Eggplant.place

4h

The Life of Agatha Christie, the World’s Best-Selling Novelist, Goes Under the Microscope at the British Library

An upcoming London exhibition will explore the breadth of Christie’s ‘remarkable’ experiences through letters, photographs, a typewriter and a replica of her Hawaiian surfboard

by Sonja Anderson

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-life-of-agatha-christie-the-worlds-best-selling-novelist-goes-under-the-microscope-at-the-british-library-180989480/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=20260910-daily&lctg=93133550&user_id=19f2988141aeef1ce3da2871b25613801e24297faaf654001575521d8c39910f

Books by Agatha Christie at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/451

#books #literature

Agatha Christie as a young woman.

Sepia-toned photo of a young Agatha Christie, leaning out through a leaded-glass casement window of a stone building, wearing a striped blouse with a polka-dot cravat, hair styled in a puffed pompadour.

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1y

"What remains?" cried Ivanhoe; "Glory, maiden, glory! which gilds our sepulchre and embalms our name."

#OTD in 1819.

Walter Scott's popular Waverley Novel Ivanhoe is published anonymously in 3 volumes by Archibald Constable in Edinburgh, dated 1820. A chivalric romance set in 12th-century England, it represents a move away from Scott setting his fiction in Scotland.

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

Ivanhoe at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/82

#books #literature

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

The text is presented in an elegant serif font, reflecting the formal and refined style of the period.

The title, Ivanhoe, appears prominently at the top, likely in larger font to draw attention, followed by the subtitle A Romance, emphasizing the book's genre.

Walter Scott's name does not appear on the title page because, at the time of publication, the novel was released anonymously. Instead, it is attributed to "The Author of Waverley", connecting it to Scott's earlier works.

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Figure caption:
Whether from love of form, or from curiosity, the marshals paid no attention to his expressions of reluctance, but unhelmed him by cutting the laces of his casque, and undoing the fastening of his gorget.

https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/82/pg82-images.html

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1y

On Henry James and the Enduring Lessons of Love

Katherine J. Chen Rediscovers James (and Falls in Love)

https://lithub.com/on-henry-james-and-the-enduring-lessons-of-love/

Books by Henry James at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/113

#books #literature #literarycriticism

Portrait of Henry James, charcoal drawing by John Singer Sargent (1912)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_James#/media/File:Portrait_of_Henry_James_1913.jpg

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1y

#OTD in 1895.

The première of Oscar Wilde's comedy An Ideal Husband takes place at the Haymarket Theatre in London. In April, on the last day of the Haymarket run, Wilde was arrested for gross indecency; his name was removed from the playbills and programmes when the production transferred to the Criterion Theatre, where it ran for a further 13 performances, from 13 to 27 April.

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

An Ideal Husband at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/885

#books #literature #theatre

Act II: Mrs Cheveley, centre, denounces Sir Robert Chiltern to his wife, 1895 premiere

Henry Wright (artist) - Illustrated London News, p. 44

"Mr. Oscar Wilde's New Play, 'An Ideal Husband', at the Haymarket Theatre": Mrs Chevely accuses Sir Robert

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1y

#OTD in 1846.

Fyodor Dostoevsky's first original novel, Poor Folk, is published in the St. Petersburg Collection.

The first English translation was provided by Lena Milman in 1894, with an introduction by George Moore, cover art design by Aubrey Beardsley and publication by London's Mathews and Lane. It is the first novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, written over the span of nine months between 1844 and 1845.

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

Poor Folk at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2302

#books #literature

First English language edition of Poor Folk by Fedor Dostoiesvsky.

The first English-language edition of Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Poor Folk" was published in 1894 by Elkin Mathews and John Lane in London, and Roberts Brothers in Boston. This edition featured a distinctive cover designed by Aubrey Beardsley, a prominent English illustrator and author associated with the Aesthetic Movement.

