DMulvee 2021 reading attempt 1

I have been pleasantly surprised at surpassing my goals in the two previous years, and hope to do so again this year. However this masks the fluctuations that did occur as reading during some of the more recent months was tough, and any audiobooks I listen to aren’t counted according to my own rules.

Last year I listed a handful of books that I hoped to take from my TBR pile, and failed terribly with only about half of these being read, so I have decided to abandon this and not leave myself open to such failure this year.

I do hope to reduce my TBR pile from two publishers, Everyman and Folio, however I do read books from all publishers and so this is more likely to curtail my buying of books instead of encouraging my reading of those already owned.

1. With Napoleon in Russia - Vossler

I knew nothing about this except for the title. ‘War and Peace’ remains my most informative source for what happened in 1812 and I thought it was about time I improved on this. Whilst this is readable, it is light, (170 pages) and doesn’t just consist of the journey into Russia in 1812 but the retreat, then Vossler’s actions in 1813 as he is taken prisoner past Minsk before returning home again. Not a bad book, but lacking in the detail that I hoped to find and so I still need to read more detail into 1812 and what went wrong

Welcome back!

Hope you have a great year of reading!

Happy reading in 2021!

And keep up with my friends here. Have a great 2021.

Thank you for being so welcoming!!

2. Fooled by Randomness - Taleb

A good book, though not quite as good as ‘The Black Swan’ (though this was written earlier). Similar ideas but some of the examples given are identical in other books, whilst all examples in ‘The Black Swan’ felt more original

3. Oscar and Lucinda / True History of the Kelly Gang - Carey

I thought that Oscar and Lucinda was ok. Initially it didn’t grab me, but then it built up. Not a bad book, but not one that I expect to be a future classic.
However True History of the Kelly Gang was very good. Potentially a classic, I couldn’t tell which parts were accurate and which were fictitious additions, it all seemed plausible

4. The Death of Francis Bacon - Porter

I’m currently reading a collection of some of Humboldt’s writing which is taking a little time, so took a break to race through this. It is a very small work where the author describes what was going through the artists mind just before his death. Not worth seeking out, but as a diversion did the job

>8 DMulvee: Why did you count Oscar and Lucinda and The True History of the Kelly Gang as one book? They are fairly lengthy novels - especially the former.

Have a lovely weekend and stay warm.

>10 PaulCranswick: I have the Everyman edition and they published the two works as one volume! Sometimes I wish they wouldn’t publish multiple works in one volume, it would help my reading stats!

5. Selected Writings - Alexander von Humboldt

This was an author of whom I knew nothing, but as Everyman published this, I picked it up. I did think that he had a university named after him however the introduction soon corrected me of this, as it is named after his brother.
He was whilst alive, possibly the most famous man alive. A scientist, who explored new places, wrote and gave lectures and had views that (on the whole) appear wise and far sighted. This collection contains selections ranging from his travels in Latin America, monuments (with plates which is a rarity for an Everyman), to an anti-slavery essay. The book works well and the inclusion of plates (unlike Everyman edition of John Muir’s work) really adds something. At times there is slight repetition as he refers to things he saw in Latin America in a number of places but overall it was an informative and enjoyable read. I wouldn’t rate it as highly as Wallace’s ‘The Malay Archipelago’ however it was still well worth my time

6. the Human Factor - Greene

Like almost every Graham Greene book I have read I find the story reels me in, but leaves me unsatisfied with the ending.

>11 DMulvee: You could have split them yourself, you know!

There is no way that I would count those two very distinct novels as one "book".

>13 DMulvee: I expect that the dissatisfaction is part of the attraction of Greene!

>14 PaulCranswick: The Folio Society very kindly splits larger works into separate volumes so what hinders with one publisher helps with another.

>15 PaulCranswick: I keep on reading Greene thinking “perhaps this will be the one with a happy ending!”. I’m not normally an optimist, maybe Greene’s genius is that he converts cynics into optimists!

