So far this year I've read 3 extremely funny & uplifting books. All About Me! by Mel Brooks and the Life & Mind of Andy Kaufman. And one by the British comedian Rob Gotobed, whose humour I only discovered thanks to my dentist introducing me to his work. Best trip to the dentist ever! Thanks Stephen
So far this year I've read 3 extremely funny & uplifting books. All About Me! by Mel Brooks and the Life & Mind of Andy Kaufman. And one by the British comedian Rob Gotobed, whose humour I only discovered thanks to my dentist introducing me to his work. Best trip to the dentist ever! Thanks Stephen
Title page of the book Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell Authors: Charlotte Brontë Anne Brontë Emily Brontë A title page from an 1846 publication on aged cream paper. At the very top, a handwritten pencil inscription reads "Brontë Charlotte" in a casual, slightly slanted hand. The printed text is centered and typeset in a spare, classical style with generous spacing between elements. Below a small decorative wavy rule, the publication details appear at the bottom: LONDON: SMITH, ELDER AND CO., 65, CORNHILL. 1846. The layout is minimal and elegant, with wide margins and abundant white space giving it a restrained, dignified character typical of mid-Victorian book design. https://archive.org/details/poemsbycurrerell00bron/page/n4/mode/1up
How Wuthering Heights was shaped by Emily Brontë’s gothic poetry
Emily Brontë’s poetry is full of haunting love, grief and death.
by Claire O'Callaghan
theconversation.com/how-wutherin...
Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell at PG:
www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1019
#books #literature #poetry
Marble statue of Ben Franklin behind dark reflective glass. Franklin is looking forward, dressed in a classical robe, his right elbow resting on a stack of books on top of a column, his left leg forward. The picture is taken slightly from the right and up. Also visible are reflections of a bare tree, red brick buildings, and a tall white building.
Today's random page is the entry for "Benjamin Franklin"(Francesco Lazzarini, 1789 original) www.philart.net/art/Benjamin... #PublicArt #VisitPhilly #art
The first page of an interview: “Margaret Millar and the greatest opening lines since ‘in the beginning”. in sentence one, she states that the old man is rich; in two, that he has extra time on his hands; in three, that he's sitting at the country club composing an anonymous letter. That's The Murder of Miranda. In another sentence one, a young woman is tapping along with the aid of a white cane. By the start of the next paragraph, she's wondering if her seeing-eye dog realizes she isn't blind. That's Wall of Eyes. Mrs. Millar has pulled off this kind of zinger twenty-three times, beginning in 1942 with The Devil Loves Me. Little wonder, then, that she was elected to head up the Mystery Writers of America, that her Beast in View won the organization's Edgar, that Alfred Hitchcock chose to film the title for television, that Mary Astor opted to star in the movie version of Rose's Last Summer, and that there are mystery readers who swear Mrs. Millar is more talented than, or at least as talented as, her husband Ross Macdonald (Kenneth Millar). Mrs. Millar doesn't attract fans; she creates addicts. When her new hardcover comes out, they rush home to devour it. Dinner can wait. The dog can wait. They tell friends and they'll call them back. That book gets finished in one sit-ting. And quoted from for months after. Inevitably, a mind so trenchant arouses talk. And fantasies: What do you think she's really like? Can you magine the two of them in the same house? Would you forgive them for being amiable Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Millar are shy peo-ple. He spaces each thought with a Pinteresque pause. She speaks a little too loud, a little too fast, in the manner of someone very timid who's trying to hide it
The Mil- lars were childhood sweethearts. Her interest in mysteries piqued read every book in the library," says Margaret. "It was remarkable what she had there," acknowledges Ken. "We were fortunate to have her." Besides, he hid his pipe — forbidden by his parents — on top of one of the Dunham stacks. Both Millars believe the Canadian educational system a superior one. They stress it gave them enormous advantages. (Mrs. Millar puckishly notes that her classical background - Greek and Latin — has made it easy for her to decipher medical terminology.) Their life together, they insist, is quiet. "We have a lot of work to get through," says Ken. The Millars write about three hours a day, six days a week. She works in the morning, he in the afternoon, but he admits they've slowed down a bit; a few years ago, they could concentrate for longer periods. Both prefer the longhand method. "I have a very short temper when it comes to mistakes," concedes Mrs. Millar. "I once threw a typewriter out a second-story window." She started writing when she was eight. Her interest in mysteries piqued Ken's, though he preceded her in creating a private-eye sleuth: Lew Archer first appeared in '49; her Steve Pinata did not debut until 1960(A Stranger in My Grave). Recently, in Ask for Me Tomorrow and Miranda, she's featured Tom Aragon, a young lawyer protagonist. Between the two books came a serious ill-ness, in which Mrs. Millar underwent surgery for lung cancer. Though recovered, Mrs. Millar says: "Don't let anyone tell you you're not always looking over your shoulder after it. Because you are." Miranda was finished during a violent attack of shingles. "It was a real test for her," says her husband. She says, "I wanted to see if I could do it. I remember sweating out that last page. I don't think anyone could tell from reading the book, though, what I was going through."
