Tag Archives: Dead Writers

A Bookstore is Gone, Long Live the Books! Part 6-Eugene O’Neill: Beyond Mourning and Tragedy

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A local used bookstore recently closed after 25 years. They had a fantastic going-out-of-business sale. While part of me feels “guilty” for taking advantage of their sad circumstances, the rest (and logical) part of me knows that they needed to sell as many books as possible. Through these books, a bit of their entrepreneurial and intellectual spirit will live on. With that idea in mind, I’m doing a limited-run series where I’ll spotlight each of the volumes I “adopted” from this sweet little shop. Shine on, you bookish gems!

Today’s selection? Eugene O’Neill: Beyond Mourning and Tragedy.

Eugene O’Neill: Beyond Mourning and Tragedy

DETAILS:

  • TITLE: EUGENE O’NEILL: BEYOND MOURNING AND TRAGEDY
  • AUTHOR: STEPHEN A. BLACK
  • YEAR PUBLISHED: 1999
  • YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS

WHY I BOUGHT IT:

I collect books about dead writers. And Eugene O’Neill was, well, Eugene O’Neill. ‘Nuff said.

Thanks for reading! I hope you like the new series. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

[Alternative Muses] Writerly Style: Margery Sharp, Looking Likewise

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“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”–Clare Booth Luce

English writer Margery Sharp definitely knew that, way back in 1945.

Margery Sharp (1945) by Bill Brandt

Sure, you could classify her look as a bit severe or buttoned-up. Even austere (the photo was taken at the end of WWII, after all). I think she’s…sharp (pun intended and unavoidable). The pointy shoulders on the blouse, simple skirt, and round glasses are timeless and, through some weird alchemy, almost edgy. All the bonus points: Margery Sharp also gave the world that superior fictional mouse, Miss Bianca, who has style for days.

A Bookstore is Gone, Long Live the Books! Part 4-Boswell’s London Journal

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A local used bookstore recently closed after 25 years. They had a fantastic going-out-of-business sale. While part of me feels “guilty” for taking advantage of their sad circumstances, the rest (and logical) part of me knows that they needed to sell as many books as possible. Through these books, a bit of their entrepreneurial and intellectual spirit will live on. With that idea in mind, I’m doing a limited-run series where I’ll spotlight each of the volumes I “adopted” from this sweet little shop. Shine on, you bookish gems!

Today’s selection? Boswell’s London Journal.

Boswell’s London Journal

DETAILS:

  • TITLE: BOSWELL’S LONDON JOURNAL 1762-1763
  • AUTHOR: JAMES BOSWELL
  • YEAR PUBLISHED: 1950
  • MCGRAW-HILL PUBLISHING/YALE UNIVERSITY
  • PREFACE: CHRISTOPHER MORLEY
  • “NOW FIRST PUBLISHED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT”

WHY I BOUGHT IT:

James Boswell? Check. 18th-century London? Check. Journal? Check. Interesting jacket painting? Check.

Thanks for reading! I hope you like the new series. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

A Bookstore is Gone, Long Live the Books! Part 2–A Literary Chronicle: 1920-1950 by Edmund Wilson

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A local used bookstore recently closed after 25 years. They had a fantastic going-out-of-business sale. While part of me feels “guilty” for taking advantage of their sad circumstances, the rest (and logical) part of me knows that they needed to sell as many books as possible. Through these books, a bit of their entrepreneurial and intellectual spirit will live on. With that idea in mind, I’m doing a limited-run series where I’ll spotlight each of the volumes I “adopted” from this sweet little shop. Shine on, you bookish gems!

Today’s selection? A Literary Chronicle: 1920-1950 by Edmund Wilson.

A Literary Chronicle: 1920-1950 by Edmund Wilson

DETAILS:

  • TITLE: THE LITERARY CHRONICLE: 1920-1950
  • AUTHOR: EDMUND WILSON
  • YEAR PUBLISHED: 1956
  • DOUBLEDAY ANCHOR BOOKS
  • COVER AND TYPOGRAPHY: EDWARD GOREY
  • SHOUT-OUT TO “CHARLES D. KLAPP,” WHO OWNED THIS COPY IN 1957. THANKS FOR WRITING YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK!

WHY I BOUGHT IT:

I like Edmund Wilson, sue me. I don’t always agree with his pronouncements (far from it), but I appreciate his style. The elegant cover (by my beloved Edward Gorey!) makes this book a beautiful visual addition to my collection.

Thanks for reading! I hope you like the new series. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

[Book Nerd Links] Plimpton, Mailer, Hippies, a Real Pearl, and Hamilton

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