literature

1y

<p><a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1897.</p><p>The writer Jack London sails to join the Klondike Gold Rush, where he will write his first successful stories.</p><p>His most famous works include The Call of the Wild and White Fang, both set in Alaska and the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush, as well as the short stories "To Build a Fire", "An Odyssey of the North", and "Love of Life".</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_London" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_London"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Lon</span><span class="invisible">don</span></a></p><p>Books by Jack London at PG:</p><p><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/120" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/120"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/120</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Jack London (date unknown)
Bain Collection - Library of Congress

The photograph features Jack London, the renowned American author, best known for his adventure novels such as "The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang." He is captured in a candid or semi-formal pose.

The background is either plain or slightly out of focus, ensuring the main focus remains on Jack London. It might be a studio setting or an outdoor scene, providing a neutral backdrop that highlights London himself.

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235d

<p>Animal Farm at 80: why the animals really matter in Orwell’s parable about communism</p><p>Orwell wrote his short, shocking novel at a time when it was considered scientifically inadmissible for animals to be granted thoughts or even feelings.</p><p>By Charlotte Sleigh</p><p><a href="https://theconversation.com/animal-farm-at-80-why-the-animals-really-matter-in-orwells-parable-about-communism-246713?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2014%202025%20-%203485335498&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2014%202025%20-%203485335498+CID_ae8c2a2908db309198a7304bffc37b62&utm_source=campaign_monitor_uk&utm_term=Animal%20Farm%20at%2080%20why%20the%20animals%20really%20matter%20in%20Orwells%20parable%20about%20communism" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="theconversation.com/animal-farm-at-80-why-the-animals-really-matter-in-orwells-parable-about-communism-246713?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2014%202025%20-%203485335498&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2014%202025%20-%203485335498+CID_ae8c2a2908db309198a7304bffc37b62&utm_source=campaign_monitor_uk&utm_term=Animal%20Farm%20at%2080%20why%20the%20animals%20really%20matter%20in%20Orwells%20parable%20about%20communism"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">theconversation.com/animal-far</span><span class="invisible">m-at-80-why-the-animals-really-matter-in-orwells-parable-about-communism-246713?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2014%202025%20-%203485335498&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20August%2014%202025%20-%203485335498+CID_ae8c2a2908db309198a7304bffc37b62&utm_source=campaign_monitor_uk&utm_term=Animal%20Farm%20at%2080%20why%20the%20animals%20really%20matter%20in%20Orwells%20parable%20about%20communism</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#Books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Cover to first edition of Animal Farm by George Orwell.

The title “Animal Farm” appears in large, bold, sans-serif lettering at the top, with “A Fairy Story” (the original subtitle) placed beneath in smaller type.

The background is filled with dynamic, radiating lines, giving the design a sense of movement and urgency.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm#/media/File:Animal_Farm_-_1st_edition.jpg

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1y

<p>"Science has "explained" nothing; the more we know the more fantastic the world becomes and the profounder the surrounding darkness."</p><p>Along the Road, Part II. Views of Holland (p. 108)</p><p>~Aldous Huxley (26 July 1894 – 22 November 1963)</p><p>Books by Aldous Huxley at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/780" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/780"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/780</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Huxley in 1954.

Aldous Huxley - A Case For ESP, PK and PSI. Life Magazine. 11 January, 1954.

Aldous Huxley the English writer, novelist, philosopher was also a psychical researcher. He published an article in 1954 supporting extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK) experiments.

Aldous Huxley is likely seated, engaging with the camera or deep in thought, fitting the contemplative nature of the subject matter (extrasensory perception and related phenomena). His expression is serious and reflective, matching the investigative and speculative tone of the article.

Huxley is dressed in mid-20th century attire, possibly a suit or a casual yet sophisticated outfit appropriate for a public intellectual of his stature. His clothing is neat and professional.

His hair is styled in a manner consistent with the time, possibly combed back. He may be wearing glasses, as he was known for his distinct eyewear.