"One of our best friends is a Supreme Court Judge out here," says Mrs. Millar. "He helps me with all the Grand Jury things in my books. His secretary will call and say, 'We have a beauty in courtroom five; get on over! I remember a really vicious case when the jury was im-possible. They brought in goodies to eat in little brown bags, and they sent the bailiff in to ask the judge which was worse, the death penalty or life imprisonment-they didn't know." Their beach club (which served as a model for the one in Miranda) is where they do all their entertaining. Mrs. Millar admits, "I don't do any cooking anymore. I put in my dues. There are wonderful restaurants in the area, and the club, and we eat all our meals out." One Christmas, a club lifeguard gave her a subscription to Verba-tim, a quarterly for people who love words. "It has an absolutely unsolvable puzzle," she claims, after years of trying. She and Ken used to be double-crostic fans; on one vacation, they each brought along a book of them and had a contest to see who'd do better. He won. "Ken is terribly mathematical, a bloody genius." In the Millar household, who picks up after whom? The chores are divided. "When we can't stand it anymore, we get out the vacuum. Sometimes Ken will do it without being asked." Still, she is regarded as the family organizer, he as the pack rat. Oddly, it is he who answers all his mail, i who lets hers pile up. "My system is to heapit the side of my chair, then six months later tay Well, it's certainly too late to answer that, am throw it out." At a recent party they attended, a fric went round the room asking guests whe expression they used the most. If they couldi answer, the other partygoers pointed it ou Ken's favorite phrase was carefully measured. Do not become alarmed. Margaret's, flung a anyone who got in her way, was: Watch it, yo. old goat. Her fans' would be: Write faster, Mrs. Ma. lar. And tell your husband to get cracking, too
The cover of the book “Murderess Ink”. It features a photo of an older woman with grey hair in a servants uniform holding a glass of sherry on a serving plate
Look forward to hearing what you think. She really should be better known. I spent ages trying to find even a single interview with her, then found this - a short piece also featuring her husband Kenneth (aka Ross Macdonald), in this great old crime compendium.
If you have read any of Naill Williams’ novels, you know that he is a wonderfully lyrical writer who sprinkles his storytelling with the spiritual and the mystical. “As It Is In Heaven” is no exception. This 300-page novel is the story of a couple of unlikely lovers— Stephen Griffin, a quietly shy, 32-year-old history teacher who has spent his life growing up in Ireland lost in books, and Gabriella Castoldi, a beautiful, temperamental and talented classical violinist who has chosen to expiate herself from her native Venice to live in a mountain village on the western coast of Ireland. Their views of the world and their interaction with each other is shaped by the two vastly different fathers who raised them — one a loving, giving father who is physically present in the first half of the novel and the other a selfish, angry, unloving father who presence is known only through Gabriella’s troubled memories. Like Williams’ “This Is Happiness,” this is a story about loss, grief, hope and healing.
I finished reading “As It Is In Heaven,” by Irish writer Niall Williams, this past week. Very very enjoyable book. See my mini review in ALT. #BlueBrewBooks #Reading #Books #NiallWilliams #IrishWriters
A grand, symmetrical interior room featuring warm honey-toned wood-panelled walls lined with framed artworks and gilt-edged arched alcoves containing books and glass display cases. The vaulted ceiling is decorated with an elegant lattice grid pattern painted with delicate floral motifs. A bold geometric rug in dark green and cream echoes the X-shaped pattern of the ceiling. At the far end, a modern sculptural artwork sits atop a white plinth, contrasting with the room's classical architecture. Candelabra-style lamps and a marble fireplace add to the refined atmosphere, while an open doorway on the left reveals a glimpse of a red-painted room beyond.
