Isham Cook

American essayist and novelist. His writing philosophy is big concept, discriminating, provocative. His influences are Ballard, Beckett, Borges, Dick, Kafka, Hesse, Melville, Mishima, Sade, and all uncompromising authors who bulldoze their way into new territory. He is a citizen of the world, having lived in the US, Canada, England, Germany, Japan, and (currently since the mid-90s) China, and traveled to many more.

His latest book is the historical novel, The Tao of Poison, set in 18th-century China: “The bold characters, kinetic plot, unconventional take on justice, and rich sense of atmosphere make this epic tale a studied contemplation of how beauty can usher in tragedy and sorrow.” — BookLife Reviews by Publishers Weekly