Literature and Poetry
For the Holiday Season, Give Me Real Books
An eBook just isn’t much fun. Where’s the tactile thrill in holding a plastic object or in fiddling with a screen? For me, only one plastic object could fit into the thrill category and it’s not a book of any kind. But, as Gilda Radner was wont to say “never mind,” this is about books, real books. more »
Gifts for Gardeners: Pink Pruning Shears and Book Reviews Reprised
A pair of gardening shears of the bypass type we bought this year are those offered by Saboten and called The Elegance Trio. They also include a trimmer and an anvil type. We chose the ones that are pink, great for small hands and easy to use. Digging Dog and Annie's Annuals are marvelous mail order nurseries with unusual and well-described plants in their catalogs. more »
Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey
George’s capers have already been mitigated with some poetic justice, which may be understood as emblematic of the important role the character had played both in saving the Reys’ lives when fleeing Nazi Europe and later helping them rebuild their careers in the United States. more »
CultureWatch, November Edition
Although Addams hoped for independence and a medical school education, graduation from Rockford sent her into the waters of duty, tragedy, and a nervous breakdown. In compelling narrative Knight spells out these events. More critically, she places Jane’s illness in the context 1880s medical and moral thinking including Jane’s belief "that she lacked the goodness of character to be truly self-denying." more »