Currently keeping an eye on the cricket. I used to avidly follow England and watch even county games, then they dropped KP for looking out of a window at a meeting, and I vowed never to financially support the ECB again. Instead I switched to support Ireland, who are currently playing Afghanistan

>16 DMulvee: I do still follow the England team as a born and bred Yorkshireman, but the ECB and the Selectors constantly infuriate me. It really calls for someone who knows what they are doing at the helm.
They are touring the Sub-Continent and have picked Sibley as opener who as much as I would name him in anywhere else, it is obvious that he is poor against spin. Hildreth has been head and shoulders the best player of spin in England for a decade and is still nowhere near the team. Too much of an individual - a problem that Pietersen had too as I recall. Doesn't matter that they are our best players. Why does Sam Curran keep getting picked but Rory Higgins a better batsman and bowler cannot get a game because he plays for unfashionable Gloucs?

7. The Souls of Black Folk - Du Bois

An interesting book that looks at the history of African-Americans after the civil war in the US, along with stories and essays in the hope for improving their situation.

8. Stalingrad - Beevor

Looking at the Battle of Stalingrad during the Second World War. I did learn new things from this book, however wish that it had been a little more wider in its perspective explaining what was happening when Germany was trying to explain that those holding out allowed Germany to succeed elsewhere (was this a plan? If so what was the plan?).
Well written, but not quite on the same level as ‘Berlin’ or ‘Paris After the Liberation’

9. Rendezvous with Rama - Clarke

The second book written by Arthur C Clarke I have read after 2001:A Space Odyssey. I enjoyed this though didn’t think it was quite on the level of 2001. Tempted to try and read a few more classics from genres I don’t normally embrace

>19 DMulvee: One of several excellent war historians currently active. I must admit that I find Max Hastings very readable too.

>21 PaulCranswick: Thanks for the recommendation. Hastings is one of those historians who I always hear spoken of highly, but I am yet to take the plunge

10. The Dispossessed - Le Guin

An enjoyable book. The second book written by Le Guin that I have read, the first was The Left Hand of Darkness which disappointed me. This was my next attempt and I found it a much more enriching experience.
Whilst not up there with the Foundation series, it is good enough for me to give Le Guin another try as her reputation is so stellar.

Ten Favourite Historians (sorry this is a British dominated field for me):

CV Wedgwood - definitely my favourite
AJP Taylor - wonderful writer and analyst
Barbara Tuchman
John Keegan
Thomas Carlyle - about to re-read one of the giants of my school-day readings
GM Trevelyan - loved his work when I was in my teens
Edward Gibbon - I read his abridged history at least twice in my younger days
EP Thompson - One of the triumvirate of British social historians I adored as a student
Asa Briggs - The second of the triumvirate
Eric Hobsbawm - The third of the triumvirate

>24 PaulCranswick: Thanks! This is very interesting. A number of these are authors whose works I have been circling but am yet to delve into.
However I have read very few of these! So far I think it is just one Trevelyan work and the first two of Gibbons ‘Decline and Fall’.
My favourite history of England is by John Richard Green (the illustrated version).
Antony Beevor writes well, and Simon Schama wrote a wonderful book about the Dutch (An Embarrassment of Riches). I’m expecting to start ‘Citizens’ in the next week, and hope that this is good.
Thank you for this recommendations. I’ll definitely try to seek them out. Hope you have a good weekend!

>25 DMulvee: I have often thought to buy Citizens but it is so pricey! If I had it to hand I would definitely join you for a read of that.

11. Independent People - Laxness

Let me start with the positives. It is well written. The author is talented. However I didn’t enjoy the story. I had no sympathy for the protagonist, and I wouldn’t recommend this.

12. Citizens - V1 - Schama

A fantastic work that takes you up to the fall of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution. One thing I appreciate is that there is so much background information, allowing you to fully appreciate the people and events that occurred. Filled with illustrations this is a wonderful history book.

13. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay - Chabon

I had read a synopsis of this, and thought this wouldn’t be one for me. However with the awards it won, and a devoted following I decided to branch out and try something new. In the end I enjoyed it, and think it is a good book. I doubt I will re-read it, but it was fun

>28 DMulvee: & >29 DMulvee: That is a reading week to be proud of!

