books

245d

<p>Book Review: Babylonia by Constanza Casati<br>Imagining the life of a historical figure whose life has been imagined and reimagined far more than the actual historical facts about her: Semiramis.<br><span class="h-card"><a href="https://wandering.shop/@Princejvstin" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@<span>Princejvstin</span></a></span> has the review at the NOAF blog<br><a href="http://www.nerds-feather.com/2025/12/book-review-babylonia-by-constanza.html" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.nerds-feather.com/2025/12/book-review-babylonia-by-constanza.html"><span class="invisible">http://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.nerds-feather.com/2025/12/</span><span class="invisible">book-review-babylonia-by-constanza.html</span></a></p><p>@bookstodon <a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/review/" rel="tag">#review</a> <a href="/tags/fantasy/" rel="tag">#fantasy</a></p>

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2y

<p>English painter and illustrator John Everett Millais died <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1896.</p><p>He was one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. He became the most famous exponent of the style, his painting Christ in the House of His Parents (1849–50) generating considerable controversy, and he produced a picture that could serve as the embodiment of the historical & naturalist focus of the group, Ophelia (1851–52).</p><p>Books about John Everett Millais at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=John+Everett+Millais&submit_search=Go%21" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=John+Everett+Millais&submit_search=Go%21"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/searc</span><span class="invisible">h/?query=John+Everett+Millais&submit_search=Go%21</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/art/" rel="tag">#art</a> <a href="/tags/painting/" rel="tag">#painting</a></p>

Ophelia (1852)
John Everett Millais

"Ophelia" (1852) by John Everett Millais is a captivating portrayal of the tragic character from Shakespeare's "Hamlet." The painting depicts Ophelia floating in a river, surrounded by flowers and lush greenery. Her face, serene and pale, contrasts with the vibrant and detailed natural setting. Millais captures the moment of her madness and impending death, her body partially submerged in the water, her hands delicately holding flowers. The meticulous attention to botanical detail and the luminous quality of the water create a hauntingly beautiful and melancholic scene, evoking a sense of loss and innocence.

The Princes in the Tower (1878)
John Everett Millais

"The Princes in the Tower" (1878) by John Everett Millais portrays the young Edward V and his brother Richard of Shrewsbury, who were famously imprisoned in the Tower of London. The painting captures the brothers' vulnerability and the foreboding atmosphere of their confinement. The boys are depicted huddled together on a bed, dressed in richly detailed clothing, with expressions of innocence and concern. The dimly lit room and the shadowy background emphasize the ominous fate that awaited them. Millais' use of light and shadow enhances the emotional intensity of the scene, highlighting the tragic historical narrative.

An Idyll of 1745. The three female artists models on the right were the sisters Lily Pettigrew [1870-1920]; Hetty Pettigrew [1867-1953] and Rose Pettigrew [1872-1905]

"An Idyll of 1745" by John Everett Millais captures a charming, serene scene with three women as the focal point. The painting features the Pettigrew sisters, Lily, Hetty, and Rose, elegantly posed on the right side. The women are depicted in period clothing, their dresses detailed and indicative of 18th-century fashion. Millais' attention to the sisters' expressions and interactions adds a sense of intimacy and connection between them. The lush, pastoral background enhances the idyllic and tranquil atmosphere, making the painting a beautiful portrayal of the elegance and grace of the era.

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284d

<p>Giving Up is Unforgivable – A Manual for Keeping Democracy (Highly Recommended)</p><p>Giving Up is Unforgiveable by Joyce Vance. Cuts through noise to power we still have, and responsibilities. Note: Could be the most important book you and your friends, family, and red-hat American relatives ever read. <a href="/tags/bookstodon/" rel="tag">#bookstodon</a> <a href="/tags/booklovers/" rel="tag">#booklovers</a> <a href="/tags/bookreviews/" rel="tag">#bookreviews</a> <a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a></p><p><a href="https://bookreviewsintenwords.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/giving-up-is-unforgivable-a-manual-for-keeping-democracy-highly-recommended/" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="bookreviewsintenwords.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/giving-up-is-unforgivable-a-manual-for-keeping-democracy-highly-recommended/"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">bookreviewsintenwords.wordpres</span><span class="invisible">s.com/2025/11/02/giving-up-is-unforgivable-a-manual-for-keeping-democracy-highly-recommended/</span></a></p>

