By the way, I meant to mention that Charles and I have had it round about “regional” writers. The introduction to the book he gave me starts by making a big point that the three writers featured are “Texas writers.” … Continue reading
Charles gave me a copy of his “translation” of Arthur Rimbaud’s “Le bateau ivre” (The Drunken Boat). I put “translation” in quotes because Charles readily admits that his version derives from other English versions of the poem, since he doesn’t … Continue reading
Soon Proust was disenchanted by his goddesses. As Weber notes, his “idealizing vision of his ladies changed over time into something darker.” To the Comtesse de Chevigné [Laure de Sade, great-granddaughter of the Marquis], he wrote, “What one used to … Continue reading
You used to be reluctant to give interviews, but seem to have softened lately. Why? “I am still reluctant, to be honest, but the world has changed so much. I used to think it was my publisher’s job to get … Continue reading
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Found Doggerel “The stock market has predicted nine of the last five recessions,” said a lawyer slicker than dear guts hanging from a doorknob. Christ, the narcissism of minor differences! No one is the suppository of all wisdom. His thrusting … Continue reading
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Who wants to die a sad and broken person like Melville — show of hands? One berates the ether doggedly with “this is me” effluvia. When, what, how much to reveal vexes continuously. Thrust, parry, withdraw, resurge, repeat. To trim … Continue reading
[Tyler discovered Welty’s “A Curtain of Green and Other Stories” at age 14.] “I was just flabbergasted. I said, she’s writing my life, people I know, and it’s not Shakespearean English… Later I even got to know her. She was … Continue reading
A sliver of Sir Alistair Chichester’s estate lies choked with brome and cocksfoot between the waste water treatment facility of Chichesterton-Upon-Hogg and the ancient Roman quarry. Known to locals as Rumpstone Fallows, the plot has served as a squat for … Continue reading
“It’s not just writers. It’s everyone. The writer is just an extreme case of something everyone struggles with. ‘On the one hand, to function well, you have to believe in yourself and your abilities and summon enormous confidence from somewhere. … Continue reading
EthicalDative 
Dilettante, heal thyself
I’m curious about too many things, which is why I haven’t achieved distinction in anything. Consider this fascinating article in today’s NYTimes about perfumes: “The Difference Between Perfume, Cologne and Other Fragrances” by Tynan Sink. Here’s an overview, but read … Continue reading →