As mentioned in my Weekend Miscellany, I spent some of Saturday at Astley Book Farm – with some friends from university and their three children. It was super fun (and, let me tell you, Astley does not skimp on their cake slices). The turnover of books didn’t seem to be huge in the six months since I’d been there, and the children’s section might have been more restricted than I’d imagined (having not ventured into that section before). It was definitely still a joy to go back, and I bought four books – maybe the last books I’ll buy this year?? (But also probably not, let’s be honest.)
My Friend Says It’s Bullet-Proof by Penelope Mortimer
I’ve been meaning to buy this distinctively titled Mortimer novel for so long, and just waiting until the moment came. And the moment was here! I do have one or two books I’ve yet to read by her on my shelves, but another can’t hurt.
The Best Books of Our Time by Asa Don Dickinson
This is an annotated list of the best books published between 1900 and 1925. I have only dipped in so far, but the list will hopefully bring loads of suggestions into my life. It is based on the votes of many people, and is just the sort of book I couldn’t leave behind. Who was Asa D D? No idea…
The Dress Doctor by Edith Head
Ms Head might be a big name I hadn’t heard about, but this non-fic book about costume design in 1940s/50s Hollywood sounded fascinating. I flicked through and saw Our Hearts Were Young and Gay mentioned, and I had to have it.
Last Boat to Folly Bridge by Eric Hiscock
I used to leave near Folly Bridge (in south Oxford) and walked across it more or less every day for two years – so the title caught my eye. It’s a memoir about publishing, so even better.
You did well – in a restrained way! Yes, I don’t think they have huge stock turnover – a bit like Barter Books – but I do like the idea of the Dress Doctor! I too am trying to avoid actually buying books, but my daughter doesn’t think it will last long…We have a big book sale at the church very soon, and I am supposed to be selling them!
Ha, you don’t stand a chance ;)
Oh, I envy you the Edith Head! Hopefully the library here can find or borrow a copy for me.
Good luck, Lisa!
You didn’t know Edith Head ? She designed Grace Kelly’s dresses for Rear Window and To Catch a Thief, Tippi Hedren’s for The Birds, Kim Novak’s for Vertigo, to name just a few. She also made costumes for Victor Mature, Fred Astaire, John Wayne…she won 8 Academy awards for costume designing !
Art Linkletter had his own radio and tv show for 25 years. His successful formula was to put regular people, especially kids, in front of the camera and let them be themselves. A quiz show was one of the various segments of each program and an often asked question was Who has won the most number of Oscars? The surprising answer was Edith Head.
I love the designs of Edith Head so am very pleased to see a whole actual book, definitely one to look out for and I alway mean to read Penelope Mortimer but have never gotten around to it – is there a good one to start with?
I’ve only read one – The Pumpkin Eater – but it’s a good’un!
What a super selection! I haven’t been for a while and missed swathes due to ferreting around in Travel for too long last time!
Ah, a section I always overlook ;)
The Best Books of Our Time sounds like the perfect book for you! I can’t wait to hear about some gem you discover in its pages (or dud who knows?).
I don’t know if you’ve seen the animated movie The Incredibles but the character Edna Mode is based on Edith Head.
I also love that Edith Head made an appearance as herself in an episode of Columbo.
Doesn’t it?! In my ideal world it would be a little late – 1920-1940, say – but I shan’t complain. And I haven’t seen The Incredibles, but I will bear this in mind in case I ever do!
Well, I call that very restrained, Simon – though I’m vaguely shocked that you hadn’t heard of Edith Head! I grew up loving classic Hollywood movies and her name was always all over them.
I seem to be shocking lots of people! I love classic Hollywood but apparently not enough to read the credits!
A wonderful collection. I followed Edith Head all my life and was sad when she died. She designed the most amazing clothes for Hollywood. I guess you don’t use the name Stuck in a Book lightly not knowing who she is. Lol.
So it turns out!
Don’t worry Simon – I’d never heard of Edith Head either, but then I’m another one usually to be found ‘stuck in a book’.
Thank goodness, Margaret, I was beginning to think I was the only one!