>30 PaulCranswick: Thanks! I was pleased, but then saw what you had planned for the long weekend! Hope you have enjoyed the weekend, not sure how enjoyable the cricket has been. The third umpire is forcing me into having sympathy with England (though even an unbiased umpire would still have India in a very strong position)

>31 DMulvee: Important toss to win certainly but I don't hold with all this grumbling about the pitch when you get turned over. It has always been held that Foakes cannot oust Buttler because his batting at Test level is so much inferior to Buttler. He again showed today that that is simply not true. Buttler is a supreme one day batsman but Foakes has much the better First Class average.

Ashwin and Rohit very much the difference at the moment.

>32 PaulCranswick: I agree. India have been the better side and deserve to level the series. Foakes is showing that he deserves his spot as he is the better wicketkeeper and a competent batsman. Whilst it is early in many of the English batsman careers currently only Root and Foakes out of those playing have an average over 40.

I remember the Ashes in 2010-11 in Australia, Collingwood had the worst average out of the top 6 at the time but must have been averaging 42-43 and he was arguably the best fielder in the world. I think even Bresnan might have been averaging 40 with the bat then.

14. The Goodman of Paris

This was written in 1393 by a husband explaining the way to live to his young wife. With stories from history, moral guidance and domestic advice this is an uneven grouping. It has a fabulous introduction by Eileen Power, however the work itself had some sections that interested me but others that bored me. I can understand why historians would appreciate and treasure this (with the quantities of animals sold by different butchers in Paris each week!) though a lay person would find it uneven

>33 DMulvee: One of my grievances has always been that we don't pick players who can really perform in certain conditions. James Hildreth has been the best player of spin in England for the last six or seven years but gets nowhere near the team. Moeen Ali should technically give us more runs but he seems to have forgotten how to bat but does anyone seriously believe that he is a better spinner than Virdi? A young guy right at the start of his career and used to batting 4 or 5 for Essex should not be first down for England. Without Bairstow or Crawley really Stokes or even Ali (who used to play there) ought to have stepped up and then there would have been some justification to pick Moeen Ali.

Kohli is a great player but a really annoying captain. His antics are on the border of acceptability at most times and his behaviour yesterday not walking when clean bowled was extraordinary.

One record England did set in the first innings was the highest score in test cricket without conceding a single extra.

>34 DMulvee: I didn’t mind Kohli not walking because he just seemed clueless. I thought of Warne bowling Gatting where Gatting was bamboozled and confused and had no idea what happened. There was never any danger of the game continuing with him resuming play so in the end it just gave more confidence to the bowler who believed he must have done something special. In terms of captains I’m not sure how highly I rate any in the international game. Certainly I don’t like England, India or Australia’s. A year ago I thought New Zealand might break through and become the best in the world, but that no longer looks likely

Agree about captains. I don't think England have had a half decent captain since Michael Vaughan.

15. Dr Wortle’s School - Trollope

A short book (199 pages), by Trollope that examines a husband and wife, that are not officially husband and wife. With few surprises or twists it isn’t a great Trollope, however I enjoy his writing and did enjoy this

16. Citizens - V2 - Schama

Not as strong as volume 1. In the first volume there was a huge amount of information about the background allowing you to fully appreciate the early events he was describing. In this volume things move at a quicker pace, and whilst events are still described I would have preferred more detail so this could be a comprehensive overview. In the end I still like it, and learned a lot, but it could have been better

>39 DMulvee: I haven't seen it issued in separate volumes but it would make sense because it is a huge book.

>40 PaulCranswick: It was a Folio Society edition I paid £18.50 (inc P&P) for in January. One thing you can look forward to upon your return to the U.K. is cheaper books!