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1y

<p>British writer and soldier Sapper died <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1937.</p><p>"Sapper" was the pen name of Herman Cyril McNeile, known primarily for his popular series of adventure novels featuring the character Bulldog Drummond. He began his writing career by contributing stories to magazines and newspapers while still in the army. After the war, he adopted the pseudonym "Sapper," derived from his service in the Royal Engineers. </p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._C._McNeile" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._C._McNeile"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._C._Mc</span><span class="invisible">Neile</span></a></p><p>H.C. McNeile at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/26827" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/26827"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/26827</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

McNeile, 1930s Portrait by Howard Coster.

The 1930s portrait of Herman Cyril McNeile, better known by his pen name "Sapper," was taken by renowned photographer Howard Coster. In the portrait, McNeile is presented in a formal and composed manner, reflecting the dignified style of the era. He is typically depicted wearing a suit, possibly with a tie, indicative of his professional stature as a popular British writer. The lighting and composition are characteristic of Coster's style, focusing on the subject's facial features and expression to convey depth and character. The backdrop is minimalistic, drawing attention to McNeile's presence and his thoughtful gaze, embodying the persona of a respected and influential literary figure of his time.

First US edition cover of No Man's Land, published in the US in 1917.

The first U.S. edition cover of "No Man's Land," published in 1917, features a design typical of early 20th-century wartime literature. The cover likely displays the book's title prominently at the top, with the author's name, Sapper (H.C. McNeile), positioned below or above the title. The artwork might include a somber or dramatic depiction of a battlefield or soldiers, resonating with the themes of the Great War. The colors used are generally muted, reflecting the grim and serious nature of the content, with emphasis on earthy tones like browns, grays, or dark greens. The overall design conveys the gravity and intensity of the wartime experience depicted within the book.

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1y

<p><a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1939.</p><p>The Wizard of Oz premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California.</p><p>It stars Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke and Margaret Hamilton. Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf received credit for the screenplay, while others made uncredited contributions.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wizard_of_Oz" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wizard_of_Oz"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wiza</span><span class="invisible">rd_of_Oz</span></a></p><p>The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55</a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a> <a href="/tags/movies/" rel="tag">#movies</a></p>

Wizard of OZ movie poster.

The movie poster for "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) is a vibrant and iconic piece of film memorabilia. The poster typically features the main characters—Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion—walking down the Yellow Brick Road towards the distant, glowing Emerald City. Dorothy, often depicted in her blue gingham dress and red ruby slippers, is at the forefront, holding Toto, her small black dog. The background showcases a fantastical landscape with bright, lush colors, underscoring the movie's transition from black and white to Technicolor. The title, "The Wizard of Oz," is prominently displayed, often in bold, stylized lettering. Additionally, the poster may include the names of the film's stars, such as Judy Garland, and the tagline emphasizing the wonder and adventure of the movie. The overall design captures the magical and timeless essence of this beloved classic.

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276d

Book light recommendations?

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277d

<p>📚 Small Boat by: Vincent Delecroix</p><p>November 2021: an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants from France to the UK capsizes in the Channel, causing the deaths of 27 people on board. How and why did it happen?</p><p>Despite receiving numerous calls for help, the French authorities wrongly told the migrants they were in British water...</p><p><a href="https://bookblabla.com/book/small-boat" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>bookblabla.com/book/small-boat</a></p><p><span class="h-card"><a href="https://fedigroups.social/@bookstodon" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@<span>bookstodon</span></a></span></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/reading/" rel="tag">#reading</a> <a href="/tags/libraries/" rel="tag">#libraries</a> <a href="/tags/fiction/" rel="tag">#fiction</a> <a href="/tags/generalfiction/" rel="tag">#generalfiction</a> <a href="/tags/literaryfiction/" rel="tag">#literaryfiction</a> <a href="/tags/worldliterature/" rel="tag">#worldliterature</a> <a href="/tags/france/" rel="tag">#france</a></p>

November 2021: an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants from France to the UK capsizes in the Channel, causing the deaths of 27 people on board. How and why did it happen?