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1y

<p>Italian journalist and novelist Matilde Serao died <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1927.</p><p>She was the first woman called to edit an Italian newspaper, Il Corriere di Roma and later Il Giorno. Serao was also the co-founder and editor of the newspaper Il Mattino, and the author of several novels. She never won the Nobel Prize in Literature despite being nominated on six occasions.</p><p>Books by Matilde Serao at PG:<br><a href="https://dev.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/7688" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="dev.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/7688"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">dev.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/7688</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Matilde Serao. Photo from the magazine Radiocorriere (1890).

Matilde Serao is depicted in a seated position, facing slightly to her right. Her expression is composed and thoughtful, reflecting her intellectual demeanor.

She is dressed in elegant, period-appropriate clothing, featuring high-necked attire with intricate detailing, possibly lace or embroidery, signifying her status and style of the era.

Her hair is styled in an elaborate updo, common among women of her social standing during the 1890s. She may be adorned with minimal jewelry, such as earrings or a brooch, adding to her refined appearance.

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1y

<p>German humanist, scholar, & historian Beatus Rhenanus died <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1547.</p><p>Rhenanus worked as a proofreader & editor for the famous printing house of Froben in Basel. His work "Rerum Germanicarum Libri Tres", published in 1531, provided a comprehensive history of Germany from ancient times to the present & was noted for its use of original sources. The Beatus Rhenanus Library houses many of his manuscripts & personal collections, preserving his legacy.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatus_Rhenanus" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatus_Rhenanus"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatus_R</span><span class="invisible">henanus</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Beatus Rhenanus (1485-1547), German humanist. Engraving by Johann Jacob Haid.

Beatus Rhenanus is depicted in a half-length pose, turned slightly to his right. Rhenanus is dressed in traditional Renaissance clothing, which includes a doublet with a high collar and a fur-trimmed mantle, indicative of his status and the period's fashion.

Title page of the Libri tres institutionum rerum Germanicarum.

The title "Libri tres institutionum rerum Germanicarum" is prominently displayed at the top of the page, often in a bold, ornate font that reflects the importance of the text. Below the title, the author's name, "Beatus Rhenanus," is typically printed, acknowledging his role as the compiler or author.

The typography is characteristic of the Renaissance period, with a combination of Roman and italic typefaces. Ornamental elements, such as decorative borders or flourishes, often surround the title, enhancing the page's visual appeal.

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1y

<p>"Science means simply the aggregate of all the recipes that are always successful. All the rest is literature."</p><p>Moralités.</p><p>~Paul Valéry (30 October 1871 – 20 July 1945)</p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a> <a href="/tags/poetry/" rel="tag">#poetry</a></p>

Paul Valéry photographed by Henri Manuel, 1920s.

Valéry is seated, possibly in a studio setting. His pose is relaxed yet dignified, with an air of introspection. His expression is serious and contemplative, with a slight furrowing of the brow, indicative of deep thought or reflection.

Valéry is dressed in formal attire typical of the period. He wears a dark suit, a white shirt, and a tie, emphasizing his status as a distinguished intellectual. His hair is neatly combed, and he has a well-groomed appearance, which was common for portraits of notable individuals in the early 20th century.

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1y

<p>Canadian writer Mazo de la Roche died <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1961.</p><p>Her first novel, "Possession," was published in 1923. Although it did not achieve significant success, it marked the beginning of her career as a novelist. De la Roche achieved international fame with the publication of "Jalna" in 1927. The "Jalna" series comprises 16 novels, written over a span of more than three decades. </p><p>Books by Mazo de la Roche at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/31212" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/31212"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/31212</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Photo of Mazo de la Roche taken by Melvin Ormond Hammond on December 18, 1927.

Mazo de la Roche is depicted in a formal and composed manner. She is seated, facing slightly to the side but with her gaze directed towards the camera, creating a sense of engagement with the viewer.

Her expression is thoughtful and serene, reflecting the introspective nature of a writer. There is a hint of a smile, suggesting a moment of quiet confidence and contentment.

