Tom Knapp launched Rambles.NET in a fit of pique in May 1999 when the guy in charge of the review site he previously wrote for turned out to be, frankly, bad at his job. Figuring he could be happier in a new environment, Tom set to work and created something better! Since then, he's served the site as its editor, publisher, designer, dishwasher, investor, dog groomer and chief writer, gathering around him some talented folks who have written thousands of reviews for our readers and helped him push these pages to new horizons.
A newspaper reporter in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for about 35 years, he now works as a freelance writer in nearby York County; you can learn more about his work here.
Also in 1999, Tom founded Fire in the Glen, a regionally prominent Irish traditional/Celtic eclectic musical project that started life as a duo and evolved into a trio. Over the years they've put out over a half-dozen CDs and one lonely EP, and the band has logged a varied performance schedule under its collective belt. Tom plays fiddle and bodhran, currently sharing the stage with singer/guitarist Amanda Wells and singer/bagpiper Rod Nevin. Previous incarnations of the band have featured John Varner, Chet Williamson, Jason Mundok, Aaron Gagne, Michael Filippo, Durelle Leaman, Dave Pedrick, Melissa Brun, Megan Mullen and Mick Mullen.
Tom has four children. Vinnie and Molly, the eldest, have gone off to make their own way in the world. Remarried in 2019 to the wonderful Michelle, he shares their home with the precocious twins Wolf and Annabelle and their beloved dogs, Charley and Finnegan. (Morgan, Tom's beloved canine companion for more than 15 years, his dogs Casey, Ronan and Gracie, and his cats Puck and Marlowe are now waiting for him on the other side.)
Proudly eccentric, Tom collects swords, books and music. He loves all things Irish, Scottish and nautical.
Tom can be reached via email at tknapp@rambles.net.
Editing and publishing Rambles.NET each week keeps Tom plenty busy, but he hasn't let that interfere with his writing. (Yet!) You can see lists of Tom's reviews, interviews and essays by clicking on the menu selections to the right. Thanks for visiting!