Despite receiving numerous calls for help, the French authorities wrongly told the migrants they were in British waters and had to call the British authorities for help. By the time rescue vessels arrived on the scene, all but two of the migrants had died.

The narrator of Delecroix’s fictional account of the events is the woman who took the calls. Accused of failing in her duty, she refuses to be held more responsible than others for this disaster. Why should she be more responsible than the sea, than the war, than the crises behind these tragedies?

A shocking, moral tale of our times, Small Boat reminds us of the power of fiction to illuminate our darkest crimes.
Source: Publisher

The narrator of Delecroix’s fictional account of the events is the woman who took the calls. Accused of failing in her duty, she refuses to be held more responsible than others for this disaster. Why should she be more responsible than the sea, than the war, than the crises behind these tragedies?

A shocking, moral tale of our times, Small Boat reminds us of the power of fiction to illuminate our darkest crimes.

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1y

<p><a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1918.</p><p>The poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon meet for the last time, in London, and spend what Sassoon will recall as "the whole of a hot cloudless afternoon together."</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfred_Owen#Relationship_with_Sassoon" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfred_Owen#Relationship_with_Sassoon"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfred_</span><span class="invisible">Owen#Relationship_with_Sassoon</span></a></p><p>Books by Wilfred Owen at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/517" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/517"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/517</span></a></p><p>Books by Siegfried Sassoon at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/2934" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/2934"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/2934</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Portrait of Wilfred Owen, found in a collection of his poems from 1920.

Owen is depicted with a serious, introspective expression, reflecting the weight of his experiences during World War I. The portrait, likely a photograph or an engraving, shows him in military uniform, which serves as a poignant reminder of his service and the subject matter of his poetry. His eyes are intense, perhaps hinting at the trauma and disillusionment that characterized his work.

Siegfried Loraine Sassoon (1886-1967), poet and novelist, platinum print, wearing military uniform with the collar badges of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and hat, Beresford's stamp and copyright line on verso, 6 x 4½ in (15.2 x 11.5 cm).

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58d

<p>The programme for the 2026 Edinburgh International Book Festival is now online, with over 600 events: talks, interviews, gigs, podcasts, workshops, food events, book signings & more, for Adults, Young Adults, and Children & Families. Tickets on sale from 25 June.</p><p><a href="https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/events" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>www.edbookfest.co.uk/events</a></p><p><a href="/tags/scottish/" rel="tag">#Scottish</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a> <a href="/tags/edinburgh/" rel="tag">#Edinburgh</a> <a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/bookfestival/" rel="tag">#bookfestival</a> <a href="/tags/edinburghbookfestival/" rel="tag">#EdinburghBookFestival</a> <a href="/tags/edinburghinternationalbookfestival/" rel="tag">#EdinburghInternationalBookFestival</a> <a href="/tags/eibf/" rel="tag">#EIBF</a></p>

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245d

<p>1066 and still all that</p><p>Few humor books from 1930 still get laughs from many people now, but 1066 and All That does. W. C. Sellar and R. J. Yeatman don't just send up English history: they also satirize how history is often taught and remembered, where what really matters, whether Bad Kings or Good Things, is the story of whoever's on top. <br> <br>By John Mark Ockerbloom </p><p><a href="https://everybodyslibraries.com/2025/12/11/1066-and-still-all-that/" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="everybodyslibraries.com/2025/12/11/1066-and-still-all-that/"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">everybodyslibraries.com/2025/1</span><span class="invisible">2/11/1066-and-still-all-that/</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/publicdomaindaycountdown/" rel="tag">#publicDomainDayCountdown</a></p>

