On Literature, Books

Mostly commentary on fiction and contributions to the nebulous body known as “literature.”

The Kremlin Ball, by Curzio Malaparte

“The Kremlin Ball” narrates time Malaparte spent in Moscow during the late 1920s and the intellectuals and Soviet elite he met there.

2024-10-11
On Literature, Books Reading Journal

Mary Stuart. The Maid of Orleans. Two Historical Plays By Schiller

Not so recently acquired: Friedrich Schiller’s Mary Stuart and The Maid of Orleans. Two Historical Plays in One Volume!

2024-05-21
On Literature, Books New Acquisitions

The Arden Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra

On the second series edition of the Arden Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra”, both this particular 1991 printing as well as on the content more generally

2024-01-07
Idle Reflections New Acquisitions

Pride and Prejudice, the Movie Tie-In Edition

Purchased the Movie Tie-In edition of “Pride and Prejudice” to my profound moral chagrin

2023-10-22
New Acquisitions

Reading Aloud: Ben Lerner’s “The Rescue”

Reading aloud a poem published in the New York Review of Books September 21, 2023 issue.

2023-09-24
Idle Reflections On Literature, Books Reading Journal

“An Ideal Craftsman”: Psychological Horror from Walter de la Mare

“An Ideal Craftsman” follows a young boy down to the larder, happening upon a crime scene.

2023-06-17
Idle Reflections On Literature, Books Reading Journal

Piranesi: The Etchings

Detailing the purchase of a less puerile, more dignified Taschen volume collecting the etchings of Piranesi, the article and exhibit inspiring these.

2023-06-04
On Literature, Books New Acquisitions

Strata: William Smith’s Geological Maps

Not long ago I ordered "Strata: William Smith’s Geological Maps" lighting a fire of memory and reflection

2023-05-15
New Acquisitions On Literature, Books

Discovering Robert Southwell’s Metaphysical Poetry

A few reflections on the discovery of 16th-century poet Robert Southwell, apparently an exemplar of English Metaphysical Poetry.

2023-04-22
Sub Specie 16-17th Century Aeternitates On Literature, Books Reading Journal

Jane Eyre: Post-Colonial Christian Zealotry?

Reading "Jane Eyre" for the second time revealed a quite different— quite Christian and not postcolonial—one from what inhabited my memory (and imagination).