17. Stranger in a Strange Land - Heinlein

I liked this. Early on I knew I was enjoying it and was impressed, and was thinking this could be very special. However it didn’t quite reach this level, the book didn’t drop off and there were no parts I laboured with but in my view it is very good, rather than essential

18. The Transylvanian Trilogy - Volume 1 - Banffy

Wonderful! If I had a cauldron and dropped in Trollope’s Palliser series with Nabokov’s Speak Memory, then this might be the result. Excellent, highly recommended

I should confess that I am trying to follow a reading list this year. I didn’t state this near the top of the thread as last year I tried to list books I hoped to read and miserably failed. This year is working a lot better, so I will list these. I am trying to read these in order but can add any other books not in the list, here is my list:

John Evelyn Diary
Transylvania Trilogy II and III - Banffy
From Dawn to Decadence V1 - Barzun
Orley Farm - Trollope
Peninsula War 1808-1811 (Campaigns of Wellington)
The Stories of Ray Bradbury
From Dawn to Decadence V2 - Barzun
Notes from a dead house - Dostoevsky
Peninsula War 1812-1814 - Campaigns of Wellington
The Adventures of Augie March - Bellow
Icelandic Sagas II
The Prophet - Gibran
History of Rome - Mommsen
Tom Jones - Fielding
Waterloo - Campaigns of Wellington
Babur Nama
Divine Comedy - Dante
Poems - Coleridge
Brothers Karamazov - Dostoevsky
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire V3 - Gibbon
Tragedies V1 - Shakespeare
Golden Bough V1 - Frazer
Klara and the Sun - Ishiguro
Tragedies V2 - Shakespeare
Golden Bough V2 - Frazer
Comedies V1 - Shakespeare
Landmark Xenophon Hellenika

>44 DMulvee: That's an ambitious list! Good luck with your challenge - there are some great reads in there!

>45 scaifea: Thanks! I thought things had been ticking along nicely, but needed some extra motivation to help me work my way through Evelyn’s Diary and not leave it to one side for next year

19. The Diary of John Evelyn

A mixed read. The first 230 or so pages are very tough to read. A few lines stating where he went and what he saw, without literary merit and spelling that can make it difficult to understand. I doubt there are many readers who would gain any enjoyment out of this.
When he then returns to England in 1646 the book slowly builds. It becomes more descriptive and interesting later on, and the final few hundred pages are enjoyable. However at almost 1000 pages, it isn’t something I could recommend, though I could see an abridged version being worthwhile

20. Casanova’s Return to Venice - Schnitzler

Short, but believable. The first time I have read anything by Schnitzler and I thought this was very good. Well written, and carrying you along. Recommended

21. Letters from the Palazzo Barbaro - James

Well written but not memorable unless one has a fascination with Venice

22. The Transylvania Trilogy - Volumes II and III - Banffy

An excellent continuation and ending to the series. I may have a slight preference to the first volume but this is very good. If the author had been alive today I would expect his name to be among the Nobel Laureate nominees. Recommended

23. Has man a future? - Russell

This is an old Penguin Special paperback that I picked up because of its author, Bertrand Russell. Unfortunately it has dated badly, and I must confess to boredom when reading this. Back in 1961 the dangers of nuclear war meant that this was a topic that needed to be discussed, but as the danger seems to have largely disappeared the arguments he makes are largely accepted, and you are left wondering why he is going to extremes to explain things that are obvious

24. From Dawn to Decadence - V1 - Barzun

An entertaining history of culture from the 16th until early 19th century (in this volume). I enjoy the quotes from works, however this is very much an individual view from the author! This means that you are introduced to some neglected figures from history (though why he thinks people haven’t heard of Sir Humphrey Davy is baffling).
His view on Rousseau differs greatly from my own. At one point he states “He had married a woman of humble birth and had children to support”. Unless what I have previously read in entirely wrong, I thought all of his children were handed over to a Foundlings hospital a day or two after their birth? Aside from this enjoyable.