Later paperback edition of the book 1066 and All That: A Memorable History of England, Comprising All the Parts You Can Remember, Including 103 Good Things, 5 Bad Kings and 2 Genuine Date (c. late 1960s)

A late 1960s paperback cover of "1066 and All That" by W.C. Sellar & R.J. Yeatman, featuring whimsical stick-figure illustrations on a bright turquoise background. The minimalist line drawings humorously depict historical figures and scenes, perfectly capturing the book's satirical take on English history.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1066_and_All_That#/media/File:1066AndAllThat.jpg

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1y

<p>English author and bookseller Christopher Robin Milne was born <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1920.</p><p>He was the only child of author A. A. Milne. As a child, he was the basis of the character Christopher Robin in his father's Winnie-the-Pooh stories and in two books of poems.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Robin_Milne" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Robin_Milne"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christop</span><span class="invisible">her_Robin_Milne</span></a></p><p>Watch our video about Winnie-the-Pooh:<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWZxwuam5Iw&t=155s" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWZxwuam5Iw&t=155s"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWZxwu</span><span class="invisible">am5Iw&t=155s</span></a></p><p>Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne is available at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67098" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67098</a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

A. A. Milne, with his son Christopher Robin and the original Pooh Bear, photographed in the year that Winnie-the-Pooh was first published.

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245d

<p>Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Was Initially Rejected by a Publisher. It Later Became One of the World’s Most Beloved Novels</p><p>The British author wrote six novels, but it’s her second published book that has resonated the most in the 250 years since her birth in 1775</p><p>by Kayla Randall </p><p><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/jane-austens-pride-and-prejudice-was-initially-rejected-by-a-publisher-it-later-became-one-of-the-worlds-most-beloved-novels-180987807/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&lctg=93133550" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.smithsonianmag.com/history/jane-austens-pride-and-prejudice-was-initially-rejected-by-a-publisher-it-later-became-one-of-the-worlds-most-beloved-novels-180987807/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&lctg=93133550"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.smithsonianmag.com/history</span><span class="invisible">/jane-austens-pride-and-prejudice-was-initially-rejected-by-a-publisher-it-later-became-one-of-the-worlds-most-beloved-novels-180987807/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&lctg=93133550</span></a></p><p>Pride and Prejudice at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1342" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1342</a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

A card of C. E. Brock's illustrations of Jane Austen's Novel Pride and Prejudice, (some possibly touched up by his brother) - c. 1885

A collection card of delicate pen-and-ink illustrations by C.E. Brock (with possible contributions by his brother) depicting scenes from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," circa 1885. The vintage illustrations showcase Regency-era characters in period costume, capturing key moments from the beloved novel in Brock's characteristic refined Victorian illustrative style.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice#/media/File:Scenes_from_Pride_and_Prejudice.png

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1y

<p><a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1920.</p><p>The Salzburg Festival in Austria is inaugurated with a performance of Hugo von Hofmannsthal's play Jedermann (Everyman, 1911) in front of Salzburg Cathedral, directed by Max Reinhardt.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedermann_(play)" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedermann_(play)"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jederman</span><span class="invisible">n_(play)</span></a></p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salzburg_Festival" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salzburg_Festival"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salzburg</span><span class="invisible">_Festival</span></a></p><p>Jedermann: Das Spiel vom Sterben des reichen Mannes by Hugo von Hofmannsthal at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28949" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28949</a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a> <a href="/tags/theatre/" rel="tag">#theatre</a></p>

Alexander Moissi in Jedermann

https://archive.org/details/reinhardtundsein00steruoft/page/148/mode/1up?view=theater

The photograph of Alexander Moissi in the play Jedermann by Hugo von Hofmannsthal captures the actor in one of his most iconic roles. Moissi, known for his intense and expressive performances, is depicted wearing a rich, elaborate costume that befits the play's allegorical nature.

Moissi's pose and expression in the photograph likely convey the gravity and existential dread central to the play, which deals with themes of death and salvation. His face may be marked by a profound, almost tragic intensity, capturing the emotional depth for which he was renowned. The background of the image is likely minimal, focusing all attention on Moissi, his costume, and his compelling stage presence.