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150d

<p>“The understated power of this writing is extraordinary. Something of that sense of human vision seeing beyond the time of its own life’s duration, surely appealed to T. S. Eliot, who published The Silver Darlings and more of Gunn’s novels”<br>—Prof Alan Riach re-examines Gunn’s legacy</p><p>Neil M. Gunn (1891–1973), one of the most important writers of the 20th century Scottish renaissance, was born <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a>, 8 Nov – a 🎂 🧵 </p><p>1/5</p><p><a href="https://www.thenational.scot/news/15637617.neil-gunn-and-the-search-for-scotlands-soul/" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.thenational.scot/news/15637617.neil-gunn-and-the-search-for-scotlands-soul/"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.thenational.scot/news/1563</span><span class="invisible">7617.neil-gunn-and-the-search-for-scotlands-soul/</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/scottish/" rel="tag">#Scottish</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a> <a href="/tags/modernism/" rel="tag">#modernism</a> <a href="/tags/20thcentury/" rel="tag">#20thcentury</a></p>

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1y

<p>French novelist and playwright Honoré de Balzac died <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1850.</p><p>Novelist, art critic, playwright, literary critic, essayist, journalist and printer, he left one of the most imposing works of fiction in French literature, with more than ninety novels and short stories published between 1829 and 1855 under the title La Comédie humaine. </p><p>Books by Honoré de Balzac at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/251" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/251"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/251</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Balzac et les personnages de la Comédie humaine. Dessin à la plume pour un projet d'éventail, par Jean-Jacques Grandville (Paris, Maison de Balzac).

This preparatory drawing for a fan, probably never executed, shows Balzac in vest, brandishing his cane, whose knob is here adorned with a female face. Seated against a stack of books, he dominates a procession of women, some harnessed to the carriage in which the writer is seated, others behind the convoy, their hands clasped in devotion. At the end of the procession, an old woman admonishes two young girls, no doubt to forbid them from taking part in an event reserved for women educated in the ways of life.

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1y

<p><a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1887.</p><p>L. L. Zamenhof published Unua Libro, the first publication to describe Esperanto, a constructed international language.</p><p>First published in Russian on July 26 [O.S. July 14] 1887, the publication of Unua Libro marks the formal beginning of the Esperanto movement.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unua_Libro" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unua_Libro"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unua_Lib</span><span class="invisible">ro</span></a></p><p>Books in Esperanto at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/bookshelf/34" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/bookshelf/34"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/books</span><span class="invisible">helf/34</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

This is the cover page of Dr. Esperanto's International Language, the 1889 translation of Unua Libro by Richard Geoghegan, which is also the standard English translation.

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1y

<p><a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1928.</p><p>The novel The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall</p><p>Publication, originally scheduled for late 1928, was brought forward when he discovered that another novel with a lesbian theme, Compton Mackenzie's Extraordinary Women, was to be published in September. The Well appeared on 27 July, in a black cover with a plain jacket. </p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Well_of_Loneliness" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Well_of_Loneliness"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Well</span><span class="invisible">_of_Loneliness</span></a></p><p>The Well of Loneliness at PG:<br><a href="https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/73042" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>gutenberg.org/ebooks/73042</a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Cover of The Well of Loneliness
Radclyffe Hall - Banned Books (Cornell University Library Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections)

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116d

<p>Learn from this picture how we journey in this world<br>Slithering as we go, the foolish and the wise…</p><p>—John Burnside, “Pieter Brueghel: Winter Landscape with Skaters and a Bird Trap, 1565”<br>from BLACK CAT BONE (Jonathan Cape, 2011)</p><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/412331/black-cat-bone-by-john-burnside/9780224093859" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.penguin.co.uk/books/412331/black-cat-bone-by-john-burnside/9780224093859"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.penguin.co.uk/books/412331</span><span class="invisible">/black-cat-bone-by-john-burnside/9780224093859</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/scottish/" rel="tag">#Scottish</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a> <a href="/tags/poem/" rel="tag">#poem</a> <a href="/tags/poetry/" rel="tag">#poetry</a> <a href="/tags/art/" rel="tag">#art</a> <a href="/tags/visualart/" rel="tag">#visualart</a> <a href="/tags/bruegel/" rel="tag">#Bruegel</a> <a href="/tags/winter/" rel="tag">#winter</a> <a href="/tags/johnburnside/" rel="tag">#JohnBurnside</a></p>

John Burnside
Pieter Brueghel: Winter Landscape with Skaters and a Bird Trap, 1565

Learn from this picture how we journey in this world
Slithering as we go, the foolish and the wise

We have to imagine the duties they leave behind
for the thrill of the river,
the kitchens and middens, the sheepfolds and clouded byres,
the old folk in their sick beds
mumbling prayers.