The book was bound in original yellow pictorial cloth, a design choice reminiscent of the quarterly "Yellow Book," for which Beardsley served as art director. The cover and title page bore Beardsley's illustrations, including his "key monogram" on the spine and rear cover. This monogram, a stylized design incorporating his initials, was a signature element in many of Beardsley's works.

The yellow cloth binding, combined with Beardsley's distinctive black ink illustrations, gave the book a striking appearance that stood out among publications of the time.

This edition was part of Mathews and Lane's Keynotes Series and included an introduction by Irish novelist George Moore.

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1y

Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist Kahlil Gibran was born #OTD in 1883.

He is best known as the author of The Prophet, which was first published in the United States in 1923 and has since become one of the best-selling books of all time, having been translated into more than 100 languages.

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

Books by Kahlil Gibran at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1813

#books #literature

Self-Portrait and Muse, c. 1911 (Museo Soumaya) by Kahlil Gibran.

The painting features Gibran's self-portrait on one side, rendered with introspective and solemn expression.

Opposite him is the figure of a muse, often interpreted as an embodiment of inspiration or creativity, exuding a sense of calm and mystery.

Gibran employs muted, earthy tones—soft browns, creams, and touches of gold—creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

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1y

#OTD in 1904.

The first of Virginia Woolf's published writings, "Haworth, November 1904", an account of a visit to the Brontë family home, appears anonymously in a women's supplement to a clerical journal, The Guardian. (A book review written later has appeared in the same journal a week earlier.)

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

Books by Virginia Woolf at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/89

#books #literature

This is the draft of the essay, which appeared in The Guardian in December 1904. Woolf opens by briefly questioning the legitimacy of literary tourism, and decides that her visit to Haworth is acceptable because it added to her understanding of the Brontës’ books. After walking the West Yorkshire moors in the bleak November weather and spending time in the family’s home and church, Woolf concludes that “however harsh the struggle, Emily, and Charlotte above all, fought to victory.” via @NYPL

https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/galleries/section-1-early-years/item/13112#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHaworth%3A%20November%2C%201904%E2%80%9C%20essay%20draft&text=Woolf's%20first%20published%20essay%20is,The%20Guardian%20in%20December%201904.

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1y

"There can be no freedom or beauty about a home life that depends on borrowing and debt."
Torvald Helmer, Act I

#OTD in 1879.

The first production of Henrik Ibsen's controversial "modern drama" A Doll's House takes place at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen, after publication there on December 4.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Doll%27s_House

A Doll's House at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/2542

#books #literature #theatre

Adeleide Johannessen in character as Nora, from a cigarette card of c. 1880 – c. 1882.

Adeleide Johannessen is captured mid-action, holding a tambourine in her raised hand, evoking an energetic or defiant moment from her performance as Nora.

Her body language is dynamic, and her intense facial expression reflects the emotional depth and complexity of Nora's character, perhaps hinting at her journey of self-discovery and rebellion.

Johannessen wears a full-length Victorian-era dress, with detailed pleating, fitted bodice, and layered skirts that cinch at the waist with a decorative belt.

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1y

English author Agatha Christie died #OTD in 1976.

She is best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap.

Watch our podcast about The Big Four:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoKUX5a7T0Y&t=74s

Books by Agatha Chrissie at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/451

#books #literature

Christie as a young woman, 1910s

Unknown author - The Christie Archive Trust

The photo typically depicts her as poised and elegant, reflecting the fashion and sensibilities of the Edwardian era transitioning into the 1910s.

Christie often appears with a gentle, confident expression, her hair styled in soft waves or an updo common at the time.

Her attire would likely consist of a high-collared blouse or dress, possibly adorned with lace, reflecting the refined yet understated elegance of the era.

