Eggplant.place

199d

"It is equally a fault to believe all men or to believe none."

#OTD in 1817.

Walter Scott's historical novel Rob Roy, written from this spring, is published anonymously by Archibald Constable in Edinburgh, while a shipload of copies is carried from Leith to London for simultaneous publication there by Longman.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Roy_(novel)

Rob Roy at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/7025

#books #literature

Title page of Walter Scott's Rob Roy, 1st edition.

The title page of the first edition of Walter Scott's Rob Roy, published in 1817, reflects the typographical conventions of early 19th-century book design. It is simple and elegant, featuring the book's title, Rob Roy, prominently displayed in bold typeface near the top. Below the title, Scott is credited as the author, though he initially published his novels anonymously, often referring to himself as "the Author of Waverley."

The page includes the publisher's information—Archibald Constable and Co., based in Edinburgh—and the date of publication, 1817, typically at the bottom of the page. The layout is symmetrical, with ample margins and no elaborate illustrations or ornamentation, emphasizing clarity and function. The lack of visual embellishments aligns with the literary focus of the era.

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252d

The consolations of philosophy

In my latest blog post I talk about three books that help me to understand, resist and find hope: The Unaccountability Machine, Stories Are Weapons, and The Dispossessed.

https://rinsemiddlebliss.com/posts/2024-11-08-consolations-of-philosophy/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

#blog #books #philosophy

Four book covers of the books The Consolation of Philosophy, The Unaccountability Machine, Stories Are Weapons, and The Dispossessed.

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222d

"Everything comes in time to him who knows how to wait."

In December 1869.

Publication of Leo Tolstoy's novel War and Peace complete in book form concludes. It is printed in Moscow and sold by the author on subscription. Portions of an earlier version, titled The Year 1805, were serialized in The Russian Messenger from 1865 to 1867 before the novel was published in its entirety in 1869.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_Peace#

War and Peace at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2600

#books #literature

Front page of War and Peace sixth volume, first edition, 1869 (Russian)

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222d

In December 1917.

The first of many editions of Robert Baden-Powell's The Wolf Cub's Handbook is published.

The Wolf Cub's Handbook, in various editions, remained The Boy Scouts Association's official handbook for Wolf Cubs until The Chief Scout's Advance Party Report of 1966 recommended that less emphasis be placed on the Jungle Book theme and renamed its Wolf Cubs program as Cubs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wolf_Cub%27s_Handbook

Books by Robert Baden-Powell at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/2144

#books #literature

Cover of The Wolf Cub's Handbook by Robert Baden-Powell, first published in 1916

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222d

In December 1855.

Charles Dickens publishes the first instalment of Little Dorrit, which continues to appear into 1857.

Little Dorrit was published in 19 monthly instalments, each consisting of 32 pages with two illustrations by Hablot Knight Browne whose pen name was Phiz. Each instalment cost a shilling except for the last, a double issue which cost two shillings.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Dorrit#

Little Dorrit at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/963

#books #literature

Cover of serial, "Little Dorrit" by Charles Dickens

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222d

In December 1892.

The Irish Literary Society is founded by W. B. Yeats, T. W. Rolleston & Charles Gavan Duffy in London, and the National Literary Society by Yeats in Dublin with scholar Douglas Hyde as its first president. A Book of Irish Verse, designed to publicise the new societies, was published in 1895, edited by Yeats and dedicated "To the Members of the National Literary Society of Dublin & the Irish Literary Society of London."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Literary_Society

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37845

#books

A Book of Irish Verse Selected From Modern Writers, With an Introduction and Notes by William Butler Yeats

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222d

In December 1914.

Wilhelm Apollinaris de Kostrowitzky, who writes under the pen name "Guillaume Apollinaire", enlists in the French Army to fight in World War I and becomes a French citizen after an August attempt at enlistment is rejected.

Apollinaire is considered one of the foremost poets of the early 20th century, as well as one of the most impassioned defenders of Cubism and a forefather of Surrealism.

Books by Apollinaire at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/6075

#books #literature #poetry

Photograph of Guillaume Apollinaire in spring 1916 after a shrapnel wound to his temple.

Apollinaire, wearing a military uniform, might appear seated or standing in a composed but slightly weary posture. His head is likely bandaged due to the shrapnel wound he sustained while serving as a soldier. The bandages emphasize the physical scars of war while also symbolizing the poet's enduring spirit amidst adversity.

His expression might convey a mix of stoicism and introspection, with his intense eyes reflecting his poetic sensibility and his experiences on the battlefield.

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Du coton dans les oreilles

[première page]

Tant d'explosifs sur le point vif !
Ecris un mot si tu l'oses ?
Les points d'impact dans mon âme toujours en guerre
Ton troupeau féroce crache le feu
Ô Mégaphone
[écriteau]

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55569

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228d

#OTD in 1898.