The day is bright
and this is their escape
from hardship,
but each has his private hurt, her secret dread:
the man who starts thirsty and tired, his body soured
with last nights schnapps,
then skates out to the bridge at breakneck speed,
away from the loveless matron he’s had to endure
for decades; the woman in blue and grey, keeping pace with her child,
untroubled for now, but never released from the fear
that her husband will catch her wasting his precious time
and beat her as he’s beaten her for years,
the moment he gets her home.

At midstream, the children play
with makeshift hockey sticks and, near the church,
a man finds the thoughtless grace
of the boy he once was
to glide free
in the very eye of heaven;
it could be simple – paradise foreseen –
but up on the rightmost bank, amid thorns and briars,

someone has built a bird trap from a plank
set on a perch, from which a length of rope
snakes to a half-closed door,
and all around it, birds dip from the air,
starlings and fieldfares, redwings, unaware
of any danger.

It seems a fable and perhaps it is:
we live in peril, die from happenstance,
a casual slip, a fault line in the ice;
but surely it’s the other thought that matters,
the sense that, now and then, there’s still a chance
a man might slide towards an old
belonging, momentarily involved
in nothing but the present, skating out
towards a white
horizon, fair
and gifted with the grace
to skate forever, slithering as he goes,
but hazarding a guess that someone else
is close beside him, other to his other.

A 1565 oil painting on an oak panel, attributed to the Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder. It shows a village scene where numerous small people skate on a frozen river, while on the right among trees and bushes, birds gather around a bird trap – a heavy wooden board propped up on a single stick, with a few crumbs underneath the board. A string is attached to the stick and leads off to a small dark hole in a wall at the very edge of the painting.

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1y

<p>French writer and historian Hilaire Belloc was born <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1870.</p><p>His notable works include "The Path to Rome" (1902), a travel book about his journey on foot from central France to Rome, and his biographies of historical figures like Oliver Cromwell and Joan of Arc. He is also remembered for his humorous verse, especially his collection of children’s poetry, "Cautionary Tales for Children" (1907), which includes famous poems such as "Matilda" and "Jim".</p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Hilaire Belloc portrait by T. & R. Annan & Sons, vintage bromide print, 1910.

Belloc is seated or standing in a composed and relaxed manner, looking face right to the camera. His expression is serious, reflecting his intellectual and authoritative persona.

He is dressed in formal attire, likely a dark suit and tie, typical of the period. This formal dress emphasizes his status as a respected figure in literature and politics.

Title page of The path to Rome
by Belloc, Hilaire, 1870-1953; Connelly, Myles E., former owner. MChB-B

The title is printed in a prominent, elegant font, typical of early 20th-century book design, reflecting the formal and historical nature of the travel narrative.

Centered near the top of the page, drawing immediate attention.
Author: Hilaire Belloc

The author's name is printed in a slightly smaller, yet equally distinguished font below the title.

Centered below the title, maintaining a clean and organized layout.

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1y

<p>Italian poet, writer, literary critic and teacher Giosuè Carducci was born <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1835.</p><p>His poetry collections, such as "Rime nuove" and "Odi barbare", are notable for their classical forms and themes, often drawing inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek literature. In addition to his literary work, Carducci was a respected academic. He taught Italian literature at the University of Bologna for many years.</p><p>Books by Giosuè Carducci at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/43982" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/43982"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/43982</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Carducci, c. 1900
R. Borghi - http://benignomigliarino.blogspot.com/2010/04/carducci-giosue.html

Carducci is seated, exuding an air of wisdom and intellectual gravitas. His expression is serious and contemplative, suggestive of a man deeply engaged with his thoughts and scholarly pursuits.

