Beatrix Potter (1866 – 1943) the British author and illustrator of children’s books, took her inspiration from a childhood spent in nature and with animals. She was also blessed with a vivid imagination.
Best known for The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix wrote and illustrated this popular children’s book, which was originally self-published. The book was inspired by Beatrix’s two childhood pet rabbits, Benjamin Bouncer and Peter Piper. Many more books followed. Read More→
Best known for her literary works in genres of science fiction and fantasy, Ursula K. Le Guin (1929 – 2018) was described as “fiery” and with having “immense energy” by those who knew her. A passion for life, love, freedom, and mythology shines through in this collection of quotes by Ursula Le Guin.
Her mastery of the genres of the fantastic is said to have been influenced by her lifelong love of mythology, which in turn inspired her master’s degree in romance literature of the middle ages and Renaissance.
She instilled cultural exploration as a vital part of her work, with her characters vibrantly bursting from the page as scientists, anthropologists, diplomats and travelers.
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Classical Principles for Modern Design: Lessons from Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman’s The Decoration of Houses by Thomas Jayne (The Monacelli Press, 2018) shines a new light on the influence of Edith Wharton’s first published book.
To the reading public, it may be a surprise that the Pulitzer Prize-winning author co-wrote one of the most influential books on interior design. Before Edith Wharton gingerly stepped into the realm of fiction, she collaborated with architect Ogden Codman, Jr. on The Decoration of Houses. Read More→
Ursula K. Le Guin (1929 – 2018) stirred the imagination with her powerful novels and stories. Though known primarily as a masterful and influential writer of science fiction and fantasy, she wrote across many genres. The imaginary worlds she created were commentaries on our own, with the complexities of human nature.
She also spoke eloquently about the art and craft of writing, and considered storytelling as a cornerstone of human experience. Following are some favorite quotes by Ursula K.Le Guin on writing, reading, and storytelling in her inimitable, compelling voice. Read More→
Astrid Anna Emilia Ericsson Lindgren (November 14, 1907 – January 28, 2002) was a Swedish writer of fiction and screenplays, best known for her children’s book series featuring the independent and strong Pippi Longstocking.
As of January 2017, Astrid Lindgren is the world’s eighteenth most-translated author, and the fourth most-translated children’s book writer. Her books have sold roughly 144 million copies worldwide.
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Astrid Lindgren (1907– 2002) was a beloved Swedish public figure, author, and screenplay writer. Best known for her children’s book series, Pippi Longstocking, Lindgren was the recipient of many honors and awards for her support and role in fighting for children’s and animal rights.
She is the eighteenth most translated author, and even has a minor planet named after her that was discovered in 1978. Here is a sampling of quotes by Astrid Lindgren, the inspiring creator of Pippi and other unforgettable characters.
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These days, I know as many women as not that belong to a book club (or book group, as it’s often known). Book clubs can be rewarding for anyone, male or female, single or part of a family. They’re perfect brief respites from the stresses of life, especially for busy women.
Book groups can form strong bonds and have surprising longevity, becoming somewhat of an anchor as the world shifts beneath our feet. There’s something about the combination of good books and good friends that feels quite timeless and comforting, even when discussing a challenging book or difficult themes.
Whether your group has been together for two years or two decades, it’s possible to fall into a rut. Are you squeezing out 30 to 45 minutes of discussion on who did or didn’t like the latest novel you chose before digressing into idle chit-chat? If so, you might need a change of pace. Read More→
The Custom of the Country is a 1913 novel by Edith Wharton. Undine Spragg, its heroine, is an ambitious young woman from the American midwest. Raised in the fictional town of Apex, she’s the product of a family who has risen to a certain social status through sketchy financial dealings.
Undine strives to rise in New York City society through a succession of marriages and divorces that ultimately lead to her undoing.
Undine Spragg has often been compared to Becky Sharp of Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray, minus any of the charm. It has occasionally been supposed whether Edith Wharton, though a woman herself, was a misogyynist. Read More→
