Each month has a picture of the writer, his dates, and a quote by him. Yes, him. All men, as you see in the picture. I've only read some poetry by Yeats, two stories by Joyce, a play by Beckett, a poem by Kavanagh, and quotes by Wilde. So, I have a lot of new-to-me writers to look forward to. January's author was Brendan Behan, and these are his words:
"It's not that the Irish are cynical. It's rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody."
Found your blog from Meike's blog. There are some wonderful Irish women writers, one of the best new Irish books I have read for years is "Spill Simmer Falter Wither" by Sara Baume. In fact it's so good I hardly dare read her other book (so far - she's a very new writer) in case it is not as good!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by and leaving a note!! Except for what I mentioned, I've read only Irish women. The two Maeves are my favorites - Binchy and Brennan. I will def look into the book and author you mentioned. Thanks!
DeleteWe performed George Bernard Shaw's play 'Arms and the Man' at school, and I enjoyed it so much I bought a copy of the play. Oscar Wilde's plays 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and 'Lady Windermere's Fan' are still very funny, and it is worth catching the films if you can. I must admit I had never heard of Brian O'Nolan though. This calendar sounds like it could be the start of an education in Irish writers!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I thought! Thank you for the suggestions.
DeleteWhat a fun gift. It keeps on giving.
ReplyDeleteI love your header photo. That dash of color is just what these winter weary eyes needed this morning. Like the risen sun.
There really is nothing quite so beautiful as clivia flowers. Imagine seeing them in their native, outdoor state! You can go here to see a South African nursery view: http://www.randomharvest.co.za/South-African-Indigenous-Plants/Show-Plant/PlantId/339?Plant=Clivia+miniata
DeleteFirst of all, are there no Irish women writers? Just saying...the quote is pithy. Though I'm not sure my definition of cynical is 'lack of respect'. More a 'knowing because of experience'. A great gift though.
ReplyDeleteI know. So typical! I love the quote.
DeleteWhat a thoughtful gift from your friends and love the quote, and truly appreciate your banner with it's vibrant color as we enter February. Rabbit, rabbit.
ReplyDeleteBack atcha, Penny!
DeleteWhat a beautiful header. I feel better already....You should read Wilde's plays. They are so very amusing. He had a lovely talent.
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you! I will look into Wilde's plays. Thanks.
DeleteHmmm, I would like a calendar like that, but with women authors. :)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your header!!
I suspect they chose the more 'historically' famous authors. If they went more modern, there would be more women and different men. I'm looking forward to reading many I've not read before.
DeleteI was struck by the character in the men's faces. And by your blog list that runs along the right column reminding me that there are still bloggers out there!
ReplyDeleteI love this! "Character." That's exactly right. And yes, there sure are a lot of bloggers still. I find new ones all the time, as well as reading many old friends who have been around a long time.
ReplyDelete"Ditto" to all the others who expressed appreciation for the beautiful header!
ReplyDeleteMaeve B is just about my all-time favorite writer across ALL categories.
Wondering who can fill her shoes....
Probably no one. But I do want to check out the author that Jenny - the first comment - mentioned.
DeleteThe calendar looks fun and the quote is hilarious!
ReplyDeleteAnd pretty much true, methinks!
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