Inevitably, as I have a birthday in December and well-trained family when it comes to Christmas, there are always bookish arrivals! So I thought I would share what’s been coming into the Ramblings and weighing down the rafters…
First up, a few non-event arrivals!
These are two lovely volumes from subscriptions I have with publishers – the Pessoa is from Sublunary Editions, the Bernhardt from Renard Press. I say subcriptions I *have*, but in fact the Pessoa is the last I’ll receive from Sublunary, as they’ve had to stop overseas subs because of the prohibitively high postage costs. I sympathise greatly, because I know just how these charges have been hiked since Brexit and the Tr*mp administration; but it’s a real shame, because they’ve produced some marvellously individual works and I shall miss them. However, I’m very glad to still be able to support Renard, as they also issue some really intriguing titles, and I’m looking forward to exploring the Bernhardt, especially in the light of my reading of “Levels of Life” by Julian Barnes! 😀
Next up, an unexpected treat:
The wonderful Tove Jansson needs no introduction here; I’ve read many of her adult works and all of the Moomins (bar some short pieces), and I absolutely love her writing (and also her art). “Notes from an Island” went straight onto my wishlist when it came out, and then a very kind friend offered me a spare copy they had! I was delighted to say the least – thank you, friend! I may try to read this over the holiday period as I think it will be the perfect book to sink into.
Then there are the birthday books – here they are in all their glory!
That’s quite a chunky pile, isn’t it, and such a lovely variety! From the top down, the Beauvoir and Genet were generous gifts from my old friend J. and I was very excited to have them in my collection as I’ve never seen or read them! The double Zola comes from family, the next two in his Les Rougon-Macquart sequence – I really must get started on these soon. Next up is a piece of inspiration from Mr. Kaggsy – I really don’t know how he does it, but he managed to find a pair of Russian books I’ve never read!! I know of Kropotkin, of course, but somehow in all the years I’ve been reading Russians, he’s managed to slip past me. No more! I now have two of his works! Walter Benjamin’s “Arcades Project” has been on the wishlist for ages, so when my Little Brother asked what I’d like for a birthday gift, I suggested this and it did indeed arrive. It’s a whopper! One I will no doubt spend next year dipping into…
Last but definitely not least for the birthday was this lovely which you can see at the bottom of the image above:
I have frankly been coveting “The Penguin Modern Classics Book” since I saw it come out, so when the Offspring asked for ideas, I suggested they might considering getting me this jointly – which indeed they did! It’s absolutely gorgeous, but may well have a very bad effect on the wishlist….😳😳
As for Christmas, again I was very spoiled and here are the books which made it to underneath the tree:
The bottom four titles, which are all by V.S. Pritchett, were a flash of inspiration from Mr. Kaggsy. I’ve never read Pritchett, who’s apparently reckoned to be the English Chekhov, and he seems to have had a long and illustrious career. He also wrote about Chekhov, Spain and lots of short stories so I’m looking forward to exploring his work, including the two doorstoppers. For a man who occasionally lets out a groan at the amount of books in the house, Mr. K shot himself in the foot there…
The decluttering book is from Middle Child, and the collection of Berger poems from Eldest Child (Youngest rather thoughtfully presented a Blackwell’s token!) The three final books are from my old friend V (Arrival) plus the Giono from JacquiWine and the Capote from HeavenAli – I salute and thank them all for finding me lovely books I don’t already have and want to read!!!
So it has been a bookish time, and I just need to find myself a little space amongst all the festivities to sit and have a quiet read. I hope you’ve all had a bookish and happy festive time – there will be a few more posts coming on the blog this year, including highlights of my reading year. Now I just have to decide which favourites I want to feature!! 😀
Janakay | YouMightAsWellRead
Dec 26, 2021 @ 11:55:31
Lovely pile, Kaggsy! Most of them unknown to me (I do have the same two by Zola and, like you, really must get started). Believe it or not (memoirs are not usually my thing) many years ago I did actually read Peter Kropotkin’s Memoirs of A Revolutionist, thanks to a wonderful professor of Russian history I had in college. It was fabulous. Happy holidays and great reading (hard to see how you could go wrong with this wonderful stack).
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 26, 2021 @ 12:04:02
Thank you! Yes, some really interesting choices there – I have been spoiled! As for Kropotkin, I can’t believe I’ve never read him but I haven’t so now is the time!!! 😀
Janakay | YouMightAsWellRead
Dec 26, 2021 @ 12:09:39
Oh, forgot to express my condolences about the Sublunary subscription. Postage is horrible, isn’t it? Such a barrier and so harmful to so many small publishers.
I really must read Tove Jansson. She seems so very interesting and I’ve read so many great reviews about her work.
The Penguin Modern Classics was on my own radar. I love books about books, not that I need any encouragement to acquire more . . .
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 26, 2021 @ 12:13:01
Thank you, and yes the postage thing is awful. So expensive! I am able to still subscribe and get the Firmaments mag so that’s something. As for Tove Jansson, I read her adult work first and loved it, then moved on to the Moomins. I definitely recommend her. And the Penguin Modern Classics book is just gorgeous – there is no reason not to have a copy!
Margot Kinberg
Dec 26, 2021 @ 12:18:09
Oh, my, what a treasure trove! You’ve gotten some absolutely lovely gifts, and I’m happy for you. I would love that Penguin Modern Classics – I’ve heard it’s fabulous – and I hope you’ll really enjoy it. In any case, you’re set for some great winter reading and I’m happy for you!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 26, 2021 @ 14:44:41
I’ve been very spoiled, and so many exciting things to explore! As for the PMC book – it’s a real joy so far!!
