Marguerite Duras was born on 4 April 1914.
“She had lived her early years as though she were waiting for something she might, but never did, become.”-Marguerite Duras, The Ravishing of Lol Stein
The tomb of Marguerite Duras
Washington Irving, a titan in the annals of American Literature, was born on 3 April 1783.
“There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.”-Washington Irving
Surprisingly, the father of Ichabod and Rip was something of a dreamboat as a young man.
Washington Irving at 22.
Portrait of Washington Irving by John Wesley Jarvis, 1809.
Washington Irving in 1820.
“If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.”-Émile Zola (born 2 April 1840)
Buddy Ebsen, 1936. He was born on 2 April 1908.
Shirley Temple and Buddy Ebsen in Captain January (1936).
“If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week.”-Charles Darwin
The Drawbridge by Vincent van Gogh, 1888. I’d add “look at beautiful things as often as possible” to the list.
It’s Opening Day! If you live in America, you know what this means. For the rest of you, I’m referring to our national pastime: baseball. This is my excuse for being (otherwise) absent from the blog today. Here are some links to tide you over. See you tomorrow!
Legendary Cleveland pitcher Bob Feller for Roadmaster, 1941.
All 339 Books Referenced In “Gilmore Girls” [courtesy BuzzFeed Books]
It’s exhaustive, naturally. She’s a reader after my own heart.
25 Essential Books About Americans in Paris [courtesy Flavorwire]
They left out one of my favourite books on the subject, Being Geniuses Together by Robert McAlmon and Kay Boyle( revised edition). What would you add to the list?
William Morris Quote
I didn’t post anything yesterday, because it was my lovely best friend’s birthday. I was too busy partying it up at a place with incredible views. Like this:
Pretty Party View
“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”-Albert Camus
Vladimir Solovyov by Ivan Kramskoy, 1885
Vladimir Solovyov by Ivan Kramskoy, 1885
A Small Press Life: Books. Art. Writing. Life. Tea. 