18th Century letters

There's been a long delay in posting... I do apologize. I'm at the end of the semester and have been working on a number of projects: motivation in learning as a complex adaptive system, a machinima version of Coleridge's Kubla Khan, and a look at the use of letters in Restoration and Enlightenment British drama. Right now I'm looking at the letter-writing scene in William Wycherly's The Country Wife and the letter-ripping scene in Nicholas Rowe's The Fair Penitent as scenes of establishing authority through authorship. If anyone out there can think of any other scenes that might potentially fit into this theme, please post!

Iconography

I wanted to point out that Heavenly Windows has posted a new icon to this blog. Face Made Without Hands is my favorite. Scroll through all of the beautiful artwork here and enjoy!

On-line books

I always love hearing about a new way of looking at books. This website was recommended to me by another bluestocking, and I hope you enjoy it too! Abe Books specializes in new and used books and seems to offer a lot of good reviews.

Grammar Girl

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy this podcast? I believe I've posted links to Grammar Girl's show before, but it's always gratifying to listen to someone clarify misconceptions for those people you would never correct personally. I suppose she's preaching to the choir, and I imagine her listeners are all fans of Lynne Truss and Strunk & White. Sometimes it's just nice to know there are other persnickety, grammar-obsessed people out there.

Freddy and Fredericka

Spring Break is over, but I'm still enjoying the newest book by Mark Helprin: Freddy and Fredericka. described as an allegory, a picaresque saga, and fable-cum-romance, I've been laughing out loud over his portrayal of how Brits see the States. It's a great look at class and culture, silly and funny, but not stupid. It's very transparently based on Prince Charles and Princess Di's marriage. I remember getting up in the middle of the night to watch their wedding, and many scenes from Helprin's novel will be recognizable; others, not so much, but still entertaining.