Pushkin peddling porn?

I was drawn to this story due to my current interest in verse novels, apparently some works of Pushkin have been seized by Russian police under suspicion that they may be pornographic. Yes, I find this hard to believe too but when I read the article I was even more stunned that:
The move [...]

History and forgetting

One of my favourite books is Bernhard Schlink’s The Reader. It is about Germany and the burden of history. I say favourite not because it was a particularly easy or enjoyable book to read but because it was a book that resonated at the time I read it and continues to do so. It’s about [...]

Tournament of books

Some people have decided that literary awards are far too genteel for their own good. Welcome to the Tournament of Books.

My favourite library

It is no surprise to anyone who knows me or my family background to discover that libraries are among my favourite places. Some of my earliest memories are of pedalling my red Malvern Star down the street and around the corner to the Alstonville Public Library. I don’t think I was even old enough to [...]

Take the Dickens tour

For my Mum and her bookclub: as you are doing a Dickens this month, perhaps you would like to try the Dickens game, courtesy of the BBC.

Rebuilding ravaged libraries

A story on National Public Radio (NPR) in the US about the looting and rebuilding of Iraq’s National Library.
Sri Lankan libraries are calling for help in rebuilding after the tsunami.

Hot property

Can’t afford the White/Lascaris Centennial Park house? Didn’t want to see it fall into the hand of some eastern suburbs toff? The house where Ted Hughes was born is up for sale. A snip at around $US275k.

Under the influence

Here’s one for me Ma: apparently Irvine Welsh has revealed that one of his major influences is Jane Austen.Of course, one’s initial reaction is that surely he must be taking the piss. However:

English literature lecturer Dr Aaron Kelly is convinced that the
controversial author is deadly serious, and other literary experts
agree, pointing out that, while the [...]

Remind me never to do this again

Gleebooks are having a second-hand book sale. I found out on Saturday and it is only today that I have managed to get there. I didn’t buy anything though. That’s because I couldn’t LOOK at anything. For all other bibliophiles out there, I’ll let you in a little trick of the trade: NEVER TAKE A [...]

The Guardian’s crystal ball

The Guardian lists the books to look forward to in 2005. A heavy UK slant, as can be expected, but a worthwhile read. They include not only fiction but a non-fiction selection that goes beyond cooking, self-help and home renovation. They even throw in a few poetry volumes.
Of some interest will be the new Ian [...]