Those of you who follow me on social media may have noticed the odd image or two recently which might just have indicated the continuing arrival of books at the Ramblings. I cannot lie – they have been creeping in the door when Mr. Kaggsy’s guard is down (or in some cases getting delivered at work). And in the interests of full disclosure and more Gratuitous Book Pictures, it’s only fitting that I share them with you… ;D
Charity shops, of course, making things impossible for the book lover – I guess I should just stop going in them. However, even being as stringent and selective as I have been lately, these have made it past my barriers! The DeWitt is one I’ve wanted to read for ages, so a cheap copy in the Oxfam was irresistible. And Clive James’s essays cover all manner of topics of interest to me. The Finn book is another one riffing on “Three Men in a Boat” – well, I adore the original and so anything that takes that as a starting point is going to be interesting. And Mark Steel’s humourous take on the French Revolution sounds like it might have hidden depths – most intriguing. As for “New Writings in SF” – well, thereby hangs a tale…
In the Oxfam yesterday they’d obviously had a donation of a good number of vintage sci-fi titles including lots of “New Writings in SF”; so of course I had to check these out to see if there were any authors I was particularly interested in. If I’m honest, I was looking for uncollected M. John Harrison, as many of his early stories were in these volumes, and I wasn’t disappointed. One book had a story which reappeared in “The Machine in Shaft 10” so I left that behind, alas; but volume 14 had a story called “Green Five Renegade” and I was pretty sure it was new to me. Thank goodness for the ISFDB and a phone with data; a quick search revealed that the story has only been in anthologies so I snapped it up, particularly as it’s an early one. It cost a little more than I would usually pay which I guess reflects its rarity, but it *is* in really good nick. I would’ve liked to bring them all home – so many interesting authors! – but I had to draw the line somewhere…
There there is Verso and their rotten end of year 50% off sale. Quite impossible to resist and I settled on these two titles:
The Benjamin/Baudelaire combo is a no-brainer of course; and I borrowed the Adorno from the library and was intrigued, so was happy to get my own, Reasonably Priced, copy.
Has there been online buying? Yes, I’m afraid so, in the form of these:
A couple of books about Dostoevsky; Rousseau on walking; Proust short works; and a novel of the French Revolution. What’s not to love??
This also came from an online purchase:
I’m always happy to support indie publishers, and Salt are one of the best so I decided to splash out on another of their poetry titles. Why this one? No idea – I liked the sound of it and I liked the cover! I’ll report back on the contents….
And finally, I’ve been spoiled by some review books from a couple of lovely publishers:
Notting Hill Editions, who produce the loveliest essay collections and intriguing titles, sent me a volume I’d somehow missed of Virginia Woolf’s “Essays on the Self”; I can’t wait. “Mentored by a Madman” is a new title which draws on the influence of William S. Burroughs. I read *a lot* by the latter back in the day, so I’m very interested to see what this one is about.
And the three titles by or about Jozef Czapski are from NYRB; another author new to me but one whose work sounds absolutely fascinating. Thank you, lovely publishers.
That’s quite a number of books, isn’t it? Lest you imagine the Ramblings to be collapsing under the weight of printed paper, however, I should reassure you that I *am* being sensible and pruning books I’m never going to read or revisit; a process that’s surprisingly a bit easier than I expected. Here’s just a couple of boxes of books which will be winging their way to the Samaritans Book Cave soon. So hopefully the house won’t collapse any time soon! ;D
Feb 03, 2019 @ 09:54:04
I dipped into that Rousseau on walking in a free online edition a while back when teaching a course that involved psychogeography and ecocriticism (!) I like that notion of serious writing on this topic – Robert Walser is another who does it exceptionally well. A nice haul.
Feb 03, 2019 @ 11:27:43
The Rousseau is certainly calling quite strongly at the moment. And I’ve read one Walser which I enjoyed so I should look out for more! 😀
Feb 03, 2019 @ 10:08:37
The cover art on that sci-fi collection is second to none; in fact sci-fi art (or classic sci-fi) is the best. I would be tempted by the cover alone. It looks like a fascinating haul, I think of all the blogs I read yours is the one with the greatest diversity of subject matter and style. I admire that. I’ve often read out of FOMO but I think you read because it is marvellous. I aspire to be that kind of reader (again)!.
Feb 03, 2019 @ 11:27:08
Sci fi art is certainly in a world of its own, LOL! I think the diversity on the Ramblings is due to my grasshopper mind – but I *do* think what I read is wonderful and I read what I love whether it’s something heavy, profound, moving, entertaining, lightweight or whatever. As long as it speaks to my heart that’ll do! 😀
Feb 03, 2019 @ 10:22:45
Lovely hauls Kaggsy! I also admire your culling – I should probably do more of that…
Feb 03, 2019 @ 11:25:19
Yes, I was quite pleased with this little lot. And I *am* being very good about clearing out – I’ve found it not as painful as I thought, and I’m managing to divide them into must keeps and must goes! 😀
Feb 03, 2019 @ 10:36:03
What a collection. They all perfect for you though I can see. It’s so exciting when you find sonething you have been looking for or make a new discovery. Really hope you love that much anticipated Sci-fi story.
Those Woolf essays look absolutely delicious, lucky you. I look forward to your thoughts on those. Happy reading.