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1y

<p>Norwegian author Amalie Skram was born <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1846.</p><p>She gave voice to a woman's point of view with her naturalist writing. Skram's most famous works include the novels "Constance Ring", "Lucie", and the four-volume series "Hellemyrsfolket", which provides a stark and realistic depiction of life in 19th-century Norway.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalie_Skram" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalie_Skram"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalie_S</span><span class="invisible">kram</span></a></p><p>Books about Amalie Skram at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68655" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68655</a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Photo portrait and signature of Amalie Skram, published 1905.

The photo portrait of Amalie Skram from 1905 depicts the Norwegian author in a formal and serious pose, reflective of her stature as a significant literary figure. She is dressed in the typical fashion of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a high-collared blouse and a dark, modest gown. Her hair is neatly styled, parted in the middle, and pulled back, revealing her strong facial features. Skram's expression is contemplative, suggesting the depth and intensity of her literary work.

Accompanying the portrait is her signature, which is written in a clear and confident hand, indicative of her authoritative presence in the literary world. The portrait and signature together convey a sense of dignity and intellectual strength, capturing the essence of Amalie Skram as a pioneering realist writer and a prominent figure in Scandinavian literature. The publication of this portrait in 1905, the year of her death, serves as a tribute to her enduring influence and legacy.

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273d

<p><a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1850 writer Robert Louis Stevenson was born.</p><p>Robert Louis Stevenson’s Art of Living (and Dying)</p><p>"Trenton B. Olsen Explores How the Author Navigated a Lifetime of Chronic Illness"</p><p><a href="https://lithub.com/robert-louis-stevensons-art-of-living-and-dying/" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="lithub.com/robert-louis-stevensons-art-of-living-and-dying/"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">lithub.com/robert-louis-steven</span><span class="invisible">sons-art-of-living-and-dying/</span></a></p><p>Stevenson at PG:</p><p><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/35" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/35"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/35</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Wood carving of Robert Louis Stevenson by Henry Wolf

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1y

<p>"On a memorable morning of early December London opened its eyes on a frigid gray mist..."</p><p><a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1891.</p><p>Israel Zangwill's The Big Bow Mystery, the first classic full-length locked room mystery, begins serialization in The Star (London), before being published as a novel the following year.</p><p>It has been almost continuously in print since 1891 and has been used as the basis for three movies.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Bow_Mystery" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Bow_Mystery"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_</span><span class="invisible">Bow_Mystery</span></a></p><p>The Big Bow Mystery at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28164" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28164</a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Cover page of The Big Bow Mystery by Israel Zangwill, The First Loocked Room Mystery.

The cover page of The Big Bow Mystery by Israel Zangwill is a classic example of late 19th-century book design. As the first "locked room" mystery ever written, the cover likely reflects the novel's significance and genre. The design may feature an ornate, decorative border that was typical of the period, with the title prominently displayed in bold, serif fonts. The author's name, Israel Zangwill, is also prominently featured, underscoring his importance as a literary figure.

The imagery on the cover might evoke elements of mystery or suspense, possibly incorporating dark or moody colors, symbolic representations like keys, locks, or abstract depictions of a closed door, emphasizing the "locked room" nature of the mystery.

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1y

<p>Alexander von Humboldt: the groundbreaking naturalist who bankrupted himself to share his life’s work.</p><p>By Bienvenido León via <span class="h-card"><a href="https://flipboard.com/@ConversationUS" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@<span>ConversationUS</span></a></span> </p><p><a href="https://theconversation.com/alexander-von-humboldt-the-groundbreaking-naturalist-who-bankrupted-himself-to-share-his-lifes-work-237279" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="theconversation.com/alexander-von-humboldt-the-groundbreaking-naturalist-who-bankrupted-himself-to-share-his-lifes-work-237279"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">theconversation.com/alexander-</span><span class="invisible">von-humboldt-the-groundbreaking-naturalist-who-bankrupted-himself-to-share-his-lifes-work-237279</span></a></p><p>Books by Alexander von Humboldt at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1995" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1995"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/1995</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/history/" rel="tag">#history</a> <a href="/tags/archeology/" rel="tag">#archeology</a></p>

Humboldt and his fellow scientist Aimé Bonpland near the foot of the Chimborazo volcano, painting by Friedrich Georg Weitsch (1810).

