I’m down in Brighton for a marketing conference – yes, I know, the glamour – and I took the opportunity to sneak off to Colin Page Books. It’s really such a fab bookshop. Make sure you get there if you have a chance (and don’t mind a spiral staircase). I came away with these seven books…
Virginia Woolf by Alexandra Harris
I had an email exchange with Alexandra ages ago, when I was writing about Virginia Woolf and she was a humble DPhil student at Oxford, but I still haven’t managed to read one of her books. This isn’t the first on my shelf, and I suspect it won’t be the last. But it would be a nice full circle to read her biography of our shared love, Virginia W.
The Listeners by Walter de la Mare
I do love these little Constable editions, and I also love ‘The Listeners’ by de la Mare – so it’s about time that I read the rest of the collection, since me liking poetry happens so seldom.
On the Art of Reading by Arthur Quiller-Couch
I haven’t yet read his book On the Art of Writing, but now at least I have the companion volume waiting in the wings.
Long Life by Nigel Nicholson
To add to my Bloomsbury shelf…
Bloomsbury by Quentin Bell
…along with this one! And both of them by members of the family, of course.
Figures in Modern Literature by J.B. Priestley
Priestley seems to think the only figures in modern literature are men, and some haven’t lasted that well (who is Maurice Hewlett? George Santayana?), but it will be fun to hear his views on Arnold Bennett, Walter de la Mare, A E Housman, etc.
William’s Crowded Hours by Richmal Crompton
I’ve been slowly accumulating these over the years, when I come across them affordably, and must start re-reading them. There’s nothing quite so joyous as a William book.
Thanks again, Brighton, for your excellent spoils! (And GBBO recap will come, eventually, though I’m off to Bristol as soon as I’m back from Brighton, so… not all that soon.)
All But Blind
by Walter de la Mare
All but blind
In his cambered hole
Gropes for worms
The four-clawed Mole.
All but blind
In the evening sky
The hooded Bat
Twirls softly by.
All but blind
In the burning day
The Barn-Owl blunders
On her way.
And blind as are
These three to me,
So blind to someone
I must be.
Nice finds Simon, especially the ones for the Bloomsbury shelf! I’ll be interested to hear what you think of the Harris book!
That Bloomsbury shelf just keeps on expanding and expanding!
Great haul – and very restrained. An hour ago I got home from an afternoon at Astley Book Farm – I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. I will also be interested to hear about the Harris book.
As I said on Instagram (I think) – I can’t believe I’ve never made it to Astley! It’s definitely on my list for one day.
I loved the William books as a child. Not read them for years – must revisit them. Have a lovely time in Brighton.
They’re just as good as you remember, Nicola! And Brighton was work-y but still fun :)
Did you enjoy BrightonSEO? I didn’t have the time to go.
I’ve never been to Colin Page Books and I really need to, you always find such good books there.
Oo I didn’t know you went – next time, we should meet up! It was fun, with some v good talks (and some v odd ones!) And Colin Page not only has a great selection but is very affordable.
Good haul! I love the Q books, and your Priestley book reminds me of the one I bought at Astley!
Like-minded book buyers across the country!