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2h

The best books on Entomology
recommended by Dino Martins

Many people are leery of creepy crawlies—but insects are critical to the functioning of the planet, says Dino Martins, the entomologist, evolutionary biologist and author of Hidden Creatures. We asked him to recommend five entomology books that seek wonder in unexpected places, including bee colonies and termite mounds.

https://fivebooks.com/best-books/entomology-dino-martins/

"The Life of the Bee" at PG:

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4511

#entomology #books #literature

A close-up of a red ant on a bright yellow dandelion.

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1y

The Remarkable Life of Charles Dickens: Hard Times & Great Expectations

One of the greatest writers of English literary history, Charles Dickens’ rags-to-riches story is as incredible as any of his greatest works of fiction.

By Catherine Dent

https://www.thecollector.com/charles-dickens-remarkable-life/

Books by Charles Dickens at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/37

#books #literature

Portrait of Charles Dickens by Jeremiah Gurney, c. 1867–1868.

Dickens appears older, with his characteristic beard and somewhat tired expression, reflecting the toll of his demanding career and failing health.

The portrait is a waist-length photograph, focusing on Dickens’s face and upper torso.

He is dressed formally in a dark suit with a vest and a neatly tied cravat, typical of Victorian fashion, emphasizing his status as a literary and public figure.

Dickens's expression is serious and introspective, with his gaze directed slightly away from the camera. This contemplative look may suggest his reflective nature during this period of his life.

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1y

3 philosophy classics that are better than self-help books

Self-help often distills philosophical ideas for the modern ear. Sometimes, its better to go back to the source.

By Jonny Thomson

https://bigthink.com/thinking/3-philosophy-classics-that-are-better-than-self-help-books/

The 3 philosophy classics are available at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=Nicomachean+Ethics&submit_search=Search
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3600
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49965

#books #literature #philosophy

First page of a 1566 edition of the Aristotolic Ethics in Greek and Latin

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=Nicomachean+Ethics&submit_search=Search

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Title page of the Essais with notes

Michel de Montaigne († 1592) -

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3600

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A part of a Taoist manuscript, ink on silk, 2nd century BCE, Han Dynasty, unearthed from Mawangdui tomb 3rd, Chansha, Hunan Province, China. Hunan Province Museum.

Unknown author - Mawangdui Silk Manuscript Volume First, Wen Wu Publishing, Beijing, China, 1980-03

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49965

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1y

#OTD in 1872.

Jules Verne's novel Around the World in Eighty Days (Le Tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours) finishes serialisation (since November 2) in the daily Le Temps, the day after the concluding date of the narrative. The story was published in installments over the next 45 days, with its ending timed to synchronize Fogg's December 21 deadline with the real world.

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

Around the World in Eighty Days at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=le+tour+du+monde&submit_search=Go%21

#books #literature

Cover of the French first edition of Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days. Published on January 30, 1873,[1] printed by Gauthier-Villars, published by Pierre-Jules Hetzel & Cie, Paris. 217 pages, illustrated with B/W engravings by De Neuville and Benett. (publisher's binding).

Centered prominently is the title, "Le Tour du Monde en Quatre-Vingts Jours," surrounded by ornate borders and motifs inspired by travel, exploration, and exotic destinations. Visual elements such as globes, compasses, and decorative frames emphasize the book's focus on global circumnavigation.

The illustrations by De Neuville and Benett, reproduced in black and white within the 217 pages, add further detail to the narrative, bringing key scenes to life with precision and dramatic flair. The overall design of the cover communicates a sense of grandeur and excitement, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of Verne’s iconic tale.

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1y

"All the glories of the sunset,
In the sunrise one may see;
That which others call the dawning
Is the night for you and me."

Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt , who died #OTD in 1919, was an American poet. She published hundreds of poems in nationally circulated newspapers, magazines, and anthologies as well as in eighteen volumes of poems, two of which she co-authored with her husband, the poet John James Piatt.

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

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25004

#books #literature #poetry

Photographic portrait of American author Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt (1836-1919). From American Women: Fifteen Hundred Biographies with Over 1,400 Portraits, Frances E. Willard and Mary A. Livermore, editors. Mast, Crowell & Kirkpatrick, 1897 (revised edition from 1893), vol. 2, p. 569.

