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A Book of Condolences by Harding Dyson |
Well researched anthology (45 BC to 20th century). Historically interesting and sensitive insight on the expression of distress on death mostly by famous often literary names. Useful and strangely comforting.
(bwl 2 March 2000) |
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For the Time Being by Dirk Bogarde |
Fascinating assortment of (mostly) later writings by this man who is an artist in the true literary sense and sees life way beyond the stage. The introduction (1998 and 1999) must not be skipped, a near finale.
(bwl 2 March 2000) |
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In the Blood - A Memoir of my Childhood by Andrew Motion |
Poetry in prose. Autobiography of early life. Easy to skim through, though that way author and Poet Laureate comes across as over introspective and rather selfish. Couple of days later, realise he has written pictures as vivid as any painter, sculptor, composer or dancer. (Proof reading dubious in places, but maybe even that was intended!).
(bwl 40 June 2007) |
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Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson |
This book is perhaps 100 pages too long and the author's feelings become repetitive. It is now 13 years since it was published. That being said, for anyone who has travelled alone in England, seeing places and watching people, it rings true and in parts is very funny and a true observation of English life: worth keeping to read again in 13 years' time.
(bwl 28 February 2005) |
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Shooting History - A Personal Journey by Jon Snow |
This is a brilliant, effectively diarised, reminder of social and political attitudes and events post WW II by this remarkably experienced reporter/newscaster. I recommend listening to the audio tape version initially, as with any modern autobiography when thus available in the author's voice.
(bwl 28 February 2005) |
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Simply Fish by Jenny Baker |
Reading bwl 17 reminded me to ask if the author is one of bwl's originators? (Ed: Yes). This book would be useful on a desert island because each type of fish is identified by a line drawing and the reader is told what to do before cooking it following the excellent recipes. Recommended to me by the chief chef at Southwold's best restaurant for fish.
(bwl 18 April 2003) |
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The Slanguage of Sex by Brigid McConville and John Shearlaw |
Amazingly useful reference book. However prudish, most people hear if not use swearwords frequently. If you don't know what it means, look it up!
(bwl 2 March 2000) |
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The Third Rumpole Omnibus by John Mortimer |
This is as good and amusing as those published before. As a retired non-contentious lawyer, I find this makes excellent reading and although repetitively cynical, should be read by any free-thinking person before being on a jury.
(bwl 30 June 2005) |
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