He is dressed formally in a dark suit, complete with a waistcoat, white shirt, and a bow tie. His attire is indicative of his position and the era, presenting him as a respectable and authoritative figure.

Carducci's face is marked by his prominent features: a broad forehead, bushy eyebrows, and a full, well-groomed beard and mustache that frame his face. His eyes, though seemingly stern, carry a depth that hints at his reflective nature.

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1y

<p>"The time is out of joint: O cursed spite,<br>That ever I was born to set it right!"<br>Hamlet, Act I, scene v.</p><p><a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1759.</p><p>The earliest known professional performance of Shakespeare's Hamlet in North America (in Garrick's version) is given by the American Company in Philadelphia, with Lewis Hallam Jr. as Hamlet.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamlet" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamlet</a></p><p>Hamlet at PG:<br><a href="https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/1524" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>gutenberg.org/ebooks/1524</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>

David Garrick expresses Hamlet's shock at his first sighting of the ghost (artist: unknown).

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1y

<p>American writer Herman Melville was born <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1819.</p><p>Melville's first two books, "Typee" (1846) and "Omoo" (1847), were based on his adventures in the South Seas and were quite popular. These semi-autobiographical novels painted a romanticized view of life among the Pacific Islanders. Published in 1851, "Moby-Dick" is considered Melville's masterpiece. Initially, the book was not well-received, and its complex structure and themes puzzled readers and critics alike.</p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a><br>1/3</p>

Herman Melville, American author. Reproduction of photograph, frontispiece to Journal Up the Straits.

The reproduction of the photograph of Herman Melville, featured as the frontispiece to "Journal Up the Straits," presents a distinguished and contemplative image of the American author. Melville is depicted in a formal pose, wearing a dark suit jacket and a vest over a white shirt, with a neatly tied cravat. His beard, full and well-groomed, frames a face that conveys both gravitas and introspection.

In this portrait, Melville's hair is neatly combed, and his expression is one of serious thoughtfulness, reflecting the depth and complexity of his literary works.

Edited 1y ago

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150d

<p>The bell that tolls my syllables can tell<br>An underwater tale, clang how there fell<br>Suddenly out of a surface shouting world<br>Into dumb calm doomed children…</p><p>—“S.S. City of Benares”, by George Sutherland Fraser (1915–1980) – born <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a>, 8 Nov. </p><p>On 18 September, 1940, at one minute past midnight, the SS CITY OF BENARES was torpedoed in the Atlantic. Of 134 passengers, 90 were child refugees bound for Canada. Only 13 children survived.</p><p><a href="/tags/scottish/" rel="tag">#Scottish</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a> <a href="/tags/poem/" rel="tag">#poem</a> <a href="/tags/poetry/" rel="tag">#poetry</a> <a href="/tags/warpoetry/" rel="tag">#WarPoetry</a> <a href="/tags/ww2/" rel="tag">#WW2</a> <a href="/tags/refugees/" rel="tag">#refugees</a></p>

G.S. Fraser
S.S. City of Benares
(Drowned refugee children, 1940)

The bell that tolls my syllables can tell
An underwater tale, clang how there fell
Suddenly out of a surface shouting world
Into dumb calm doomed children, and there curled
(Currents’ sick fingers whispering at their hair)
Round them a coiling clutch, was our despair.
Sea’s soft sad pressure, like the sprawl of love,
Darkly spreadeagled, so they could not move,
The wide wet mouth was heavy, they would choke,
Till in that cold confusion pity spoke:
“This is a nightmare and one is asleep.
This is a dream, my brave one, do not weep,
Often may drown in dreams and not be dead:
Such weight is mother leaning on your bed.”

