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I was having a bit of a sort through in the box room yesterday and picked up an old copy of Dialogue With Death. I sat down and leafed through the first dozen pages. Hooked, I went downstairs, put the kettle on, and read the whole thing through again to the end.
Brilliant. It’s still in print and available through your local library.
An idea isn't responsible for those who believe in it.
His name only rang a faint 'suicide' bell with me, Loh, so I Wikied him to find out more, as you do. What an amazing life! I wonder if there is a biography? I'll have to check into it.
His name only rang a faint 'suicide' bell with me, Loh, so I Wikied him to find out more, as you do. What an amazing life! I wonder if there is a biography? I'll have to check into it.
There are a couple of biographies, at least, but I ‘d suggest the place to start are with his two-volume autobiography.
Happy reading.
An idea isn't responsible for those who believe in it.
His name only rang a faint 'suicide' bell with me, Loh, so I Wikied him to find out more, as you do. What an amazing life! I wonder if there is a biography? I'll have to check into it.
That’s not for the casual reader, it’s fair to warn you if you’re going to tackle it. Scammell took twenty five years writing that and it stretches to about 750 pages.
An idea isn't responsible for those who believe in it.
That’s not for the casual reader, it’s fair to warn you if you’re going to tackle it. Scammell took twenty five years writing that and it stretches to about 750 pages.
I read Darkness at Noon some fifty odd years ago. Still resonates.
I think that’s how most are introduced to him. Its power hasn’t diminished at all in the intervening years.
Here’s a recommendation for you, sir. It covers the fall of France. If you don’t get something out of this I’ll refund you the money myself...
I wonder if I could just have two or three hours in your library/study/attic (basement?) one day while you're out at work. I've got a vast collection of books myself (and I've written a few of them) and, unlike a lot of people, I've read most of my collection. But you would appear to have a trove of gems that would make a literary Ali Baba drool. Do you not watch drivel on TV, waste time on social media?
I wonder if I could just have two or three hours in your library/study/attic (basement?) one day while you're out at work. I've got a vast collection of books myself (and I've written a few of them) and, unlike a lot of people, I've read most of my collection. But you would appear to have a trove of gems that would make a literary Ali Baba drool. Do you not watch drivel on TV, waste time on social media?
It sounds like we share a lifelong obsession.
An idea isn't responsible for those who believe in it.
I wonder if I could just have two or three hours in your library/study/attic (basement?) one day while you're out at work. I've got a vast collection of books myself (and I've written a few of them) and, unlike a lot of people, I've read most of my collection. But you would appear to have a trove of gems that would make a literary Ali Baba drool. Do you not watch drivel on TV, waste time on social media?
You two should do what I frequently do and spend the afternoon in Daunt books.
Armchairs, thousands of books, and more than happy to allow the dog in as well.
Always packed. It shows that a retail offering which truly differentiates itself is able to rise above the mania for Amazon.
I’ve been there a few times, didn’t we talk about this not so long back?
I’m in the privileged position of being within striking distance of Hay and I spend a day a month there on average. I stay over quite often. Knitted ties, cask maturated whisky and an open book in front of an open fire at The Swan.
I let the modern world intrude as little as possible.
An idea isn't responsible for those who believe in it.
I’ve been there a few times, didn’t we talk about this not so long back?
I’m in the privileged position of being within striking distance of Hay and I spend a day a month there on average. I stay over quite often. Knitted ties, cask maturated whisky and an open book in front of an open fire at The Swan.
I let the modern world intrude as little as possible.
Actually, yes, it rings a bell now you say.
Fantastic shop. That sounds a lovely way to spend a day. Without the whisky. I’m not a fan I’m afraid. Never been able to warm to it. Despite lots of pressure!
You two should do what I frequently do and spend the afternoon in Daunt books.
Armchairs, thousands of books, and more than happy to allow the dog in as well.
Always packed. It shows that a retail offering which truly differentiates itself is able to rise above the mania for Amazon.
Which branch? I used to go to the Notting Hill one when I lived nearby.
The Marylebone one is wonderful - then mull over your purchases at that excellent French steak & frites joint up the road. You and Loh would be like Jean-Paul and Simone in there...
Which branch? I used to go to the Notting Hill one when I lived nearby.
The Marylebone one is wonderful - then mull over your purchases at that excellent French steak & frites joint up the road. You and Loh would be like Jean-Paul and Simone in there...
I can see it now, mate. Clear as day.
PS: Holland Park she goes.
An idea isn't responsible for those who believe in it.
This is a lovely thread. No RANCOUR, no cunningly typographically altered expletives, no yah boo bullyboy antics, just a love of words, wisdom and whisky.
The former Queen of Hay is a relative of mine and I once did a reading from a little thing what I wrote at the festival. Lovely place. It's where hardbacks go to die.
This is a lovely thread. No RANCOUR, no cunningly typographically altered expletives, no yah boo bullyboy antics, just a love of words, wisdom and whisky.
The former Queen of Hay is a relative of mine and I once did a reading from a little thing what I wrote at the festival. Lovely place. It's where hardbacks go to die.
I don’t know if you’re aware of this my friend, but Richard Booth passed away about six weeks ago.
An idea isn't responsible for those who believe in it.
I don’t know if you’re aware of this my friend, but Richard Booth passed away about six weeks ago.
I did know.I'm no fan of those who crusade, but I made an exception for the man who crusaded on behalf of books. When he declared UDI for Hay I considered moving there.
I did know.I'm no fan of those who crusade, but I made an exception for the man who crusaded on behalf of books. When he declared UDI for Hay I considered moving there.
I’m the holder of a Hay passport.
An idea isn't responsible for those who believe in it.
There are a couple of biographies, at least, but I ‘d suggest the place to start are with his two-volume autobiography.
Happy reading.
Thank you for the kind recommendation, Loh, but I think I'll start with the biography by Michael Scammell, rather than the autobiography. I want to see what his take is on allegations of rape against Koestler (by Michael Foot's wife amongst others if I'm not mistaken) and of course the bizarre double suicide.
Thank you for the kind recommendation, Loh, but I think I'll start with the biography by Michael Scammell, rather than the autobiography. I want to see what his take is on allegations of rape against Koestler (by Michael Foot's wife amongst others if I'm not mistaken) and of course the bizarre double suicide.
[Post edited 4 Oct 2019 16:32]
You’ll want Cesarani’s biography for the deeply unpleasant aspects.
An idea isn't responsible for those who believe in it.
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