The painting "Humboldt and Bonpland at the Foot of the Chimborazo" by Friedrich Georg Weitsch (1810) depicts the famous German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt and his fellow scientist Aimé Bonpland during their expedition to South America. The scene is set against the majestic backdrop of the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador, one of the highest peaks in the Andes.

In the painting, Humboldt and Bonpland are shown in the foreground, engaged in scientific activities. Humboldt, on the left, is depicted with a notebook in hand, documenting observations, while Bonpland, on the right, is examining a plant specimen. Both figures are dressed in early 19th-century expeditionary attire, reflecting their role as explorers and scientists.

The landscape is dominated by the imposing Chimborazo, which rises majestically in the background, its peak covered in snow. The volcano is painted with a sense of grandeur, emphasizing its significance as a natural wonder. The surrounding environment is lush and verdant, with various plants and geological features that illustrate the diverse ecosystems the explorers encountered.

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1y

<p>Ah, yes... a fresh stench of GOP control back where I used to live. 🤮 😠 Greenville County, <a href="/tags/southcarolina/" rel="tag">#SouthCarolina</a> stops all book fairs for all schools, since "It is not possible for school personnel to vet all book fair content after it arrives, nor can vendors provide accurate content information far enough in advance for it to be vetted through the District prior to the start of fall book fairs."</p><p><a href="https://www.wyff4.com/article/greenville-county-schools-no-book-fairs/61945606" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.wyff4.com/article/greenville-county-schools-no-book-fairs/61945606"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.wyff4.com/article/greenvil</span><span class="invisible">le-county-schools-no-book-fairs/61945606</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/censorship/" rel="tag">#censorship</a> <a href="/tags/libraries/" rel="tag">#libraries</a></p>

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276d

<p>Are you an Australian author of SFF with a book published this year? You have until the end of the month to enter it for the Aurealis Awards.</p><p><a href="https://aurealisawards.org/entry-forms/" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="aurealisawards.org/entry-forms/"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">aurealisawards.org/entry-forms</span><span class="invisible">/</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/sff/" rel="tag">#sff</a> <a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/amwriting/" rel="tag">#amwriting</a></p>

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275d

<p>📚 Flesh by: David Szalay</p><p>Teenaged István lives with his mother in a quiet apartment complex in Hungary. Shy and new in town, he is a stranger to the social rituals practiced by his classmates and is soon isolated, drawn instead into a series of events that leave him forever a stranger to peers, his mother, and himself. In the y...</p><p><a href="https://bookblabla.com/book/flesh" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>bookblabla.com/book/flesh</a></p><p><span class="h-card"><a href="https://fedigroups.social/@bookstodon" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@<span>bookstodon</span></a></span></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/reading/" rel="tag">#reading</a> <a href="/tags/libraries/" rel="tag">#libraries</a> <a href="/tags/fiction/" rel="tag">#fiction</a> <a href="/tags/literaryfiction/" rel="tag">#literaryfiction</a> <a href="/tags/familylife/" rel="tag">#familylife</a> <a href="/tags/generalfiction/" rel="tag">#generalfiction</a> <a href="/tags/friendship/" rel="tag">#friendship</a></p>

Teenaged István lives with his mother in a quiet apartment complex in Hungary. Shy and new in town, he is a stranger to the social rituals practiced by his classmates and is soon isolated, drawn instead into a series of events that leave him forever a stranger to peers, his mother, and himself. In the years that follow, István is born along by the goodwill, or self-interest, of strangers, charting a rocky yet upward trajectory that lands him further from his childhood, and the defining events that abruptly ended it, than he could possibly have imagined.

