Nicktomjoe

Worthy tribute, 26 Feb 2011

If all you know of Edith Sitwell is a plumby voice on a recording of Facade or the arresting portrait by Wyndham Lewis then buy this book. Sitwell is a fascinating character, and Greene is well established as the editor of her letters and critic of the English literary scene in this period, and writes with authority and wit.
Greene argues that Sitwell has been neglected, perhaps overshadowed by her own persona, and this detailed and scholarly (and entertaining and well-paced)work goes some way to restoring her profile. But this is not a book simply to crusade for her restitution; Greene, whose edition of Graham Greene's letters were warmly received, is a good writer: insightful,… Read more

Don't Panic, 15 Oct 2010

This little book should have "Don't Panic" in large, friendly letters on its front. It is a very approachable guide to what is (from the outside) a pretty inscrutable topic. That's not to say it doesn't ask tough questions such as "Why do a PhD at all?" but it leads the reader, an apprentice researcher in some ways, through the basics of doctoral study, from choosing a University and getting to know your supervisor right through to research plans, writing and publication. I wish it had been around in the 1980s when I browsed and floundered through my first ideas for research - and I expect my supervisors would have been grateful, too!

A good modern Office Book, 16 Aug 2010

There is a lot to recommend here, whether for the person coming new to using the traditional Office structure of psalms, hymns and prayers as part of their practice, or for someone wanting something 'different' from the Roman cycle. Of course, here there is a big question of whether there is a degree of "choice" in this - whether the Roman Rite Office, the Prayer of the Church, can be chosen, re-adapted &c and still be the prayer of the Western Church. I take it that this widely used set of prayers, drawing on the traditions of the Benedictine practice, is an Office Book in some sense, connecting the user to a wider Church, and this is certainly usable, user-friendly, with some details that… Read more