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Category Archives: British Literature
Kingsley Amis in Philadelphia
From Kingsley Amis’ Memoirs, on his only trip to the City of Brotherly Love: “Philadelphia, where my most vivid memories are of the squalor of its approaches and, to make up for that…catching a glimpse of the prettiest girl I … Continue reading
Posted in British Literature, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Uncategorized
Tagged Kingsley Amis, Philly, South Jersey
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a distinct bias toward the festive
A Wodehousian gem, found in The New Criterion review of the latest collection of his letters. “Although Mr. Gedge’s statement that the Vicomte de Blissac was never sober had been an exaggeration—for he was frequently sober, sometimes for hours at … Continue reading
Posted in books, British Literature, pop culture
Tagged P.G. Wodehouse, The New Criterion
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In Which I’m Finally Paid To Write About P.G. Wodehouse
Well, its finally happened. I’ve been reading P.G. Wodehouse for well over a decade now and I’ve loved his work since I first cracked open The Code of the Woosters. I’ve been proselytizing for his cause for just as long, … Continue reading
Posted in book reviews, books, British Literature, Philadelphia
Tagged George Orwell, P.G. Wodehouse, Philly, The Philadelphia Inquirer
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P.G. Wodehouse in India
I remember hearing, at some point, that P.G. Wodehouse is quite popular in India. So, it being Boxing Day and all, I Googled the appropriate terms and the right sort of article began popping up. First, a slight NPR piece … Continue reading
Posted in book reviews, books, British Literature, history
Tagged Colonialism, India, P.G. Wodehouse, Shashi Tharoor
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Consider the Bee (Or, Actually, Don’t)
I recently stumbled across this wonderful letter to the New York Times, written in the October of 1865, taking a strong line against anti-loitering laws. It’s quite funny and, I think, the correct inclination. Arresting people for hanging out is … Continue reading
Posted in books, British Literature, economic justice, labor, Uncategorized, worker rights
Tagged Charles Dickens, Eugene Wrayburn, loitering, the New York Times, work
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The Curio Theater Does Tom Stoppard
The Curio Theater, on Baltimore and 48th Street in West Philadelphia, is my neighborhood theater. I’ve only seen two plays there, both of them by Tom Stoppard. If you have the time, and the inclination, I’d recommend The Real Inspector … Continue reading
Posted in British Literature, Philadelphia
Tagged Curio Theater, The Real Inspector Hound, Tom Stoppard
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J.R.R. Tolkien: Worst Professor Ever?
As the release of the first Hobbit film nears, I recall that as a youthful Tolkien enthusiast I often imagined the intellectual joys of attending one of the great man’s lectures at Oxford. Ah, bliss! Or not. According to Kingsley … Continue reading
Posted in books, British Literature, pop culture
Tagged Frodo, Galadriel, J.R.R. Tolkein, Kingsley Amis, Philip Larkin, The Hobbit
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James Bond Turns Against America
I’ve been reading some of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels in preparation for, and celebration of, the release of the super spy’s latest cinematic outing. The new Daniel Craig film, Skyfall, is excellent. The same cannot be said of Fleming’s … Continue reading
Philadelphia Loves Dickens (He Didn’t Return the Favor)
Last Sunday I had a front page piece in the Philly Inquirer’s Currents section on Philly’s one-sided love affair with Charles Dickens. (We were considered “more provincial than Boston or New York,” by the great man in question.) The wonderful … Continue reading
Orwell on Dickens
“If you were rich, for instance, you would have a great power of doing good to others.” – John Rokesmith, Our Mutual Friend In 1940 George Orwell wrote a superb 50+ page essay on Charles Dickens, an author he clearly cared … Continue reading
Posted in book reviews, British Literature
Tagged Charles Dickens, George Orwell, Our Mutual Friend
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