Moscow Art Theatre's first season opens with a double bill of Emilia Matthai's Greta's Happiness and Carlo Goldoni's The Mistress of the Inn. The successful and influential Moscow Art Theatre production of The Seagull by Chekhov (its Moscow première), would open on 29 December 1898.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mistress_of_the_Inn

#books #literature #theatre

The Russian actor and director Constantin Stanislavski in a production of Goldoni's Locandiera in 1898.

In this image, Stanislavski is dressed in an elaborate 18th-century costume reflective of the play's setting—a richly embroidered jacket, breeches, and a wig styled in the fashion of the period.

This image encapsulates his early experiments with realism, which would later form the foundation of his influential acting system.

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228d

"O Day! he cannot die
When thou so fair art shining!
O Sun, in such a glorious sky,
So tranquilly declining;..."

#OTD in 1844.

Emily Brontë writes the poem "A Death-Scene". It was published in 1846 in a book collecting poetry by Brontë and her siblings.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Death-Scene

Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1019

#books #literature #poetry

Portrait of Emily Jane Brontë by Patrick Branwell Brontë.

Emily is dressed in plain, dark Victorian attire, with a high-collared dress that suggests her preference for simplicity over adornment. The muted color palette of the portrait adds to the somber yet striking impression she gives. Over time, this painting has become iconic, capturing the aura of mystery that surrounds Emily Brontë’s life and work. Branwell’s artistic style, while somewhat unpolished, imbues the portrait with an emotional depth that reflects his intimate knowledge of his sister’s character.

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228d

#OTD in 1851.

The French coup d'état of 1851 prompts Victor Hugo to be a leader of an unsuccessful insurrection against it. He is forced into exile, initially to Brussels, then Jersey, from which he was expelled for supporting L’Homme. He finally settled with his family at Hauteville House in Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, where he would live in exile from October 1855 until 1870.

Books by Victor Hugo at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/85

#books #literature

Charles Hugo - Victor Hugo on the Rock of the Exiles.

The photograph titled Victor Hugo on the Rock of the Exiles, taken by Charles Hugo, is a striking visual representation of the legendary French writer during his period of exile on the Channel Islands. The image captures Victor Hugo standing or seated on a rugged rock formation, overlooking the sea, symbolizing his defiance and resilience during his years away from France.

Hugo is typically depicted wearing dark, heavy clothing suitable for the windy, coastal environment. His demeanor is contemplative, with his gaze fixed on the horizon, evoking a sense of introspection and strength. The wild, untamed landscape around him complements the romantic and rebellious spirit of Hugo’s personality and his works.

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251d

#OTD in 1928.

Radclyffe Hall's novel The Well of Loneliness, published by Jonathan Cape in London, is tried and convicted on the grounds of obscenity under the Hicklin test, after a campaign against it by James Douglas in the Sunday Express.

https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/73042

#books #literature

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251d

#OTD in 1920.

D. H. Lawrence's novel Women in Love appears in a limited U.S. subscribers' edition. This first was available only to subscribers, due to the controversy caused by Lawrence's previous work, The Rainbow (1915).

Women in Love at PG
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/4240

#books #literature

Book cover for the first edition of Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence

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228d

Is Oedipus Rex the Mother of All Drama?

Sophocles’s Oedipus Rex (aka Oedipus the King) … Is it the mother of all Western drama? The father? Or both?

By Thom Delapa

https://www.thecollector.com/oedipus-rex-mother-drama/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oedipus_Rex

Oedipus King of Thebes by Sophocles at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27673

#books #literature #culture #history

Bénigne Gagneraux, The Blind Oedipus Commending his Children to the Gods.

Oedipus, aged and blind, is the central figure, seated with his arms extended in a gesture of fervent prayer. His tattered robes and gaunt appearance reflect his physical suffering and moral struggles. His face, lined with age and anguish, conveys a mix of despair and hope as he entrusts his children to the divine powers.

His children, Antigone and possibly Polynices or Ismene, are depicted nearby. Antigone, often portrayed with a sense of grace and compassion, might be kneeling or standing close to Oedipus, offering support. The other child may exhibit a contrasting demeanor, illustrating the familial tension inherent in the myth.

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228d

#OTD in 1867.

Charles Dickens begins a U.S. reading tour in New York City.

During his visit, Dickens was giving lectures, raising the question of international copyright laws and the pirating of his work in America. He persuaded a group of 25 writers, to sign a petition for him to take to Congress, but the press were generally hostile to this, saying that he should be grateful for his popularity & that it was mercenary to complain about his work being pirated.