But having thought of this to cheat my pain,
That woe and wonder harrows me again,
Fat clouds seem bulked like whales, while through the green
Grave tons of twilight, in a submarine
Solidity of air like sea I move,
Pressure of horror how our hate hurts love.
Deeper than grief can plummet, mercy lies,
But not so deep as trust in children’s eyes,
Justice is high in heaven, but more high
Blood of the innocent shall smear the sky—
Or think that red the flame of seraph wings,
See stained-glass heaven, where each darling sings
In God’s dark luminous world of green and gold
As lovely as death’s waters, but less cold:
Think what you will, but like the crisping leaf
In whipped October, crack your thoughts to grief.
In the drenched valley, whimpering and cold,
The small ghosts flicker, whisper, unconsoled.

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1y

<p>British novelist and scientific Agnes Giberne died <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1939.</p><p>She is best known for her popular science books on astronomy. Her most famous work, Sun, Moon, and Stars: Astronomy for Beginners (1879), became a significant educational resource, introducing countless readers to the basics of astronomy. She also authored numerous Christian books, including religious biographies and devotional literature.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Giberne" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Giberne"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Gi</span><span class="invisible">berne</span></a></p><p>Agnes Giberne at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/47772" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/47772"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/47772</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Artist's impression of midnight on Saturn from Giberne's popular astronomy book Sun, Moon and Stars.

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150d

Centuries pass, but human vices remain stubbornly the same. Dante placed the greedy in his Inferno for good reason long ago.<br>Unchecked avarice has always been, and remains, a destructive force.<br><br><a href="/tags/dante/" rel="tag">#Dante</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#Literature</a> <a href="/tags/greed/" rel="tag">#Greed</a><br>

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1y

<p>"Zum Hassen oder Lieben<br> Ist alle Welt getrieben,<br> Es bleibet keine Wahl,<br> der Teufel ist neutral." </p><p>"To hate or to love<br>All the world is driven,<br>There is no choice,<br>the devil is neutral." </p><p>~Clemens Brentano (9 September 1778 – 28 July 1842)</p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a> <a href="/tags/poetry/" rel="tag">#poetry</a></p>

Portrait by Emilie Linder, painted in 1835; printed in from Meyer's Encyclopedia, 1906
Emilie Linder - Zeitschrift: Damals, Jg. 45, Ausgabe 5/2013, Artikel: "Volkspoesie" aus Grimm’scher Feder

In the portrait, Clemens Brentano is depicted with a reflective expression, gazing slightly to the side. His face is characterized by thoughtful eyes and a contemplative demeanor, suggesting a deep engagement with his inner thoughts or creative processes.

Brentano is dressed in formal 19th-century attire, which includes a dark coat, a high-collared shirt, and a cravat. His clothing reflects the fashion of the period and his status as a respected literary figure.

Emilie Linder’s painting style is meticulous and realistic, capturing both the physical features of Brentano and a sense of his personality. The detailed rendering of his facial features, including his hair and the slight furrow of his brow, conveys a sense of his introspective nature.

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1y

<p>Introducing Beatrix Potter.</p><p>Beatrix Potter remains one of the world's best-selling and best-loved children's authors. She wrote and illustrated 28 books, including her 23 Tales which have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. In her later years, she became a farmer and sheep breeder and helped protect thousands of acres of land in the Lake District.</p><p><a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/introducing-beatrix-potter" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.vam.ac.uk/articles/introducing-beatrix-potter"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.vam.ac.uk/articles/introdu</span><span class="invisible">cing-beatrix-potter</span></a> </p><p>Beatrix Potter (28 July 1866 – 22 December 1943)</p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Beatrix Potter with a border terrier at Lingholm, Keswick, by Rupert Potter, 3 October 1897, albumen photograph, given by Joan Duke. Museum no. E.765-2005. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

In the photograph, Beatrix Potter is seen seated, accompanied by a border terrier. The dog is sitting attentively beside her, adding a touch of warmth and companionship to the scene.

Beatrix is dressed in typical late 19th-century attire, wearing a long dress with a high collar and possibly a shawl or jacket. Her clothing is modest and practical, reflecting her love for the countryside and outdoor activities.

The photograph is taken outdoors at Lingholm, a country estate near Keswick in the Lake District.

Rupert Potter, Beatrix's father, was an amateur photographer who often captured images of his family and their life in the Lake District.