Feb 03, 2019 @ 11:29:53
Thank you! Yes, they are all quite me, aren’t they – for whatever reason! I often think the randomness of my books must confuse people a bit, but I do love to read lots of different things – I can’t bear being bored by a book! 😀
Feb 03, 2019 @ 12:05:27
Mr Kaggsy is clearly being indulgent, as I cannot believe he is not aware of what is going on there…
Feb 03, 2019 @ 12:27:17
“Resigned” is perhaps the word. I think he realises that very little comes between me and my books… ;D
Feb 03, 2019 @ 12:51:17
No one does a finer line in gratuitous book photos! 😁
Feb 03, 2019 @ 14:05:07
Thank you! Happy to oblige! 🤣🤣🤣
Feb 03, 2019 @ 15:23:18
Swoon! Great books, all so beautiful and intriguing. And good job on pruning too.
Feb 03, 2019 @ 15:33:41
I’m doing my best to prune, but I’m not sure the ratio of in vs out is quite right at the moment… ;D
Feb 03, 2019 @ 19:24:56
All looks fine to me! I don’t have any review books in at the moment apart from some NetGalley ones, and then a couple of vintage crimes that Dean Street have sent me – I’ve explained I’m not a big crime reader so might not do those, though they do look intriguing.
Feb 03, 2019 @ 20:15:03
You’re very restrainted then! I tend to only take/request review books I think I’ll enjoy, but that *does* tend to cover quite a wide range…. ;D
Feb 03, 2019 @ 19:36:30
I’m pleased to see Scaramouche on your pile! The Sisters Brothers is fun – I didn’t think it sounded like my sort of book but ended up loving it.
Feb 03, 2019 @ 20:14:11
I couldn’t resist Scaramouche! 😉 And I’m keen to read DeWitt – everyone keeps raving about it!
Feb 03, 2019 @ 20:08:12
A good collection. I can’t resist book buying but I am definitely starting getting rid of 2 books when one comes into house. Enjoy the new ones🤠🐧
Feb 03, 2019 @ 20:13:41
Yes, I’m afraid pruning a little is the only way. But I’m very pleased with the recent finds! 😀
Feb 03, 2019 @ 20:50:09
The Sisters Brothers is SO good. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Feb 04, 2019 @ 06:21:50
I’ve heard so much praise for it – really keen to read it!
Feb 05, 2019 @ 14:45:04
Yes, I’m seconding Cathy’s sentiments – the book is great, somewhat Coen-Brothersesq in style. That said, I wasn’t mad about the film forthcoming film adaptation (sadly not directed by Coens) which I caught at the LFF. Oh, the perils of adapting a much-loved novel for the screen…
Feb 05, 2019 @ 14:53:05
Well, since I rarely watch films, and particularly not adaptations of books I love, I should be safe! 😀 But this one does come so highly recommended that I’m keen to read it!
Feb 04, 2019 @ 12:00:11
Ha haha, that cover is just horrific! Hope you enjoy the story though. Your haul looks great, haven’t even heard of many of them, so I’m looking forward to reading what you have to say about them. 🙂
I too have been stockpiling a bit, despite virtuous declarations in January that I would be concentrating on Mount TBR, not buying any more books until at least April etc. etc. I am glad that someone else is similarly devious in getting new acquisitions past husbands.
Feb 04, 2019 @ 16:08:49
I find the best way of smuggling books is to be known for always carrying a large handbag – that way, you can accommodate any number of books coming into the house whilst looking completely normal…. 😉
Feb 04, 2019 @ 20:11:32
Oh poor exiled Robert Graves……
Feb 04, 2019 @ 21:06:20
LOL! He’s made it as far as the donate box, but he’s not out of the house yet… 😉
Feb 05, 2019 @ 16:07:25
I was thinking the same. Haha.
Feb 05, 2019 @ 16:11:04
😀 I *have* been known to reprieve any number of books…
Feb 05, 2019 @ 18:38:06
Perhaps we can persuade Karen to quietly and kindly return him to her shelves, nestling next to whoever he was neighbour to before
Feb 05, 2019 @ 19:18:28
We should try.
Feb 05, 2019 @ 19:47:38
:DDD
Feb 05, 2019 @ 19:48:21
Well, he’s had a number of neighbours in the thirty odd years I’ve owned him. Since you insist I daresay he could have some new ones…. 😉
Feb 05, 2019 @ 16:07:01
Naughty! So many purchases. But you also seem to cull, so I guess it’s more than OK, right. 🙂
Feb 05, 2019 @ 16:12:25
I *do* cull, though probably not as much as I should. But I’m doing my best! ;D
Feb 08, 2019 @ 06:46:05
This is simply excellent. I just followed you moments ago, because books are awesome, and I noticed the little Russian collection in many of your pictures! I am a huge Russophile. And bibliophile. Two of the best things to be, in my biased opinion. Russia has such a rich history of literature anyway. Ok, I’m done rambling now. Nice to find this blog and meet you.
Feb 08, 2019 @ 09:28:37
Thank you and nice to meet you too! Yes, the little Russian group sits on my hall table which is the place I normally photograph books. I’m a huge fan of Russian lit and books in general so you’ll see plenty of both here on the Ramblings! 😀
Feb 08, 2019 @ 19:47:38
Sure thing! How wonderful! Thanks! 😄
Feb 12, 2019 @ 07:34:06