A collection of intimate moments over the course of decades, Flesh chronicles a man at odds with himself—estranged from and by the circumstances and demands of a life not entirely under his control and the roles that he is asked to play. Shadowed by the specter of past tragedy and the apathy of modernity, the tension between István and all that alienates him hurtles forward until sudden tragedy again throws life as he knows it in jeopardy. “Spare and detached on the page, lush in resonance beyond it” (NPR), Flesh traces the imperceptible but indelible contours of unresolved trauma and its aftermath amid the precarity and violence of an ever-globalizing Europe with incisive insight, unyielding pathos, and startling humanity.

Shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize | Finalist for the Kirkus Prize | Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence

From Booker Prize finalist and the shrewdest writer on contemporary

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1y

<p>Belgian lawyer and bibliographer Paul Otlet was born <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1868.</p><p>He developed the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) system, an innovative and highly detailed method for cataloging information. Otlet envisioned a global network of information that could be accessed remotely, which he described in his writings as a "réseau" or network of knowledge.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Otlet" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Otlet"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Otl</span><span class="invisible">et</span></a></p><p>Books by Paul Otlet at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/50172" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/50172"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/50172</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Otlet to work in an office built at his home following the closure of the Palais Mondial in June 1937

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275d

<p><a href="/tags/americanprestige/" rel="tag">#AmericanPrestige</a> pod welcomes <a href="/tags/omarzahzah/" rel="tag">#OmarZahzah</a>, author of <a href="/tags/termsofservitude/" rel="tag">#TermsOfServitude</a>: Zionism, <a href="/tags/siliconvalley/" rel="tag">#SiliconValley</a>, and Digital <a href="/tags/settlercolonialism/" rel="tag">#SettlerColonialism</a>. Discussion includes the <a href="/tags/sheikhjarrah/" rel="tag">#SheikhJarrah</a> uprising, the repressive weaponizing of <a href="/tags/tech/" rel="tag">#tech</a> and <a href="/tags/ai/" rel="tag">#AI</a> against <a href="/tags/palestinians/" rel="tag">#Palestinians</a>, and Palestinian use of <a href="/tags/socialmedia/" rel="tag">#socialMedia</a> to change the narrative of their struggle. </p><p><a href="https://americanprestige.supportingcast.fm/listen/american-prestige-1/e334-silicon-valley-and-the-israeli-occupation-w-omar-zahzah" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="americanprestige.supportingcast.fm/listen/american-prestige-1/e334-silicon-valley-and-the-israeli-occupation-w-omar-zahzah"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">americanprestige.supportingcas</span><span class="invisible">t.fm/listen/american-prestige-1/e334-silicon-valley-and-the-israeli-occupation-w-omar-zahzah</span></a> </p><p><a href="/tags/media/" rel="tag">#media</a> <a href="/tags/digitalmedia/" rel="tag">#digitalMedia</a> <a href="/tags/mediacriticism/" rel="tag">#mediaCriticism</a> <a href="/tags/bigtech/" rel="tag">#BigTech</a> <a href="/tags/opt/" rel="tag">#oPt</a> <a href="/tags/censorship/" rel="tag">#censorship</a> <a href="/tags/digitalcensorship/" rel="tag">#digitalCensorship</a> <a href="/tags/cyberharassment/" rel="tag">#cyberharassment</a> <a href="/tags/digitalrights/" rel="tag">#digitalRights</a> <a href="/tags/gaza/" rel="tag">#Gaza</a> <a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <span class="h-card"><a href="https://fedigroups.social/@bookstodon" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@<span>bookstodon</span></a></span></p>

