Today is the 110th birthday of author Margery Sharp, and Jane at Fleur in her World has declared it “Margery Sharp Day” in celebration. Sharp is an author much-beloved in blogging circles, particularly those of us who congregate around the LibraryThing Virago group – and in fact the imprint has brought her book “The Eye of Love” back into the public eye, though sadly most of her adult work seems to be out of print.
A number of bloggers are featuring her work today, including Jane herself, as well as HeavenAli and Kirsty at the Literary Sisters. I’m sure there are going to be many, many more posts today, so keep an eye on Fleur in Her World to see what’s happening. Hopefully the following that Sharp has might interest a publisher enough to make them consider some reprints – we can but hope!
As for me, I own two Margery Sharp titles and here they are:
I had a minor crisis recently when I couldn’t find “The Nutmeg Tree” (not an uncommon occurrence, with the piles of books lying about the house) but it did turn up – a lovely old paperback I picked up from Claude Cox Books a while back. Alas, I am currently submerged in review books so I haven’t been able to read either of these titles – but I’m sure I will get to them eventually! In the meantime, happy birthday Margery!
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Meanwhile, I almost felt like declaring yesterday Rebecca West day, thanks to some new arrivals! A lovely LibraryThinger from Canada, Cathy, had sent me a copy of West’s “The Thinking Reed” some time ago; it’s one of her titles I’ve been keen to read and Cathy had a spare. It popped through the door yesterday and I’m very excited – and the cover, as with most original green Viragoes, is just lovely. The West theme continued when I discovered a pristine copy of “Cousin Rosamund” for £1 in the Sue Ryder Charity Shop. I already have quite a good version but was happy to upgrade!
Other new arrivals shown in the stack of books came from the Oxfam:
“Parade’s End” was there two weeks ago when I was last in, and I was strong and didn’t buy it, and then instantly regretted it. Fortunately, it was still there yesterday…. And the Mendoza title is from MacLehose/Quercus and so picking it up was a no-brainer.
The final books in the pile are from the library:
Both the Fitzgerald and the Modiano are books I want to read – but whether I shall get round to them is another matter! 🙂
And last, but not least (as they say) – today is also the birthday of the wonderful Virginia Woolf, one of my favourite writers ever. Nobody uses words like Woolf.
Each has his past shut in him like the leaves of a book known to him by his heart, and his friends can only read the title.
Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings 
Jan 25, 2015 @ 10:53:59
My goodness you make my book acquring habits look pretty amateur. Love those green covers. I haven’t read those Rebecca West books myself. interested in the Penelope Fitzgerald as it’s not a title I’m familiar with.
Jan 25, 2015 @ 10:58:35
:)))) They just throw themselves in front of me, these books – honestly!!! Seriously, though, I *am* trying to control it – but obviously failing quite badly. I’ve liked the West I’ve read very much, and the Fitzgerald is set in Russia, so should be one I like!
Jan 25, 2015 @ 14:19:07
Your shelves must be groaning under the weight of so many lovely finds. I hope that you enjoy your Margery Sharp books when you come to them, and thank you for being part of Margery Sharp Day.
Jan 25, 2015 @ 14:41:58
Groaning is the word! which is why I’m trying to have a clear out (while simultaneously bringing more into the house!) I guess at least that’s a balancing thing and the piles aren’t getting bigger…. =:o
Jan 26, 2015 @ 07:58:54
I liked The Beginning of Spring very much. I don’t know how Fitzgerald managed to capture such a convincing picture of Russia at the time of the book’s setting – it’s quite wonderful.
Jan 26, 2015 @ 08:26:28
Glad to hear it – I’m looking forward to it, and I’ve heard so many good things about Fitzgerald!
Jan 26, 2015 @ 08:15:54
I didn’t manage to do M. Sharp day, either, but am very tempted by the reviews and will look out for her books! Lovely haul, too!
Jan 26, 2015 @ 08:32:57
Not bad, was it? 🙂
Jan 26, 2015 @ 13:48:36
Oh gotta love those vintage book covers! great post!
Jan 26, 2015 @ 13:51:49
They’re lovely, aren’t they? I’ve been known to buy random vintage books just because they look beautiful! 🙂
Jan 26, 2015 @ 17:58:05
Jan 27, 2015 @ 13:45:02
I started Cluny Brown… on the day itself. Oops.
Not read that Penelope Fitzgerald, but I have several others in the same editions, and refuse to buy ones that aren’t now…
Jan 27, 2015 @ 14:27:52
I haven’t started *any* of mine yet – I’m mired in review books – but I’m keen to get the Fitzgerald and it will be the first of hers I’ve read!