25. Helgoland - Rovelli

I should start by stating that I have read other books about quantum physics. I read a synopsis of this before it was published and expected to find a detailed history of Heisenberg and then the implications and discoveries that have also recently happened as the author is a research scientist.
The first thing I should point out is the brevity of this book. It starts on page 9 finishes on page 168. There are lots of blank pages in between, and when there are words not that many on a page. The history is brief and included a few (but not many) details I was unaware of. I didn’t appreciate the writing style here. It felt like an undergraduate newly introduced to the concept who used adjectives in every sentence.
After this it moves on to implications of the idea. Whilst this was written quite well (my problems with the style were limited to the first 20 pages), I didn’t learn anything. There is a diversion on philosophy (about 15 pages) which could be viewed as irrelevant, but given how brief the book is must have been included as padding.
Even towards the end I would find frustration:
“The idea goes back at least as far as Empedocles, as Darwin points out on his marvellous book”. Is the author under the impression that Darwin only published one work?
I feel that this is a case of the Emperors New Clothes. There are better books out there for those new to quantum physics who want to learn about this, whilst those aware of the topic won’t learn anything new. Completely baffled as to how the author has sold so many books (I haven’t read any of his previous works), but using a large font size, and including blank pages in such a slender book suggests he had a contract to deliver a work and rushed this off in desperation. Avoid

26. The Leopard - Lampedusa

I started with the introduction, and reading the history of the work and its author, hoped that I would like this.
Most of the book was ok/good and whilst I enjoyed it I didn’t think it was a classic that I hoped it might be. However the final two chapters are special. Normally conclusions are ribbon tied affairs that are rushed or ill-thought out, however here they were exceptional. I’m not sure I have read a scene like the penultimate chapter, in which emotion and pathos intrude with the smallest suggestions from an author. The penultimate chapter really is exceptional. I’m not sure how long the work will stay with me, up to that point I thought it was forgettable, but now I am not sure

27. On Liberty and Utilitarianism - Mill

Two essays by John Stuart Mill and beforehand I was interested in only one - Utilitarianism. However I discovered that On Liberty was well written and contained wisdom, whilst Utilitarianism seemed old-fashioned and full of holes.
I wouldn’t read any other essays by him, however would consider his autobiography

28. Poems - Coleridge

I’m not a fan of poetry. Every now and then I try to read a book of poems and come away feeling I have suffered a hardship.
I liked The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, I thought Christabel was good and Kubla Khan started well, whilst from his later work Alice Du Clos worked. However I didn’t enjoy anything else. I think this says more about me, rather than the poems!

29. The Peninsula War 1808-1811 - Fletcher

The first past of a trilogy that focuses on Wellington which culminates with Waterloo. I enjoyed this, it was an easy read though I knew almost nothing about the subject

30. Orley Farm - Trollope

The start felt very Dickensian with minor characters vividly portrayed. However at some point from the middle of the book, my interest began to lessen and in the end it didn’t feel like one of Trollope’s stronger works. I get the impression he thought of a moral and then built the story around this

31. The Peninsula War 1812-1814 - Fletcher

The second part of the trilogy. On the whole I have learned about this war, however it does seem to be a minor war (though the consequences of this allowed for other events to occur elsewhere). It is informative enough for me not to try and seek out additional information elsewhere

I have been listening to audiobooks and just finished the remarkable The Path to Power the first part of Robert Caro’s biography of Lyndon Johnson - a truly special work.

32. Fräulein Else - Schnitzler

A well written portrayal, though short in length

>60 DMulvee: I have that one (the Caro) on the shelves and have pondered doing a President's challenge and read a book about all of them if I am able.

I have biographies of or books about Adams, LB Johnson, Lincoln, Eisenhower, Nixon, FDR and Trump. I have read previously books on Kennedy, Bush Jr, Obama, Teddy Roosevelt and Andrew Johnson.

>61 PaulCranswick: Caro has written four works so far on LBJ and I must state I think it possible that the first volume is the best history book I have ever come across (I visited a bookshop today to try and buy all four). When introducing side characters he gives a full background allowing you to fully understand the issue, though it is possible that this in depth broadening is part of the reason why Caro is still yet to finish - the first work was published in 1982, and The fifth volume is still unfinished.

