Stuff doesn’t just happen, there has to be a reason.
Without political and religious ideologies, would our lives be happier and calmer? Are the anxieties and conflicts of extreme tribalism really representative of us as a species? What could replace the increasingly polarising states these social constructs bestow upon us? The writings of the ancient Greek and Eastern philosophers are where the understanding and evolution of ‘reason’ began – stuff doesn’t just happen, there has to be a reason. But is it our constant meddling with these basic principles of society and order, in which we hope to live worthy and fulfilled lives, causing the problems we now see? I’m no philosopher, but perhaps we should look to the ancient world for modern solutions. And without being flippant, we’d learn a lot too from the Romans about building infrastructure.
Various fragments from the Greek poet and lyricist Sappho, she was born around 600 BC.
Come to me now once again and release me
from gruelling anxiety.
All that my heart longs for,
fulfil. And be yourself my ally in love’s battle.
Some say an army of horsemen,
some of foot-soldiers, some of ships,
is the fairest thing on the black earth,
but I say it is what one loves.
The stars about the lovely moon
Fade back and vanish very soon,
When, round and full, her silver face
Swims into sight, and lights all space
You may forget but
let me tell you
this: someone in
some future time
will think of us.
Please do take a look at the book ‘Begin Again’ from Oliver Jeffers in our Signed Edition selection below, his essay at the back of the book is so timely, he asks the questions we all need answers for – the solutions for the future we should hope for will be found by those of us who are curious.
Dragons, wizards, and… ping-pong? Stories by fantasy legend Terry Pratchett have been collected in A Stroke of the Pen, re-discovered since he wrote them under a pseudonym in the 70’s and 80’s. Woodcut illustrations accompany these tales, written before Discworld, but with all the same energetic imagination. Our next top pick this week comes from baking extraordinaire, Mary Berry, as she keeps cooking stress-free. At a Coles Special Price, Mary Makes it Easy is your cookery companion for meal prepping, freezing, and delicious recipes.
If the festive season is upon you, we have two marvellous gift ideas. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming – Vintage Classics Bentley Special Edition houses the first book in the thrilling 007 adventures in a luxurious leather clamshell case, complete with a hidden bespoke set of playing cards. If cosy fireside reading is your ideal way to celebrate, Enid Blyton’s Stories for Christmas will be a hit with the children; racehorses, big-foot, and a lively snowman adorn the tree.
With a mix of old and new, 365 Poems for Life is a book to dip in and out of, with carefully curated poems to fit the seasons. In fiction, Bryan Washington’s tender and playful prose is back in Family Meal, a book about how grief can change a person, how those who love us can hurt us the most, and deep friendship. In The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto, Yayoi’s past is uncovered with the help of her eccentric aunt, and in The Unmaking of June Farrow, Adrienne Young explores a curse that has generational consequences; as one brave young woman begins to understand the disappearance of her mother, her fate is changed.
In non-fiction, we have another Coles Special Price book with Comfort Eating, Grace Dent’s humorous exploration of the foods we eat when we just need that feeling of a warm embrace. Matt Chorley takes a jab at the absurdity of politics in Planes, Trains and Toilet Doors; Caspar Henderson tunes into all things auraculous, from the mysterious noise of the Big Bang to the dulcet tones of temple bells; and Andrew Lycett’s graphic history of Sherlock Holmes shows how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the greatest detective.
For younger readers with a passion for magic and monsters, Amy Jeff’s Storyland takes you on a journey through Britain’s hardy land, to experience Trojans, Merlin, and stags.
As always, if there’s anything you need help with, or anything you need ordering in, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
From Sophie
Click on any of the book covers below for more info.
The full newsletter with links to books – including this week’s Signed Editions – can be found HERE