2/5 Pitzhanger Manor
Another shot from what was Sir John Soane's home. The Laowa 6mm (12mm ff equivalent) is tricky to use but very effective when you get it right.
#microfourthirds #Laowa6mmf2 #OMsystemsOM1
#photography #interior #architecture #architecturephotography #georgian
I rather suspect Diaper Don, his Dr Corruption’s Cabinet, and all his MAGAt minions, were too busy banning, burning or simply shunning books to have read Donne’s poem. Or to grasp its eternal message. Its Hellenistic impulse is another reason I adore Classical Athens. allpoetry.com/No-man-is-an...
"Our government is treating the suffering of the Iranian people as a backdrop for our own entertainment, as if it’s just another piece of content to be swiped through while we’re waiting in line at the grocery store"
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago
bit.ly/4bxp5ND
A watercolour portrait of Lamorna Birch, a bearded man in a brown suit and red tie, set against a muted background. His expression is serious and contemplative.
🎉 New Acquisition at Penlee House
We are delighted to share that we have acquired a remarkable new work for the collection, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Penlee House. Portrait of Lamorna Birch (1905) by Henry Scott Tuke (1858–1929) is a fascinating addition to our collection.
Edwin Harris, seated and smoking a pipe, paints a portrait of a woman in a long dress. The cosy studio is cluttered with chairs and art supplies.
Not Forgotten by Edwin Harris (1855–1906). This poignant painting, reminiscent of the early work of Walter Langley, reflects Harris’s deep connection to Newlyn’s artistic community. Both artists studied together at the Birmingham School of Art, later helping to found the Birmingham Art Circle — a movement that shaped the beginnings of the Newlyn School. Painted in 1884, Not Forgotten captures a moment of quiet reflection: an elderly woman sits in her cottage, hands resting on a letter, her gaze filled with memory. Her wedding ring confirms a marriage, but the stained apron and traditional outdoor shawl suggest a recent return from work, implying she is now alone and has to earn a living. Every detail — from the scarlet handkerchief and worn apron to the wicker fish basket by her feet — tells a story of love, labour, and loss. This evocative work beautifully complements Penlee’s existing Harris paintings, including A Pinch of Snuff, featuring the same local model, Betsy Lanyon, one of Newlyn’s most recognisable figures of the time.
A young woman in rustic clothes, holding a bundle of sticks. She wears a yellow hat and a plaid shawl, standing in a forest, appearing thoughtful.
An elderly woman in a white cap and dark shawl is absorbed in using snuff from a small box. She sits by a table with yarn, conveying a tranquil, intimate scene.
On this day in 1855, Edwin Harris was born in Birmingham.
Though he didn’t achieve widespread fame during his lifetime, he left a lasting mark on the Newlyn art colony. Harris is best known for his intimate cottage interiors, often lit by a single window, capturing figures with a quiet observation.
Upcoming Talk: Capturing the Community – Then and Now with Greg Martin Photojournalist 📸
📅 Date: 21 April 2026
🕝 Time: 7.30 pm
📍 Venue: The Queens Hotel, Penzance
🎟️ Tickets: £7 Friends | £15 General admission
friendsofpenleehouse.org.uk/events/talk-...
Ancient #Egypt meets modern entertainment in this #lecture by Richard Gray, part of our "Land of the Pharaohs: Egypt on Screen" programme.
Join us on 9 April, 6:30pm & step into a world of sphinxes, #cinema & #architecture. Book for free here: tinyurl.com/4hjxcvps #Egyptsky #museumsky #cinemasky
Elizabeth Warren: "I am a hard no on a supplemental. This is not a war the American people want us to engage in. This is not a war that makes us safer ... No. No more money. The only thing Congress has the power to do is to stop actions like this through the power of the purse."
The pacing, character development, and educational depth reflect masterful storytelling. Linda Maria Fran & JoAnn Vergona Krapp truly shine! amazon.com/dp/B0FM82B5KJ/ #BookLovers #MustRead #BookRecommendation #KidsAdventure
@AnnieTillery123
Exeter Phoenix is hosting this free Curation for Cinema workshop on Friday 6th March as part of Two Short Nights. Aimed specifically for 16-25-year-olds, it will be interactive and invaluable to anyone with an interest in curation, event management and/or cinema: exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/irl-c...