Piatt is portrayed in a formal seated pose, reflecting the conventions of late 19th-century portraiture. Her attire is elegant and characteristic of the era, with intricate lacework and detailed fabric adorning her high-collared dress. Her hair is styled in a manner typical of the time, complementing her refined and composed expression. Her gaze, directed slightly away from the camera, conveys thoughtfulness and dignity.

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1y

"The trouble with this country is... that there're too many people going about saying "The trouble with this country is—"
Dodsworth, Ch. 10 (1929)

American novelist, short-story writer, and playwright Sinclair Lewis died #OTD in 1951.

Lewis wrote six popular novels: Main Street (1920), Babbitt (1922), Arrowsmith (1925), Elmer Gantry (1927), Dodsworth (1929), and It Can't Happen Here (1935).

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

Sinclair Lewis at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/278

#books #literature

Sinclair Lewis, Nobel laureate in Literature 1930.

Lewis is seen with a sharp, angular face, a prominent nose, and a high forehead. His expression is thoughtful and slightly reserved, reflecting his intellectual nature.

He is dressed in early 20th-century attire, typically a suit and tie, presenting a professional and refined look suitable for his era and stature.

He is seated with a relaxed but composed posture, often gazing directly at the camera or slightly to the side, evoking a sense of introspection and seriousness.

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239d

Rights of Nature: A Reading List

What would it mean for rivers, forests, and animals to have legal rights? A global movement is rethinking law’s relationship to nature.

By: Sam Firman

https://daily.jstor.org/rights-of-nature-a-reading-list/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_id=01KEYB46PN6NMF8X3GYBW3ZKEX&_kx=3MZUehzXM-41qlWAMPUiuNZadX2p0SByuNf_t0eMLB0.U5D8ER

#books #literature #environment

An almond tree flourished in the surroundings of the church of Santa Cruz de Olorda, in the Sarria district of Barcelona. In the background, you can see a farmhouse.

https://www.europeana.eu/pt/item/2024914/photography_ProvidedCHO_Ajuntament_de_Girona_102099

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1y

The Editor Who Drove Hemingway Away

Harry C. Hindmarsh, assistant managing editor of the Toronto Daily Star, knew how to get under Ernest Hemingway’s skin.

https://daily.jstor.org/the-editor-who-drove-hemingway-away/

Hemingway at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/50533

#books #literature

Hemingway's 1923 passport photo; at this time, he lived in Paris with his wife Hadley and worked as a foreign correspondent for the Toronto Star Weekly.

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145d

St Magnus International Festival 2026
19–28 June

2026 marks the 50th St Magnus International Festival, Orkney’s annual midsummer celebration of the arts, featuring a variety of events in literature, music, theatre, dance, & more

Programme & tickets now available

https://stmagnusfestival.com

#Scottish #literature #culture #music #theatre #dance #festival #Orkney #StMagnus #StMagnusFestival

19–28 June 2026
Midsummer Nights | 59 Degrees North | Made in Orkney

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145d

Dear #fediverse, please send more readers my way.

I’d love to connect with more people who read books, post about #books, write #reviews, share #recommendations, and enjoy thoughtful conversations about #literature.

#bookstodon #reading #booksky #bookreview #booklovers #readingcommunity #bookclub
@bookstodon

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238d

The strange tale of Sigmund Freud’s begonia

How the gift of a plant helped Emma Freud finally get to know her great-grandfather

by Emma Freud

https://observer.co.uk/news/first-person/article/emma-freud-sigmund-freuds-begonia

#books #literature #botany

Begonia obliqua L.

