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Month: January 2025

I am the eye with which the Universe, Beholds itself and knows itself divine

Mia Rocquemore reflects on time and nature in the poetry of Shelley The most famous of Shelley’s poems describes the annihilating effects of time: Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away. (Ozymandias, 12-14) The sands of time, both literal and metaphorical,… Read More

‘There was no possibility of taking a walk that day’[1]

To celebrate midwinter, Sally Minogue looks at some of the ways writers have drawn inspiration from winter weather. As I write, I’m looking out over a perfect winter landscape. The Frost has performed its secret ministry. In the hoar-laden grass near to my window, chaffinch, goldfinch and other small birds bend busily to seed fallen… Read More

New release: The Sun Also Rises

The hard-boiled paradox: Stefania Ciocia looks into her soft spot for Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises “How did you go bankrupt?” Bill asked. “Two ways,” Mike said. “Gradually and then suddenly.” There is a little smiley face pencilled in next to this exchange in my old copy of The Sun Also Rises (1926), from twenty-odd… Read More