Edited 275d ago

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273d

<p>"There are no stars so lovely as Edinburgh street-lamps..." </p><p>Happy birthday to local lad, & one of our favourite storytellers, Robert Louis Stevenson (portrait by Nerli, in the National Galleries of Scotland collection) </p><p>.</p><p>.</p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/livres/" rel="tag">#livres</a> <a href="/tags/robertlouisstevenson/" rel="tag">#RobertLouisStevenson</a> <a href="/tags/edinburgh/" rel="tag">#Edinburgh</a> <a href="/tags/edimbourg/" rel="tag">#Edimbourg</a> <a href="/tags/author/" rel="tag">#author</a> <a href="/tags/auteur/" rel="tag">#auteur</a> <a href="/tags/birthday/" rel="tag">#birthday</a> <a href="/tags/anniversaire/" rel="tag">#anniversaire</a> <a href="/tags/scottishliterature/" rel="tag">#ScottishLiterature</a> <a href="/tags/scotland/" rel="tag">#Scotland</a> <a href="/tags/ecosse/" rel="tag">#Ecosse</a> <a href="/tags/litteratureecossaise/" rel="tag">#LitteratureEcossaise</a></p>

Nerli's 1892 oil portrait of Robert Louis Stevenson, sitting relaxed, facing the viewer, in an open-necked shirt

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274d

<p>Tutivillus Is Watching You</p><p>For medieval scribes, mistakes couldn’t be easily shrugged off, as Tutivillus, the stickler demon, was always looking over their shoulders.</p><p>By: Amelia Soth </p><p><a href="https://daily.jstor.org/tutivillus-is-watching-you/" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="daily.jstor.org/tutivillus-is-watching-you/"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">daily.jstor.org/tutivillus-is-</span><span class="invisible">watching-you/</span></a></p><p>Medieval manuscripts at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/subjects/search/?query=medieval+manuscripts" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/subjects/search/?query=medieval+manuscripts"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/subje</span><span class="invisible">cts/search/?query=medieval+manuscripts</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/old_manuscripts/" rel="tag">#old_manuscripts</a></p>

Representation of Titivillus (14th century).

The scene shows a scribe seated at a wooden desk, diligently copying a manuscript with a quill pen. He leans over an open book filled with red and black text.

Behind him, Titivillus appears as a small, dark, winged creature with a mischievous face, hairy body, and clawed hands. The demon watches him intently.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Titivillus.jpg

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273d

<p>📚 All the Way to the River: Oprah's Book Club by: Elizabeth Gilbert</p><p>In 2000, Elizabeth Gilbert met Rayya. They became friends, then best friends, then inseparable. When tragedy entered their lives, the truth was finally laid bare: The two were in love. They were also a pair of addicts, on a collision course toward catastrophe.</p><p>Wha...</p><p><a href="https://bookblabla.com/book/all-the-way-to-the-river-oprahs-book-club" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="bookblabla.com/book/all-the-way-to-the-river-oprahs-book-club"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">bookblabla.com/book/all-the-wa</span><span class="invisible">y-to-the-river-oprahs-book-club</span></a></p><p><span class="h-card"><a href="https://fedigroups.social/@bookstodon" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@<span>bookstodon</span></a></span></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/reading/" rel="tag">#reading</a> <a href="/tags/libraries/" rel="tag">#libraries</a> <a href="/tags/selfhelp/" rel="tag">#selfhelp</a> <a href="/tags/personalmemoirs/" rel="tag">#personalmemoirs</a></p>

In 2000, Elizabeth Gilbert met Rayya. They became friends, then best friends, then inseparable. When tragedy entered their lives, the truth was finally laid bare: The two were in love. They were also a pair of addicts, on a collision course toward catastrophe.

What if your most beautiful love story turned into your biggest nightmare? What if the dear friend who taught you so much about your self-destructive tendencies became the unstable partner with whom you disastrously reenacted every one of them? And what if your most devastating heartbreak opened a pathway to your greatest awakening?

All the Way to the River is a landmark memoir that will resonate with anyone who has ever been captive to love—or to any other passion, substance, or craving—and who yearns, at long last, for liberation.

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

AN OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB PICK

A delicious mashup of narrative that's by turns harrowing and healing. People

Entertaining, insightful, wrenching … punch-to-the-gut powerful. The Washington Post

A blockbuster: brutally honest, lurid, transcendent, and compelling…Gilbert is undoubtedly a force. Boston Globe

In her first nonfiction book in a decade, the #1 bestselling writer who taught millions of readers to live authentically (Eat Pray Love) and creatively (Big Magic) shows how to break free.

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