AN author has gifted copies of a book celebrating a 'forgotten Manx genius' to the Island's five secondary schools.
Bob Stimpson said he wanted the 'excellent education system' in the Island to benefit from his book - William Kennish: Manninagh Dooie – True Manxman.
Mr Stimpson presented 10 copies of the book, which was published by Lily Publications with the assistance of the Manx Heritage Foundation, to Education and Children Minister Peter Karran MHK yesterday (Monday).
The handover took place in the library at Ballakermeen High School - the school which Mr Stimpson's three daughters attended.
Mr Stimpson said: "Our family connections with Ballakermeen are strong and the gift of two books to Ballakermeen is one small thank you to the excellence so effectively nurtured there by (head teacher) Mrs Burnett.
"My gift of two books to each of the other secondary schools is driven by the desire to provide as wide a coverage of William Kennish's life and career to as many students as possible showing just what can be achieved if you apply yourself to the challenges life sets you."
Labelled a 'dunce' at school William Kennish struggled with reading and writing but overcame his learning difficulties after joining the Royal Navy where he rose to become master carpenter of the entire Mediterranean fleet in seven years.
Mr Stimpson explained: "In a modern warship he would be called the chief engineer and considered a high flier – an example of achievement in the face of adversity."
William Kennish invented the first effective way of concentrating a broadside (the forerunner of the modern gun turret) and, after exploring south of Panama and discovering the first canal route linking the Pacific to the Atlantic which did not require locks, was the first to disprove the misconception at the time that the Pacific would drain into the Atlantic.
The book is published on the eve of the 150th anniversary of William Kennish's death on March 19, 1862, in New York.
Mr Stimpson continued: "Kennish was a great Manxman and over the past six years it has given me the greatest pleasure to research this almost forgotten genius - receiving information from the Manx Museum, the National Archives in the UK and Kennish's own descendants in the USA to name but a few sources.
"I hope the book will inspire students on to greater things, showing them anything can be achieved if you act with determination."
Education and Children Minister Peter Karran MHK added: "There are many great Manx names in history and, with the publication of this book, hopefully William Kennish's achievements will be similarly recognised. We are grateful to Mr Stimpson for his gift."
William Kennish: Manninagh Dooie – True Manxman is also available in local bookshops priced at £26.
