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Ex Libris Kirkland
Ex Libris Kirkland is my extremely self-centered way to keep track of what I read, what I like, and what I want to remember. And because I like the internet, it's public.
Recently Added Books
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The Alchemist and Other Plays
Added on January 20, 2012
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Life in a Medieval Castle
Added on January 19, 2012
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The Grey King
Added on January 15, 2012
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Recent Added Notes
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January 23, 2012
The scene where Volpone tries to seduce, and then force, Celia, is really a marvel, especially his litany of ways in which he will have her. It's a steady progression, with a great rhythm, moving from sweetness and flowers to classical allusions, then modern exotic women and straight on to prostitution. The sense of menace as his speech progresses is really striking, and builds a real sense of drama leading up to the attempted rape.
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January 23, 2012
Although he's a part of the canon of English literature, I've never been exposed to Ben Jonson. I'd read so many references to him, I decided it was time to look him up. Jonson was an English playwright, a younger contemporary of Shakespeare, and this play, at least, reads like low-rent Shakes. It's bawdier, broader, and funny - but with some moments of clarity and great writing that make it obvious why he's so well-regarded.
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January 23, 2012
Best parts of the book are etymological:
"First came the pantler with the bread and butter, followed by the butler and his assistants with the wine and beer."
So, I learned that the Pantler was in charge of the 'pantry', which is where bread and other food was stored. The Butler was in charge of the 'buttery' (where drinks were kept) ,which is a corruption of the French term boterie - a place for bottles. Fascinating!
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January 23, 2012
A dry read, but full of interesting information about the daily life in, yes, a medieval castle. Turns out they were warmer, cleaner, and more civilized than you were led to believe. A castle was at times a place where master ate at the same table with his servant, where hand-washing was common and a crucial part of good manners, and where toilets included indoor plumbing (of a sort).
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January 23, 2012
I picked up Cooper's book - part of the Dark is Rising Sequence - after loaning it to a friend and remembering how much I enjoyed this one. It's one of the best in the series, and I like really enjoy its desolate description of Wales.
Recently Added Quotes
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January 23, 2012
That the rules are sometime ill observed, may be true; but is nothing against the system. The members of an University may, for a season, be unmindful of their duty. I am arguing for the excellency of the institution.
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January 23, 2012
He had gone to a country school where he had learned to read and write but that it was wiser not to; …
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January 23, 2012
'Jesus was the only One that ever raised the dead,'
The Misfit continued, 'and He shouldn't have done it. He thrown
everything off balance. If He did what He said, then its nothing
for you to do but throw away everything and follow Him, and if He
didn't, then its nothing for you to do but enjoy the few minutes
you got left the best way you can--by killing somebody or burning
down his house or doing some other meanness to him. No pleasure but
meanness,' he said and his voice had almost become a snarl.
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January 23, 2012
As is the case with all good things in life
-- love, good manners, language, cooking -- personal creativity is required only rarely.
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January 23, 2012
2nd AVVOCATO: If this be held the highway to get riches,
May I be poor
3rd AVVOCATO: This 's not the gain, but torment.
1st AVVOCATO: These possess wealth, as sick men possess fevers,
Which truer may be said to possess them.
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