I am a fan of Nixon, but haven’t came across a biography that I prefer to his autobiography. He accomplished so much and yet lost it all, his flaws really make him seem an interesting figure whereas I find some biographies struggle to weigh up the pros and cons fairly, and his influence on pop culture seems unfairly one dimensional (if you wanted to portray a bad president Andrew Johnson would be far more deserving of a spot). I would be interested to know your thoughts of your Nixon biography and whether you would recommend it

I tried (and failed) to buy some of the Caro books yesterday from my local bookshop, so instead purchased the Mapp & Lucia series as well as a book on the later Caesars (I went in determined to spend money, with the books in question a secondary consideration).

33. Queen Lucia - Benson

A slow start to the series. The book builds and finishes well, but I would consider this inferior to the best of Wodehouse (Wodehouse does vary a great deal).

>62 DMulvee: The book I have on Nixon is not a direct biography, although I think I may have his Conrad Black biography on Kindle (Richard M. Nixon : A Life in Full). I will let you know.

34. Miss Mapp - Benson

More enjoyable than the first book, as Miss Mapp is portrayed as an individual who uses almost every situation as one in which she can push others down and herself forward. I’m reminded of Stephen Potter’s four works (gamesmanship etc).

35. Lucia in London - Benson

Not high literature, nor something likely to linger for a long time in my mind but an enjoyable continuation of the series

36. Mapp and Lucia - Benson

I was enjoying this until an incident occurred that is so ridiculous that it did spoil things for me. Unbelievable

37. Lucia’s Progress - Benson

Enjoyable, but lighthearted and a little shallow. One volume to go in the series, and whilst it has been a quick diversion, I’m not sure if it is one I intend on revisiting

38. Trouble for Lucia - Benson

The conclusion of the series, is a little darker in places (if you choose to dwell on things), and though overall it passed the time, I doubt that this is a series I will return to

39. The Stories of Ray Bradbury - Bradbury

This is from the Everyman Contemporary Classics range and contains a selection of 100 of Bradbury’s shorter stories. The only work of Bradbury’s I had previously read was ‘Illustrated Man’ and I hadn’t been impressed with that.
However this collection was very strong. With different genres and topics covered, the reason it took me so long to read was that I found some to be profound and so would put the book down to think and dwell on them. Strongly recommended, one of the best (if not the) short story collections I have read

40. When Einstein walked with Gödel - Holt

A wonderful series of essays in which Jim Holt describes different scientific and mathematical issues. Unlike most science writers he has an understanding of the topics at hand, and is happy tearing down idols whom pop culture attempts to laud as well as highlighting the real achievements of others. Coming across as a thinker rather than a follower this is a very strong book, and is highly recommended

41. Blink - Gladwell

Interesting, easy to read and makes you think about your life. An ideal book to take on a journey

42. The Rules of Attraction - Easton Ellis

My brother was throwing this out, so I decided to give it a chance. I didn’t think much of it, and it reminded me a little of ‘I am Charlotte Simmons’ by Tom Wolfe, however Wolfe wrote much better about a similar topic.

43. Notes from a Dead House - Dostoevsky

This feels like an early work by a writer of promise, which is exactly what it is. Oddly it seems well-written but lacking a spark, or coherent narrative. A prison that employs convicts for hard labour should be full of the most important details about life, and yet this doesn’t grab you in the same way that books about the gulags do. Not a bad book, but not important

44. The Waterloo Campaign - Fletcher

Concluding the trilogy of works on Wellington’s campaign. I learned a little but could still read another work about this battle and learn more

45. Tragedies I - Shakespeare

I have seen and read most of Shakespeare’s plays (I have read his sonnets), and would like to read all
of his plays to make sure I have read them all (I am unsure exactly which I have read/seen).
This contained Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth, alongside substantial notes and introduction. Though I knew these works, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed re-reading these

46. Shah of Shahs - Kapuscinski

A wonderful book briefly describing the last Shah of Iran through a few photographs and the stories behind them, as well as mentioning the revolution and the authors thoughts behind this. The author comes across as wise, with a rare ability to understand and make sense of dramatic events. Though this was only a small
book (132 pages) it was a delight