Robert John Thornton (1768-1837) - Botanicus http://www.botanicus.org "Temple of Flora"

The image depicts Begonia obliqua (now more commonly known as Begonia species), showing:

A begonia with characteristic asymmetrical (oblique) leaves in rich green tones, with prominent red stems
Delicate pink blossoms and white star-shaped flowers scattered throughout the composition
An orange/brown butterfly in the upper left, adding life and movement to the scene

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begonia#/media/File:Begonia_obliqua00.jpg

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237d

Who Was the Inspiration Behind the ‘Gibson Girl’ Illustrations? The Artist Said She Was Every Woman

Charles Dana Gibson’s archetype became the original American “it girl” in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and helped transform fashion and beauty

by Michelle Mehrtens

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/who-was-the-inspiration-behind-the-gibson-girl-illustrations-the-artist-said-she-was-every-woman-180988014/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&lctg=93133550

Charles Dana Gibson at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/26456

#books #literature #illustrations

Engraving after the pen and ink drawing of the Gibson Girl by illustrator w:Sarah Kaplan

It depicts a voluminous, upswept hair styled in the signature "Gibson Girl" pompadour with soft curls; long, elegant neck; delicate, refined features with a confident, somewhat aloof expression.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Dana_Gibson#/media/File:Gibson_Girl.png

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238d

“I have a harmonium and it’s going to explode in two minutes”

Ivor Cutler (1923–2006) – poet, singer, musician, songwriter, artist, humorist – was born #OTD, 15 Jan

In 2013, to mark what would have been his 90th birthday, BBC Radio 4 celebrated his life & career:

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0381jzt

#Scottish #literature #poetry #music #humour #surrealism #absurdist #IvorCutler

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1y

#OTD in 1815.

Jane Austen's novel Emma is published anonymously by John Murray in London dated 1816. About 1500 copies sell over the next 5 years. Murray offered Austen £450 for this plus the copyrights of Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility, which she refused. Instead, she published two thousand copies of the novel at her own expense, retaining the copyright and paying a 10% commission to Murray.

Emma at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/158

#books #literature

Title page of the first edition of Emma by Jane Austen, published on 23 December 1815, although the title page is dated 1816.

The text reads:
"EMMA: A Novel. In Three Volumes. By the Author of 'Pride and Prejudice,' etc."

The publisher's details are printed at the bottom:
"London: Printed for John Murray, 1816."

The layout is symmetrical, with no decorative embellishments or illustrations, emphasizing the content of the book rather than its exterior. As typical for books of the time, the title page serves both an informational and promotional purpose, linking the novel to the author's previous works, which would have been recognizable to readers.

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236d

Straight Outta Compton (Mackenzie)

Edward Compton Mackenzie (1883–1972) was born #OTD, 17 Jan. Mainly remembered today for his 1947 comedy WHISKY GALORE, he wrote more than 100 books & influenced writers such as F Scott Fitzgerald, George Orwell, & Cyril Connolly

A 🎂🧵

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https://unherd.com/2022/11/the-forgotten-genius-of-compton-mackenzie/

#Scottish #literature #20thcentury #modernism #ComptonMackenzie #FScottFitzgerald #GeorgeOrwell #CyrilConnolly

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1y

#OTD in 1910.

Serialisation of Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera (Le Fantôme de l'Opéra) concludes in the Paris newspaper Le Gaulois.

Because of his fascination with both Edgar Allan Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he wrote a detective mystery entitled The Mystery of the Yellow Room in 1907, and four years later he published Le Fantôme de l'Opéra.

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

The Phantom of the Opera at PG:
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/175

#books #literature

Dressed in a red death mask for a costume ball, Erik the Phantom descends the grand staircase of the Opéra Garnier. He “appears with his true face, challenging the masked characters with his unveiled ugliness” (François Raymond and Daniel Compère, Les maîtres du fantastique en littérature, Paris, Bordas, coll. “Les Compacts” (n° 36), 1994, ISBN 2-04-018502-X.) Watercolor by André Castaigne illustrating the first American edition of Gaston Leroux's Fantôme de l'Opéra (1911).

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