Here’s a curious likeness that was probably observed soon after Mallarmé’s celebrated sonnet “Le vierge, le vivace et le bel aujourd’hui . . .” was published, and repeatedly since then—as, latterly, by me. The poet knew his Shakespeare, whose pirate Lieutenant opens the fourth act of Henry VI part 2 with the structurally similar line […]
The Duke and the Swan
I was fortunate this summer to be able to make a return visit to Kelmscott Manor and to visit the Morris family home in Walthamstow for the first time. Kelmscott has a temporary exhibition on William Morris and the book and the extensive collection at his old family home also had a lot of material […]
William Morris and the Book
Published on August 17, 1945, George Orwell’s Animal Farm transformed English political vocabulary. Beyond allegory, it gifted enduring metaphors—“some are more equal than others,” “Squealer tactics,” “Napoleonic rule”—still used to expose corruption, betrayal, and propaganda in modern discourse, embedding Orwell’s satire into everyday English critique of power.
Publication of Animal Farm – From Fairy Story to Political Vocabulary
On August 14, 1994, Elias Canetti died in Zurich, leaving a profound mark on English intellectual discourse. Through works like Crowds and Power, his German prose—translated into English—reshaped conversations about authority, mass psychology, and the language of power.
Death of Elias Canetti (1905–1994) – Bringing Crowds and Power into English
On August 13, 1946, H. G. Wells died, leaving English richer with phrases like “time machine,” “World State,” and “War of the Worlds.” His visionary blend of science, politics, and storytelling rewired the language for speaking about the past, the future, and everything between.
Death of H. G. Wells (1866–1946) – Giving English a Vision of Tomorrow
It’s funny to look back, ten years on, and realise I’m still just doing the stuff I was trained to do at university. It’s essentially just close reading – I like to pick up a game and look at one facet or another. It’s not a strict rule, but it’s pretty clearly my bread and […]
Writing and the Public Sphere
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