An author from Dundee who lost his eyesight in 2008 has written his second novel using specialist software.
Former Forthill Primary and Grove Academy pupil Gordon Anthony was raised in Broughty Ferry and worked in a bank before he was forced to take early retirement when his sight failed.
Now completely blind, the married father of three writes with the aid of a computer programme which tells him what he is typing.
Mr Anthony (55) said: “It’s pretty good, although my touch typing is not perfect and I quite often hear spelling mistakes as I go.”
His first novel, In the Shadow of the Wall, was published in 2010 and received critical acclaim for its depiction of a Pictish warrior who is captured and enslaved by the Romans.
Gaining his freedom after many years in captivity, he eventually returns home to Broch Tava a village which bears a remarkable resemblance to Gordon’s home town of Broughty Ferry.
Mr Anthony said: “I’ve always been interested in writing and I also have a passion for history. In particular, I have a keen interest in ancient history.
“I studied with the Open University just before my eyesight went, and managed to get a degree studying Classics and English.
“After a long but undistinguished career with the bank during which I definitely did not receive any massive bonuses I retired on medical grounds in 2008 as my eyesight was almost gone.
“When I retired, I had a lot more time on my hands, so I decided to write stories to keep my mind active.”
His second book, World’s End, is the first in a series of stories set in the years after the Roman invasion of Britain. The main protagonist is Calgacus, who must find a way to halt the invincible war machine and unite the tribes of Britain.
Mr Anthony said: “While I was doing some research reading with the aid of audiobooks and the text to speech facility on my Kindle, I realised that the story has never been told from the British perspective, and my series will try to do that through the eyes of a British hero.
“Most people believe that the Romans came, saw and conquered, but that is far from the truth. Many Britons resisted fiercely and had a lot of success.”
The novel has already received favourable reviews and the Historical Novel Society made it their Editor’s Choice in February.
Mr Anthony added: “Considering the competition, this was a fantastic accolade.
“I like to think that the books are so well received because, as a fan of history, I always try to make the background to the story as authentic as I can, while still trying to tell an exciting and entertaining tale.
“These books are now selling world-wide thanks to the advent of e-books. I’ve had messages from people as far afield as the USA and Australia saying how much they’ve enjoyed the books, and I know there have even been sales in Japan and Saudi Arabia. I believe one copy was even seen in the British Army base in Afghanistan.”
The second book in the series, The Centurions, is due out later this year.