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/37

#books

Sketch of Dickens in 1842 during his first American tour. Sketch of Dickens's sister Fanny, bottom left.

The sketch of Charles Dickens from 1842, made during his first American tour, presents the celebrated author as a young man in his thirties, exuding confidence and charm. His hair, slightly wavy and tousled, frames his face, and his distinctive sideburns are prominent. Dickens is typically dressed in formal Victorian attire, with a cravat or bow tie and a waistcoat, reflecting the fashion of the era.

In the bottom left of the sketch, there is a smaller illustration of his sister, Fanny Dickens. This part of the drawing likely depicts her with a gentler demeanor, dressed modestly in mid-19th century women's clothing. Her features may appear softer, emphasizing a familial connection and her importance to Dickens's life. The inclusion of Fanny in the composition might serve to add a personal dimension to the artwork, reflecting her influence on Dickens's early years and emotional life.

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220d

#OTD in 1901.

The first Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded, to French poet Sully Prudhomme.

He devoted the bulk of the money he received to the creation of a poetry prize awarded by the Société des gens de lettres. He also founded, in 1902, the Société des poètes français with Jose-Maria de Heredia and Leon Dierx.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sully_Prudhomme

Books by Sully Prudhomme at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/7695

#books #literature #poetry

Sully-Prudhomme, René François Armand Prudhomme, known as (1839 - 1907), french writer.

In such portraits, he wears a suit with a high-collared shirt and tie, consistent with the fashion of the late 1800s. His facial features, including a prominent mustache and neatly groomed hair, contribute to the dignified and intellectual aura often associated with prominent writers of his time.

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Autograph manuscript of “Science et poésie” published in the Nouvelle Revue internationale in 1898, then in Épaves in 1908.

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220d

#OTD in 1905.

O. Henry's short story "The Gift of the Magi" first appears as "Gifts of the Magi" in The New York Sunday World. It was first published in book form in the O. Henry collection The Four Million in April 1906.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gift_of_the_Magi

The Gift of the Magi at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7256

#books #literature

First page of the short story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry from the 1906 anthology The Four Million.

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220d

#OTD in 1896.

Alfred Jarry's play Ubu Roi (first published this Spring in Le Livre d'art) is premièred by the Théâtre de l'Œuvre in Paris. The opening word, "Merdre!", triggers disturbances and the play is not performed again in the author's lifetime.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubu_Roi

Ubu Roi at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/16884

#books #literature #theatre

Programme for Alfred Jarry's Ubu Roi
Adam Cuerden - Minneapolis Institute of Art

The program incorporates bold typography and surreal imagery, inspired by the absurd and anarchic themes of Ubu Roi. Its design likely mirrors the chaotic energy and grotesque humor of the play.

The program would typically include the title, credits for the playwright (Alfred Jarry), and possibly a cast list. It may also provide a brief summary or commentary on the production.
It might contain illustrations or symbols representing the titular character, Père Ubu, whose grotesque and tyrannical persona is central to the story.

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200d

Alfred North Whitehead, who died #OTD in 1947, was an English mathematician and philosopher. He is best known as the defining figure of the philosophical school known as process philosophy, which today has found application to a wide variety of disciplines, including ecology, theology, education, physics, biology, economics, and psychology, among other areas.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_North_Whitehead

Alfred North Whitehead at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/8283

#books #philosophy #mathematics

Alfred North Whitehead portrait.

Portraits of Alfred North Whitehead, the eminent mathematician and philosopher, often depict him as a distinguished and contemplative figure, reflecting his intellectual contributions to fields like logic, mathematics, and metaphysics.

A characteristic portrait of Whitehead would show him with a serious yet approachable expression, a high forehead emphasizing his scholarly demeanor, and neatly combed white hair, signifying his advanced years during his most influential period. The pose and setting often evoke an academic atmosphere, with books, a desk, or a study as part of the background, symbolizing his lifelong dedication to learning and teaching.

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219d

Arthur Schopenhauer’s Idealism: Is Our World Just a Dream?
Schopenhauer argued that the world is but an intricate dream, and what he suggested lies beyond it may shock you.

By Maysara Kamal

https://www.thecollector.com/arthur-schopenhauers-idealism-is-our-world-just-a-dream/

Books by Arthur Schopenhauer at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/3648

#books #literature #philosophy

Schopenhauer portrait.

A portrait of Arthur Schopenhauer typically depicts the German philosopher with a serious and introspective demeanor, reflecting his profound and often somber philosophy. His distinctive physical features include a high forehead, sharp cheekbones, and piercing eyes that suggest a deep intellectual presence.

Schopenhauer is often shown wearing formal 19th-century attire, such as a dark coat, white shirt, and cravat, emphasizing his scholarly persona. His hair is white and wild, framing his face in an untamed manner that has become iconic. The background in such portraits is usually subdued, with neutral tones or simple drapery, ensuring that the focus remains on the subject.