The worst place to be stung by bees is at a nightclub because it just looks like you're doing some very cool dance moves. Oh sure, you win the dance competition, but at what cost!
Stanhope Forbes wearing a hat and white coat stands outdoors at an easel, painting beside a large umbrella, with trees and foliage in the background.
Remembering Stanhope Forbes, who died on this day in 1947 aged 89. A beloved figure in West Cornwall, he was still painting en plein air into the 1930s. He rests at Sancreed Parish Church with Elizabeth Adela Forbes, near Thomas Cooper Gotch.
Sip in style! This Newlyn Copper set is a seaside dream: oval tray with fluted centre, pyramidal teapot & hot water/milk jug with wicker handles, sugar bowl with scrolled handles, and clawed sugar tongs each adorned with cormorants, fish & seaweed.
At yesterday's Choral Evensong, we said farewell to Revd Canon Chris Palmer, who is soon to become the next Dean of Winchester.
We are incredibly grateful for all of Chris' hard work and contributions to the Cathedral, and wish him the best of luck for this new and exciting chapter.
Lilac Bakery x Exeter Cathedral 🥐
The talented bakers at Lilac Bakery are now supplying our pastries! Cinnamon cruffins, pains au chocolat, almond croissants – choose your favourite and pair with a barista-made drink.
📍 Refectory (next to our shop)
🥐 10am-4pm (Mon-Sat) | 11:30am-4pm (Sun)
We recently acquired by generous donation the very rare unillustrated edition of a poem by Charles William Hempel (1777-1855), printed in Plymouth in 1817 under the shorter title, ‘The Gentleman Traveller’.
Explore this English organist and minor poet: www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/news-events/...
📚 WORDS ALIVE IN LIBRARIES 🌿
Looking for a moment of calm, reflection, and creative inspiration? Explore life writing, nature, and wellbeing with A Flat Place author @noreenmasud.bsky.social.
📅 26 March 2026
📍 University of Exeter (Streatham)
@swrls.bsky.social @literatureworks.bsky.social
A display including several books from the Gorsedh Kernow Special Collection
Have you seen the new display in our case yet?
Our #GorsedhKernow Special Collection covers topics from ancient crosses to Shakespeare to the #Cornish language.
Come and see some highlights on level 0 of the Exchange Building - and remember, our Women of the Gorsedh exhibition opens next week too!
White text at the top says, 'Library training events for PGTs, PGRs & academic staff A dark green background' and at the bottom says, 'Check the details and booking requirements here: bit.ly/ExeterUniLibEvent'. In the centre are illustrations in white of a laptop, a piece of paper with a pencil, and a stack of books on a bright green border and 'NEXT WEEK' in white capital letters above it. A bright green graphic of a calendar is in the top left-hand corner.
Library events next week include:
Dissertations: Critical Reading & Writing
Crafting Clever GenAI Prompts
Intros to APA, Chicago & Harvard referencing
Introduction to EndNote
AI Escape Room Experience
AI Playground
Drop-Ins/Research Cafés
See more & book: bit.ly/ExeterUniLibEvent 🗓️
Our latest exhibition, ‘Cornwall in Print’ is OPEN! 🥳🎉
Explore Cornwall’s historic letterpress printing industry, including stories about its community of printers. Discover what letterpress is, why its invention was so far reaching and why it is such an important part of our history.
March is Women's History Month!
Women are present throughout our collections but their narratives can be harder to find.
Our online guide addresses this imbalance by highlighting archives and rare books relating to women, which can be accessed for research or enjoyment.
#WomensHistoryMonth #WHM
This #LGBTQHistoryMonth, we’re highlighting how #film has told and validated LGBTQ+ #stories and #identities. Our #collection traces the evolution of #LGBTQ+ representation - pictured are some examples.
Explore more here: tinyurl.com/5n7wmcar #museumsky #lgbtsky #filmsky
Oh this? Just my Friday entrance.
This inquisitive young seal came to visit just after @paulnaylormarinephoto set up his static underwater camera.
Learn more about #GreySeals with MarLIN https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1995
Over 30% of global marine catch comes from small-scale fisheries, contributing to global food security, livelihoods, and resilient communities, and yet the UK's inshore fishing fleet is in decline.
Listen now - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DFAdWqpeonTBRb3AhEEmT?si=jhtxYUaXR36gGX8pbse6mw