Liz Dexter
Dec 26, 2021 @ 13:07:34
What lovely piles! I am lusting over that Penguin Modern Classics book, too, so please share what it’s like soon! I am not sharing my Christmas pile quite yet, as I know I have one or two more to come from a friend who was too poorly to meet up with before Christmas … but I’ll probably share whatever the total on 1 Jan. I’ve already had to do an interstitial post due to incomings in the month and it’s not even my birthday till next month!!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 26, 2021 @ 14:43:17
I certainly will share – I’ve been dipping into it, and it’s quite wonderful so far (though very dangerous for the wishlist…) Look forward to seeing your piles!!
Tredynas Days
Dec 26, 2021 @ 16:08:59
I bought The Arcades Project a long time ago and often dip into it
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:51:55
I’ve only read a few fragments so far, and am already a bit hooked!
RussophileReads
Dec 26, 2021 @ 16:09:52
I’m so jealous!! Looking forward to your reviews on all of them. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, Kaggsy! 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:51:35
Thank you, and the same to you! I’m very pleased with the books – such a nice range – and it will be hard to decide what to read next!
JacquiWine
Dec 26, 2021 @ 18:47:37
A really lovely selection of arrivals, Karen, and I’m sure you’ll get a huge amount of pleasure from them. Notes From an Island looks particularly special – and the Penguin Modern Classics Book, of course. It’s been popping up in my timeline quite a bit!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:46:56
Thanks Jacqui, and I’m very much looking forward to the Giono! Notes From an Island is such a beautiful book, which I’ve read already but won’t be reviewing until January. As for the PMC book, I have been dipping, and already have three pages of potentials in my notebook!!! 😳😳😳
heavenali
Dec 26, 2021 @ 21:55:52
Wow! What an incredible haul. I got a nice little stack for Christmas as well as book tokens, so I am well set up too. I really hope you enjoy the Capote, I was tempted to order myself a copy too, but managed yo resist.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:38:43
Excellent – glad you had some bookish gifts and book tokens are always such fun. Thank you so much for the Capote, too – really looking forward to it!
Marcie McCauley
Dec 26, 2021 @ 22:33:38
It likely wasn’t polite, but I laughed really hard at the Decluttering volume, in the middle of…oh, never mind.
TravellinPenguin
Dec 26, 2021 @ 23:16:53
I confess I chuckled a bit too. 🐧
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:34:09
Not surprised!!! 🤣🤣🤣
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:37:04
LOL, I don’t blame you – there’s a wonderful irony of that book in the middle of piles of other new ones! My Middle Child is much better at not holding onto stuff than I am, but I do intend to be better at clearing out in 2022!
Simon T
Dec 26, 2021 @ 23:07:18
What a wonderful haul, yes!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:35:56
I’m quite pleased, I must say! 😀
TravellinPenguin
Dec 26, 2021 @ 23:16:06
I love this. Please give Mr Kaggsy my address. Will send my list later, hahaha. I have never heard of the Russian author either. I looked at my copy of Penguin Modern Classics and thought, What if I started a project where I read all the books listed here? then laughed. Maybe a joint project. I have no excuse now not to finally join in with the reading year you and Simon choose. 🐧🐕
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:35:35
Mr. K certainly does seem to have a knack of finding me intriging books! As for the PMC book, I doubt I’ll live long enough to read every book in it (though I have read a fair few already) – but it would be a fun project for anyone young enough to undertake it! Anyway, we’re doing 1954 in April so do join in!
WordsAndPeace
Dec 27, 2021 @ 01:22:11
wow, so many goodies!
I love the story Arrival, and of course others in that collection. After you read the story Arrival, be sure to watch the movie. Maybe my favorite recent scifi movie
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:33:42
Yes, lots of lovely choices! I confess I hadn’t heard of Arrival, but I’m definitely intrigued!!
literarygitane
Dec 28, 2021 @ 00:42:50
What a wonderful pile! I am salivating looking at the photos. Happy Birthday, Happy Holidays and Happy Reading to you!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 28, 2021 @ 13:47:29
Thank you! I’m certainly spoiled for choice at the moment!!!
elisabethm
Dec 28, 2021 @ 18:58:18
Lovely bookish treats! Notes from an island is definitely needed here to complete my collection of Tove books. I hope to visit Tove’s island in 2022; it’s only open a few days per year, but it’s not that far from where I live. I’m sure it’s a very special place!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 28, 2021 @ 19:17:59
Oh, how wonderful is that! I had no idea you could visit the island – if you get there I do hope you’ll share some images with us!! 😊😊😊
elisabethm
Dec 28, 2021 @ 19:34:33
Yes, you can! It must be quite an experience, here’s the link to the website, so you can get some idea of the small scaled-ness: https://www.pellingehembygdsforening.fi/en/klovharun/klovharun-guided-tours/
If I do make it in 2022 I will share plenty of photos, of course! 😄😉
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 28, 2021 @ 19:40:20
Oooh thank you – I shall check it out, and wait with bated breath to see if you visit!!
elisabethm
Dec 28, 2021 @ 18:58:48
*open for visitors that is
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 28, 2021 @ 19:17:13
Yes – I can imagine they would limit visitors to keep it as unspoiled as possible.
elisabethm
Dec 28, 2021 @ 19:36:08
Absolutely, and it’s family property as well, not national property ☺️
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 28, 2021 @ 19:39:57
Of course!
madamebibilophile
Dec 29, 2021 @ 17:52:44
What a lovely load of bookish delights! We all need a friend with a spare Tove Jansson to pass on 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Dec 30, 2021 @ 16:10:11
We do – I was very spoiled all round!!
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