 Also in 1974 James' publisher at the time, Sphere Books, provided the reading public with a list of "what Laurence James likes" - including Alf Tupper, Wilson and Beraddock, old films, old comics, and Rock 'n' roll.Among what he disliked were suits, gherkins and earwigs.Thereafter, James embarked on a highly prolific career, publishing dozens of novels under his own name as well as the pen names James Darke, James McPhee, Jonathan May, and James Axler.