47. Klara and the Sun - Ishiguro

I thoroughly enjoyed this. I wasn’t quite sure where it was going at times, but an easy to read good book

48. The Ring of the Niebelung - Wagner

I’m not much of a classical music fan, so the idea of sitting through 15 hours is not one that appeals to me. However I am aware of the fame and cultural importance of the ring, and so decided to read the story it contains.
This was fantastic, a brilliant and fascinating tale that would tempt me to listen to the musical pieces (if it was much shorter!). An odd choice to read (it happened to be in the Folio Society sale and not much jumped out at me) but I am glad I gave it a go

49. Art and Illusion - Gombrich

A book that looks back at the history of art and tries to unravel what art is, and the interpretations of it. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I thought this was ok

50. The Awkward Age - James

I have read books by Henry James previously and thought of them as a typical type of Victorian novel. This is different. It feels very modern, and experimental. Alas this did not aid my enjoyment, as I would have preferred something more traditional, but it did make it interesting

51. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - Berendt

This felt more like fiction than non-fiction as the author details memorable characters in Savannah and then focuses on a murder case. Enthralling, but not a must read as I didn’t learn anything (which is normally my reason for selecting a non-fiction work)

52. Kim - Kipling

I thought this started quite slowly though after this it went along at a good pace. I enjoyed it in the end, but not sure it is a “must read”

53. The Name of the Rose - Eco

A little disappointing (perhaps my expectations were too high). It reminded me of Ruth Rendall, rather than others classics.

54. The Fire Next Time - Baldwin

A wonderful book by Taschen containing a few essays by James Baldwin alongside photos from the civil rights movement

55. Howl’s moving castle - Wynne Jones

I hadn’t read this previously, nor had I seen the film so I came to this without preconceptions. I enjoyed it and would consider reading the further two in the series, but am not in a hurry to do so

56. The Return of the Native - Hardy

A typical Victorian novel which is what I was looking for. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

57. The NASA Archives - Bizoni

The type of book that Taschen does well. Too large to easily handle, though a smaller volume wouldn’t have shown off the photos as well, this contains the story of NASAs history and missions with hundreds of fabulous photos

58. Fear and Trembling and The Book on Adler - Kierkegaard

I hadn’t read either work before, but as I am working my way through the Everyman canon decided to pick it up. At times I needed to put it down and think, however overall I neither learned anything nor did I derive enjoyment from reading this. I felt that The Book on Adler was the better of the two, but I shan’t read this again

59. We tell ourselves stories in order to live - Didion

This is a collection of the first seven non-fiction stories written by Joan Didion. The first two works ‘Slouching towards Bethleham’ and ‘The White Album’ are wonderful. Sometimes focussing on overlooked parts of life, these are informative and wonderfully written. Then the next is ‘Salvador’ which is about the conflict in El Salvador, and even though this is about war didn’t leave a strong impression. ‘Miami’ focussed on the Cuban expat community but seemed a little dull. In fact after the first two works I found myself bored by some of her writings. ‘Political Fictions’ was by far the dullest. I am not sure if she wrote these for an outlet with a particular viewpoint, but her views come across and the only time I enjoy biased reporting is if the strongest element is wit, but this isn’t the case here and so they drag on.
A strange collection, near the start I was surprised she hadn’t won the Noble prize for literature. By the end I was bored of her work

60. The Man Who Died Twice - Osman

Wonderful! This reminds me of classic Miss Marple mysteries. A joy to read

61. The Bridge on the Drina - Andric

A good book, but not one that I found to be great. I have very little knowledge of Serbia or Bosnia, and it is good to read works by authors from places different to your own. However I wouldn’t re-read this, but would be tempted to read a biography of the author if a good one exists

62. History of the English Church and People - Bede

A work I had heard of but not one that I think is an essential read. With lots of information, but I am unsure how much I will retain. The parts referring to Iona and Lindisfarne, I could re-read if I decided to revisit either, but I wouldn’t consider re-reading the whole work

63. Radetzky March - Roth

A work that focussed on a military family over three generations up to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Not a bad work, but like many other works contrasting the late 19th century with the onset of war, a book that had been done many times in English, and good though not outstanding

