David F.Raine - author:
British author David F. Raine was born in England, but has lived in Bermuda for most of his life.
He received all of his early education in London. In 1964, he graduated from Edge Hill College, an Education Campus of the University of Liverpool, with a Teaching Diploma in Sociology, Educational Psychology and Social Studies. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, USA, where he majored in Sociology, Law and Business,
David F. Raine's literary career began whilst he was still at college, when he became a regular contributor to a variety of local small magazines and newspapers.
In 1965, he married Bermudian artist Jill Amos Raine, and moved to Bermuda.
His first book was published in 1966. "Architecture - Bermuda Style" was the first book on this topic to attempt to trace the historical background to the diverse elements of Bermuda's architecture. In 1967, it was accepted for inclusion in the Official Collection of Printed Books, in the British Museum, England. It also became a standard text on Vernacular Architecture, used in related courses at the University of Florida.
In 1968-9, he served as a Community teacher in Cape Dorset, a remote settlement in Canada's Eastern Arctic. This resulted in the publication of many articles related to native artwork and Inuit culture. He also served as an Arctic News Correspondant for C.B.C. and produced a regular news programme that was transmitted through the radio station at Frobisher Bay.
Between 1967 and 1971, he contributed to a variety of North America magazines, on topics ranging from History to Sociology. In Canada, some of these writings were translated into French and Inuktituk.
In September 1971, he wrote "The Historic Towne of St. George" - a guide book to Bermuda's original 17th century capital. It was praised by reviewers for it's factual accuracy and enjoyable reading style.
In 1973, he was commissioned to re-write "Rider's Bermuda", a famous text originally published in 1922.
In 1979, "The Pregnant Father" was released simultaneously in the United States, Canada, Britain and Bermuda. The book was the first of its kind anywhere to describe the role and expectations of the father-to-be, during pregnancy.
In 1980, he completed one of his most significant works. Entitled "Pitseolak - a Canadian Tragedy", it was released by the prestigious Canadian publisher 'Hurtig'. The book deals with the truelife struggles of cultural infusion. It received national attention and acclaim. In 1982, he sold the film rights. It was re-published by McClelland/Stewart in 1999.
In 1984, another major work appeared: "Sir George Somers - a man and his times". It remains the definitive biography of this eminent Elizabethan merchant-adventurer. Copies are held in major libraries throughout England, Canada and United States, as well as the Members Library in The House of Commons, London.
In 1986, "Bermuda as it used to be" was published. Using a unique format, this book presents his carefully-researched text in conjunction with original photographs taken in 1899, by American photographer Edith Ross Parker.
In January 1988, the British Library accepted three more of his books for it's permanent collection. In November 1988, The National Library of Canada, in Ottawa, accepted copies of his work for the Canadian Government collection. In August 1989, the U.S.Library of Congress, in Washington, accorded the same honour. Each of his subsequent books has been accepted as part of these major international collections.
Between January 1990 and March 1995, he was appointed Research Archivist to the Towne of St. George. During this period, he catalogued approximately 100,000 original eighteenth and nineteenth century documents, now kept in The Bermuda Archives.
In 1990, "Another World" was issued for world-wide distribution by'Macmillan', of England. Also that year, he was commissioned by APA Publications, Singapore, to contribute chapters for a book in their "Insight Series". It was later translated into German.
Between 1990-97 he was a principal feature writer for a British publishing company, writing articles for in-flight magazines on 'Air Canada', 'PanAm', 'USAir, 'NorthWest Airlines', 'United Airlines', 'Kiwi International Airlines', 'British Airways' and 'Continental'.
In October 1993, he was featured in a South American television programme 'World Mysteries', recording a half-hour segment onThe Bermuda Triangle'. It was aired on Channel 13 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In Spring 1993, he wrote and narrated a script for a video on 'The Bermuda Triangle'; produced by Panatel, for "Yoshi Productions".
In 1993, he wrote "Rattle and Shake" - the fascinating story of Bermuda's defunct railway. Within a year, the book was already in its third edition.
In 1993, he became the first Bermudian author to have his books listed in the Internet, having been entered through the University of the West Indies network.
In 1994, at the request of The Royal Society for the Blind, he became the first local author to have a Bermudian book translated into Braille; a special 'large print' edition of 'Rattle and Shake' was also prepared for readers with seeing deficiencies.
In 1994, he wrote an islands guide book for the European 'APA Pocket Guldes' series. It was simultaneously translated into German and released internationally. That same year, the 3rd edition of 'Rattle and Shake' was published; subsequently, the book has been distributed worldwide and reviewed in countries as far apart as New Zealand, Kenya, France, India Switzerland, Canada and England.
Simultaneously, in 1994, the 4th.edition of "Sir George Somers - a man and his Times" was released. This remains the definitive biography of this prominent Elizabethan merchant adventurer, saviour of Jamestown and accredited Founder of Bermuda. Among other international public depositories, copies are in Virginia State Library, USA; Library of Congress; House of Commons Library, Westminster, England; Canadian National Library, Ottawa.