Edited 1y ago

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1y

<p>English-born Australian novelist, journalist, and poet Marcus Clarke died <a href="/tags/otd/" rel="tag">#OTD</a> in 1881.</p><p>He is best known for his 1874 novel For the Term of His Natural Life, about the convict system in Australia, and widely regarded as a classic of Australian literature. The novel is based on historical facts and it was originally serialized in the Australian Journal before being published as a book. </p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Clarke" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Clarke"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_C</span><span class="invisible">larke</span></a></p><p>Books by Marcus Clarke at PG:<br><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1193" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1193"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/autho</span><span class="invisible">r/1193</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

Australian author Marcus Clarke, albumen silver photograph.
Unknown author - State Library of Victoria.

Clarke is posed in a formal, seated position, which was customary for portraits of notable figures during this era.

He is dressed in formal Victorian attire, likely a dark suit with a waistcoat and a tie, reflecting his status as a respected literary figure.

Clarke's face is captured in clear detail, showing his full beard and mustache, which were typical of his appearance. His expression is serious and contemplative, perhaps indicating his deep engagement with his work and the serious themes he explored in his writing.

Edited 1y ago

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1y

<p>In August 1922.</p><p>T. E. Lawrence is recruited into the British Royal Air Force as Ordinary Aircraftman 352087 John Hume Ross by Flying Officer W. E. Johns in London. Lawrence later writes The Mint about his experiences.</p><p>The book is notable, despite flaws noted by critics, for its sharp observation, for the insight it gives into Lawrence himself, and for the censorship issues around its publication. It was published posthumously in 1955.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mint_(book)" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mint_(book)"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mint</span><span class="invisible">_(book)</span></a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

The Mint by 352087 Ac ROSS (TE Lawrence) Dust-Jacket

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40d

<p>He blinks upon the hearth-rug,<br>and yawns in deep content,<br>accepting all the comforts<br>that Providence has sent…</p><p>—Alexander Gray, “On a Cat, Ageing”</p><p><a href="/tags/scottish/" rel="tag">#Scottish</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a> <a href="/tags/20thcentury/" rel="tag">#20thcentury</a> <a href="/tags/poem/" rel="tag">#poem</a> <a href="/tags/poetry/" rel="tag">#poetry</a> <a href="/tags/cats/" rel="tag">#cats</a> <a href="/tags/aging/" rel="tag">#aging</a> <a href="/tags/ageing/" rel="tag">#ageing</a></p>

Alexander Gray
On a Cat, Ageing

He blinks upon the hearth-rug,
and yawns in deep content,
accepting all the comforts
that Providence has sent.

Louder he purrs, and louder,
in one glad hymn of praise
for all the night’s adventures,
for quiet, restful days.

Life will go on for ever,
with all that cat can wish;
warmth and the glad procession
of fish and milk and fish.

Only – the thought disturbs him –
he’s noticed once or twice,
the times are somehow breeding
a nimbler race of mice.

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1y

<p>In August 1869.</p><p>Ambrose Bierce, writing a satirical column for the San Francisco News Letter, begins to produce the cynical definitions which will eventually become The Devil's Dictionary.</p><p>Bierce's witty definitions were imitated & plagiarized for years before he gathered them into books, first as The Cynic's Word Book in 1906 & then in a more complete version as The Devil's Dictionary in 1911.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil%27s_Dictionary" rel="nofollow" class="ellipsis" title="en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil%27s_Dictionary"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devi</span><span class="invisible">l%27s_Dictionary</span></a></p><p>The Devil's Dictionary at PG:<br><a href="https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/972" rel="nofollow"><span class="invisible">https://</span>gutenberg.org/ebooks/972</a></p><p><a href="/tags/books/" rel="tag">#books</a> <a href="/tags/literature/" rel="tag">#literature</a></p>

The first "The Demon's Dictionary" column by Ambrose Bierce, from The San Francisco Newsletter and California Advertiser, 11 December 1875, page 13.

The Demon's Dictionary eventually because the Devil's Dictionary and was re-published in the 1900s.

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