- Details
- Written by: Rod Boyle
- Category: Books
- Hits: 1864
Almost done, which is to say less than 100 pages to go. Given that the only time I find to read is on the bus I could hope to be done sometime next week...
But it's enough, certainly, to review it. It is, as the title might indicate, simply the memoirs of a rather successful English Edwardian Artist, member and President of the Royal Academy. There are sentences and paragraphs and entire chapters about horses, the author (Sir Alfred Munnings) really liked horses and painting horses.
But that aside, it's a good portrait (albeit heavily privileged) of the times. At the age of 14, when his parents were wondering what was to be done with a child that showed a strong inclination towards Art (and little else) he was apprenticed out to a Lithographer and learned the trade, using what little free time he had to take further night classes. By the age of 20 he left and began his career as a painter; shortly after experiencing no little success selling his portraits and horsey scenes.
It's an interesting picture of another age. His writing of paintings that sold for 250 Guineas, when the first country house he bought cost him $1750 Guineas, (7 bedrooms with 2 cottages for servants) should give you an idea of his success. The wiki article linked above will confirm it. It's also worthwhile in that he mentions (and judges) his contemporaries - the plays of Somerset Maugham, the paintings of Paul Klee amongst others.
It as well very much underlines the training and apprenticeship, that along with his talent, contributed to his success as an artist.
Not a great book, but a good portrait of the times, and a practical approach both to living and art that's often lost when we picture "Artists".
Worthwhile.
- Details
- Written by: Rod Boyle
- Category: Books
- Hits: 1605
More travel literature.
Humorous and wry short stories and anecdotes from a writer for Outside magazine, an anthology of his articles and adventures from the 70's and 80's. Enjoyable. Reassuring in the sense that he lets us know that there's still much to be explored and discovered. Some of the stories are more anecdotes, some are more carefully fleshed out and researched, all are worthwhile.
They inspire the spirit of adventure....
I'd give it 2 bananas.
- Details
- Written by: Rod Boyle
- Category: Books
- Hits: 1830
In which the author recounts his adventures in traveling through China in 1946 through to Tibet.
Exactly that. Not great literature, but a good read nonetheless. I rather like travel & adventure books, especially those that capture the period and setting. And it has me googling Lhasa and idly looking at maps of the territory, which also can't be a bad thing..
- Details
- Written by: Rod Boyle
- Category: Books
- Hits: 1971
"Shortlisted for the 2007 Man BOOKER PRIZE" it said on the cover, a thick book, paperback, recycled newsprint pages.
I picked it up from a friends and began reading. I don't read enough current literature, prefer the guaranteed pleasure of a weathered classic, but it's important now and then to get a glimpse of what's current in the literary scene. Not that 2007 is current, but it's about 150 years more current than my average reading choice.
It's curious. Not great, but inspiring in a sort of "I could have written this but not this, something else like this but better" sort of way. I suspect I'm missing the point, that I'm lacking the requisite body of knowledge, after all, the reviews (on the jacket) are entirely favourable, and it was Shortlisted for the 2007 Man Booker Prize. And we all say that, that it's easy enough to do better, but until one tries it, does it, it's just an easy phrase....
I'm almost done, but the finishing of it won't change my opinion of it any. Long, but not really, lots of white space and half pages, a curious but unengaging cast of characters, a slight hint of the human condition, an irrelevant detour on the way to Chesterfield...
- Details
- Written by: Rod Boyle
- Category: Books
- Hits: 1756
Revisiting a delightful book after a 20-odd year absence can be a tricky thing, but in no ways does this disappoint. Well, perhaps in a couple small respects, I shall never write a letter again (and why would I if I couldn't at least maintain the standards set by the esteemed Valmont and Marquise de Merteuil?).
The reason for revisiting it is to place in context "The Letters of Casanova", the original, unedited manuscripts, with other writings on courtly manners and etiquette of the same period. Sort of a "get a feel for the life and times". And it succeeds admirably. To quote André Gide of the author: "There is no doubt as to his being hand in glove with Satan...". But on the off chance you haven't read it, I won't give away any more.
Now on to Lord Chesterfield's "Letters to his Son". As well of the same period, but of a completely different tenor....
**Note the translation I reread was by Richard Aldington - I can't guarantee the veracity of others, especially should they sport a glamorous cover with Glenn Close or John Malkovich. I've read clips of the Parmee translation and recommend heartily that you skip it, or wait for something a little more resonant...