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218d

#OTD in 1899.

Robert Browning's book Asolando; Fancies and facts is published on the same day he dies at Ca' Rezzonico in Venice. He is buried in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.

His magnum opus, The Ring and the Book (1868–1869), is a 12-volume epic poem based on a real-life Italian murder trial. He is particularly celebrated for his dramatic monologues, which reveal the inner workings of his characters' minds.

Asolando
https://archive.org/details/asolandofanciesf00browiala

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/146

#books #poetry

Portrait by Herbert Rose Barraud, c. 1888.

A portrait of Robert Browning, the renowned Victorian poet, depicts him as a dignified and thoughtful figure, reflective of his literary prowess. Browning’s distinctive features include a broad forehead, expressive eyes, and a well-groomed beard, which frames his face with an air of intellectual sophistication.

Browning’s expression is typically captured as introspective or gently engaging, embodying the dual qualities of a deep thinker and an accessible conversationalist.

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217d

See How Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael Entered and Exited Each Other's Worlds

A new exhibition in London examines the relationship between the three Italian Renaissance artists, who came together in Florence in 1504

By Olatunji Osho-Williams

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-how-michelangelo-leonardo-and-raphael-entered-and-exited-each-others-worlds-180985624/

Michelangelo at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/3463

Leonardo da Vinci at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1629

About Raphael at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=Raffaello+Sanzio+da+Urbino%5B&submit_search=Search

#books #literature #art #culture

Michelangelo Daniele da Volterra (dettaglio)

Attributed to Daniele da Volterra - Metropolitan Museum of Art, online collection (The Met object ID 436771)

Michelangelo is depicted with a thoughtful, introspective gaze, his eyes appearing slightly weary yet penetrating. His face is marked with the lines of age, suggesting both the wisdom and the struggles of a life dedicated to art and architecture.

The artist emphasizes Michelangelo's prominent forehead, symbolizing his intellectual prowess. His hair is short and graying, and his full beard, also streaked with gray, frames his face, further emphasizing his maturity and dignity.

Michelangelo is dressed simply in a muted robe or cloak, reflecting his modest lifestyle and focus on his work rather than material wealth. The simplicity of his attire allows the viewer's attention to remain on his expressive face.

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Presumed self-portrait of Raphael.

This is a well-known portrait of Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio), the Italian Renaissance painter and architect. It is a self-portrait, believed to have been painted around 1506. The artist depicts himself wearing a black cap and simple clothing, with soft, harmonious features characteristic of his style. The plain background enhances the focus on his face, emphasizing his contemplative expression.

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217d

In December 1832 (or January 1833).

Richard Bentley, having purchased the remaining copyrights to all of Jane Austen's novels from her sister Cassandra, begins to return them to print (for the first time since 1820) in five illustrated volumes as part of his Standard Novels series. In October 1833, Bentley released the first collected edition of her works. Since then, Austen's novels have been continuously in print.

Books by Jane Austen at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/68

#books #literature

One of the first two published illustrations of Pride and Prejudice, from the Richard Bentley edition. Caption reads: "She then told him [Mr Bennett] what Mr Darcy had voluntarily done for Lydia. He heard her with astonishment."

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217d

In December 1896.

Frank Munsey's The Argosy publishes its first all adult fiction issue, pioneering the pulp magazine genre in the United States. The name was changed to Argosy All-Story Weekly in 1920 after the magazine merged with All-Story Weekly, another Munsey pulp, and from 1929 it became just Argosy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argosy_(magazine)

The Argosy (from 1891 till 1922) is available at HathiTrust:
https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/006062033

#books #pulpfiction

Cover of the April 1906 issue of The Argosy.

This is the cover of The Argosy magazine from April 1906. The illustration depicts a dramatic and adventurous scene featuring a historical or maritime theme. A man dressed in 17th-century-style clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and cape, stands on a rocky shore gesturing toward a sailing ship in the distance. The ship is bathed in the glow of a setting sun, adding a sense of grandeur to the image. In the foreground, a crowd of people appears to be either boarding or disembarking from small boats. The text above, "In Savage Splendor," suggests an adventure story beginning in this issue. The artwork and typography reflect the vibrant storytelling and visual style characteristic of pulp magazines of the early 20th century.

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199d

#OTD in 1914.

T. S. Eliot writes to Conrad Aiken from Oxford (where he has a scholarship at Merton College), saying: "I hate university towns and university people, who are the same everywhere, with pregnant wives, sprawling children, many books and hideous pictures on the walls.... Oxford is very pretty, but I don't like to be dead."

T.S. Eliot at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/599

#books #literature