64. From Dawn to Decadence V2 - Barzun

Good, but not quite as good as the first volume. When referring to some more recent events, I knew more about these and could see the spin which he was putting in events which disagreed with how I would describe the action. Still an excellent work though

65. Mass Observation: Britain in the Second World War

An interesting perspective as normal people keep diaries during the Second World War. Informative as it allows you to see what some people felt as events occurred

66. The poems of Catullus

I don’t normally enjoy poetry. This was easy to read though a little mixed. An easy diversion but not one that I would return to

67. Satyrica- Petronius

I had no idea what this was about before I began reading it. The introduction was interesting, but then the work itself wasn’t something that appealed.

Nice to see you reach 100 posts. I hope you'll reach 75 books too this year and I will be rooting for you.

>100 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul! I really struggled with reading at times this year, as I would constantly compare whatever I was reading against the LBJ biographies by Caro (I listened to these on audible), and found my reading material struggling to grip me in the same way. I need to pull my finger out and make sure I hit 75 this month, hoping that I make it!

68. The Brownings - Richardson

I knew barely anything (except recognition of their names as poets) of either Robert Browning, or his wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This work covers their lives in a brief but fully formed way. I thoroughly enjoyed it

69. The Little Sister - Chandler

I thought I had read the Chandler novels but had no recollection of this one. I enjoyed it, a typical example of his work

Have a lovely holiday.

>105 PaulCranswick: Thanks! Just realised I need to read six books in just over 6 days, I am in some trouble here…

70. At the court of the Borgia - Burchard

A very interesting (balanced?) account of Pope Alexander VI and his family. Other books may contain more suspicion/gossip/rumours, but this was a good general introduction to the topic

71. Harry Heathcote - Trollope

A short Trollope novel based in Australia and set at Christmas time. It reads as a typical Trollope but it’s length precludes complexity and a wider cast of characters beyond the essential

72. The Belton Estate - Trollope

A classic Trollope. A very simple set up but still very enjoyable

73. A History of Rome - Mommsen

A history of Rome, from its earliest days until Caesar became Imperator. This was gripping and exceptional. I have only read the first two volumes of Gibbon’s ‘Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire’ (the others are on the TBR pile) but preferred this. Sometime non-fiction works that are older aren’t always the easiest to read, however this is of the highest quality and explains why Mommsen won the Nobel prize for
Literature. My book had 771 pp, at the end in the Further Reading reference was made to a multi-volume version aimed at universities, however the editing had been well done, so I didn’t feel I was missing out on much

74. Selected Stories - de Maupassant

Everyman’s Library published this new version a month or two ago. I had previously read a different collection and the author hadn’t left much of an impression on me. This time I was very impressed with the initial stories, however I think this volume is front loaded with the stronger works and the quality doesn’t remain even over the work. Overall it was ok, but not a must-read

75. The War in Granada - de Mendoza

I must confess to not understanding the conflict when I picked this up. I assumed it was an account of 1482-1491 when the Moors lost control of Granada to Spain, however this is an account of 1568-70 of an uprising in Granada and the Spanish response. The author does not come across as an unbiased witness, however he did grow on me. Ultimately it isn’t an episode that defines world history and so seems a little obscure, added to this the way in which events are described (many victories by the Spanish and yet the situation gets tougher for them) and you are left wishing that a modern historian would write a better account using this as a source material

Congrats on hitting the goal!

>113 drneutron: Thank you! I left things far too late this year. Hopefully next year won’t see a mad scramble to cross the finish line

Well done on your 75! I had faith in you, honestly!

Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.

Happy New Year. x

>115 PaulCranswick: If I am being honest I picked up the final book from my shelves as it looked short, not because of a desire to read it! Hopefully next year I am reading books I want to read

>116 PaulCranswick: Thank you for the message. Hope you also have a Happy New Year!

>112 DMulvee: Congratulations on reaching 75!

>117 DMulvee: I have finished up a number of years on the hunt for short books!