In 1995, "The Imprisoned Splendour" was published through 'Bigwood and Staple', of England. This book chronicles the life of British artist Sam Morse-Brown. It Is the sole authorised biography and uses personal anecdotes and facts to detail his work during a 93 year period. The book also outlines many of the major European art movements with which the subject was closely associated, and touches upon his connection with some of the leading artists who were his contemporaries. Copies of this are included in the National Museum of Wales; National Gallery and The Tate Gallery, both in London, England.
In 1996, he became the first Bermudian author to be featured on a CD-ROM book listing having been included in the International Bibliography, based in Paris.
In 1997, two other books were published. 'Through distant Eyes' is a compilation of 88 black-and-white prints from the nineteenth century, which shows all parts of Berrnuda through the artwork of period artists and illustrators. The illustrations are supplemented by a text based on descriptions written by contemporary visitors to Bermuda - thereby offering a unique glimpse of what the islands were like 100 years ago.
The second book published in 1997 was 'Solved! The greatest Sea Mystery of all'. This chronicles the events that lead to the unexplained disappearance of HMS Atalanta, which was last seen homeward-bound in the North Atlantic, in 1880. A Royal Naval Enquiry was unable to explain the loss of one of its ships - a special training ship manned by hand-picked career officers and the nation's brightest officer-cadets. The book is especially noteworthy for its meticulous research and damning conclusions - which suggest a cover-up of the highest order within the Navy and the British Government.
In 2000, two further books were published:
"An Irishman came through" details the Bermuda sojourn of Irish Poet, Tom Moore. This distinguished Man of Letters resided in Bermuda between 1803-4, during which he wrote a selection of poems and sonnets. This period of his life had never previously been chronicled and helps to shed considerable light on the events that eventually led to his enforced exile in Greece and France, over a decade later. The book also clarifies the exact identity of the enigmatic "Nea" who is featured in many of his muses. Copies of this work are included in the National Library of Ireland, in Dublin.
Also in 2000, came the release of "Shakespeare, an Island and a Storm", which thoroughly explores the reasons why William Shakespeare felt compelled to write one of his most adored plays, "The Tempest", about the shipwreck of the vessel "Sea Venture" - off Bermuda in 1609. It also highlights the bard's relationships with various intimates of The Virginia Company.
David F.Raine is widely travelled. He has visited places as far apart as Japan and South America. He has journeyed extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East. He has watched the sun rising and setting over Siberia's barren Steppelands; he has talked with Bedhouln in the Sahara Desert; he has followed lions and elephants across the grasslands of Kenya; he has slept in snow-houses in the icy wastes of the Arctic. He has island-hopped across the Caribbean and roamed over glaciers in Norway. He has walked along Peru's Inca Trail and journeyed into the Amazonian Jungle on a river boat.
As a result of his writing, he has appeared on a variety of interview and talk shows in U.S.A., Britain, Bermuda and Canada. He has lectured for the international 'Elderhostel' and 'Saga Roadscholar' groups; he has given talks at the Bermuda Biological Station and the Bermuda College. He has addressed National Trust workshops, and has been guest speaker at Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Club meetings.
David F. Raine lives in Bermuda, with his artist wife Jill Amos Raine. They have two sons:
Andre F. Raine is a Wildlife Biologist and the author of numerous published works. BSc. University of Guelph, Canada, MSc.-University of London, England, PhD. candidate -University of East Anglia, England.
Jason A.Raine is a Medical Illustrator: BSc.- McGill University, Montreal, Canada. MSc.-University of Toronto, Canada.
David F. Raine passed away on August 20, 2004 after a short bout with cancer. David had a total of 18 books published and left behind several unfinished manuscripts. A moongate has been erected in Somer's Park, St. George's, Bermuda in his memory. 1941-2004
Author, historian and St. George's figure, David Francis Raine has passed away at the age 63.
Mr. Raine had many friends in the town, including Mayor of St. George's E. Michael Jones.
"I had the pleasure of working with former counsellor Raine for six years or so. I thought he certainly was dedicated as the work was offered on a voluntary basis to the town," Mr. Jones said.
"He taught for many years and hundred and hundreds of students have come up under his tutelage.
Mr. Raine held a BSc degree in business and sociology from the University of Maryland.
"He was involved up to his last days with Sea Cadets in St. George's," Mr. Jones said.
"We will miss the 20 odd years he put in as a businessman in the community at Bridge House Gallery, which he only recently closed after 20 odd years.
"He also was a prolific writer of history and wrote a number of books about the town including Sir George Somers."
Some of his 18 published works include: "Pitseolak: A Canadian Tragedy", "Architecture &endash; Bermuda Style", "The Historic Towne of St. George", "Rattle and Shake", "Bermuda As It Used To Be" and "Sir George Somers: A man and his Times".
"The Island has lost someone who continued to gather information," Mr. Jones said. "The community will certainly miss him, as he was a man always seen around town. Most of the public knew who he was.
"We send our best on behalf of the Corporation and the people of St. George's to Jill his wife and his two sons," he said.
Born in London, Mr. Raine moved to Bermuda soon after getting married. His wife Jill Amos Raine is an artist and his son André recently published a book on Bermuda birds.
"We hope they will bear up under the tremendous stress of losing a loved one. We know they were very close. They were together right to the end. We take this opportunity to say we hope God will look after his family in his absence," Mr. Jones said.
