worked in the UK, in Europe and other parts of the World on Leadership and Organisational development programmes and projects.
A keen sportsman he played County League tennis for over twenty years in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire before his back problems forced him to give up the sport.
Aged twenty, Andy had first met Moira McGinnety while at Durham University. After a ‘trial separation’ of twenty-one years they met again in 1994. A few months later Andy re-located to Durham and they were finally married in 2010. Today they live on the edge of Durham City with stepson Ben Shepherd.
Andy resumed his rowing and sculling obsession when he returned to Durham, competing on the North-East circuit and as a ‘Masters’ (age category) sculler at National, Henley and World Masters events, winning three gold medals, at Henley Masters in 2013, at World Masters in Hungary in 2019 and in France in 2022. He coaches sculling at Durham Amateur Rowing club specialising in developing single scullers from ‘improvers’ to ‘racers’ (see www.mysinglesculler.com )
