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| • Author: David Nicholls Paperback: 496 pages Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks, London; First Edition edition (19 July 2004) Language English ISBN-10: 0340734876 ISBN-13: 978-0340734872 Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.4 x 3.6 cm Product DescriptionIt’s 1985 and Brian Jackson has arrived at university with a burning ambition – to make it onto TV’s foremost general knowledge quiz. But no sooner has he embarked on ‘The Challenge’ than he finds himself falling hopelessly in love with his teammate, the beautiful and charismatic would-be actress, Alice Harbinson. When Alice fails to fall for his slightly over-eager charms, Brian comes up with a foolproof plan to capture her heart once and for all. He’s going to win the game, at any cost, because – after all – everyone knows that what a woman really wants from a man is a comprehensive grasp of general knowledge . . . STARTER FOR TEN is a comedy about love, class, growing-up and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom. Are you up to the challenge of the funniest novel in years? About the AuthorDavid Nicholls’s TV credits include the third series of Cold Feet, Rescue Me, and I Saw You. He was co-writer for the film adaptation of Simpatico, which starred Nick Nolte, Jeff Bridges and Sharon Stone. STARTER FOR TEN was a Richard and Judy Book Club bestseller in 2004, and David has written the screenplays for forthcoming film versions of both STARTER FOR TEN and THE UNDERSTUDY. Most recently, David wrote a modern version of Much Ado About Nothing for BBC TV, as part of a Shakespeare season which screened in 2005. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: David Nicholls, Starter For Ten Author: Jamie Oliver Hardcover: 359 pages Publisher: Michael Joseph (2 Oct 2008) Language English ISBN-10: 0718148622 ISBN-13: 978-0718148621 Product Dimensions: 24.8 x 19 x 3.2 cm Product DescriptionSixty years ago food was in short supply and malnutrition rates were high. The Ministry of Food was set up to teach the public how to make the best use of the food available to them. Fast forward to the present day, where we have unlimited choices and plenty of food, yet we’re living in a world of junk food, additives and preservatives. Our war is now against obesity, as most people have little or no idea about how to cook and what makes a balanced diet. We need to learn from the past. We need to look back at the way our grandmothers and great-grandmothers cooked – wholesome, tasty food that was simple and quick to prepare. If you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen, Jamie’s promise to you is that you’ll be making some great dinners within hours of reading his book. A little knowledge and a few basic tools can go a long way, and this book is your first step . . . About the AuthorJamie Oliver started cooking at his parents’ pub, The Cricketers, in Clavering, Essex, at the age of eight, and quickly developed a passion for cooking which continued through his training at the Neal Street restaurant and The River Cafe. In 2002 he founded Fifteen restaurant in London and the associated charity the Fifteen Foundation, which continues to train disadvantaged young people to become chefs. There are now three other Fifteen restaurants in the world. Jamie has also recently started up the Jamie’s Italian chain of high street restaurants. In 2005 Jamie led a campaign to improve the quality of school dinners in the UK and through the Feed Me Better campaign caused the government to substantially change its policy towards school food. Jamie continues to write for publications in the UK and around the world. He lives in London and Essex with his wife, Jools, and their daughters, Poppy and Daisy. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Anyone Can Cook in 24 hours, Jamie Oliver, Jamie's Ministry of Food Author: Jamie Oliver Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Penguin; New Ed edition (31 May 2007) Language English ISBN-10: 0141019697 ISBN-13: 978-0141019697 Product Dimensions: 24.2 x 19 x 3 cm Product DescriptionEver since working at the River Cafe for Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray, Jamie Oliver has had a serious passion for Italian food. Now, ten years later, Italy and its wonderful flavours continue to have a major influence on his food and cooking. In Jamie’s Italy, Jamie travels this famously gastronomic country paying homage to the classic dishes of each region and searching for new ideas to bring home. The result is a sensational collection of Italian recipes, old and new, that will ensure Italy’s influence reaches us all. On the menu is an array of magical ingredients and Mediterranean flavours all combined in Jamie’s inimitable way. From Parma ham to Parmesan, from pannetone to panzanella, Jamie’s book will transport you to Italy or at least bring Italy home to you. About the AuthorJamie Oliver started cooking at his parents’ pub The Cricketers in Essex. He has worked with some of the world’s top chefs and now runs his own restaurant, Fifteen, in East London. In 2004, he launched the Feed Me Better campaign to improve school dinners which has since started a revolution in schools across the UK. He lives in London with his wife, Jools, and their daughters, Poppy and Daisy. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: cookery, Jamie Oliver, Jamie's Italy Author: Helen Black Paperback: 400 pages Publisher: AVON, a division of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd (10 Dec 2009) ISBN-10: 1847560725 ISBN-13: 978-1847560728 Product Dimensions: 17.6 x 11 x 3 cm Product DescriptionWho can protect you when your family are the ones you’re running from? The gripping new thriller from the acclaimed author of DAMAGED GOODS. Heavily pregnant and in the midst of setting up her own practice, childcare lawyer Lilly Valentine’s life is demanding enough. But when she is asked for help by a young man, Anwar Khan, after his sister commits suicide, she can’t refuse. Treated with extreme hostility by the girl’s family, Lilly is about to jettison the case. But when the police turn up and arrest the dead girl’s younger brother for her murder, she’s knows she’s already in too deep. Together with her new assistant Taslima, Lilly gets caught up in the sinister world of a self-styled vigilante group vowing to protect the ‘honour’ of the women in their community – and punishing those who ’stray.’ When another young Muslim girl disappears, Lilly knows it’s only a matter of time before the group take the law into their own hands. But with so much in her own life at stake, has Lilly finally taken on more than she can handle? Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Dishonour, Helen Black Irish Crime by Annette J Dunlea Published in The Carrigdhoun Newspaper April 2010 p.24 97% of the Irish population believe crime is spiralling out of control. The illict drug market and associated crime is having a corrosive impact on Irish society. The Annual Crime Statistics show many crimes are down, while others are rising. In 1995 581,217 crimes were reported whereas in 2006 there were only 406,163 crimes. The Irish Court Website lists the number of cases before them in 2000 as 8,999 but this rose to 10,149 in 2007. Statstics from The Prison Service confirm many crimes are still rising in 1971 5,678 citizens were imprisoned in 2006 these was significantly higher at 12,317. One wonders what is the dark figure of crime, that unreported crimes that happen every year. The Irish Crime Statistics show that in 2006 only 70.1% of burglaries were reported, 92.2% of vehicle theft , only 42.9% vandalism cases, 52.1% of non violent theft, 52.6% of asssaults were reported to gardai. A county by county analysis of crime rates shows Dublin to be the most dangerous city to live in, Cork City 20.93 , Waterford /Kilkenny 20.25, Limerick 16.75, Carlow / Kildare 18.23, Cavan / Monaghan 8.95 but the safest place in the country has a crime rate of only 8.27 are Roscommon / Carlow. In 2006 the CSO took over the collection of Irish crime statistics from the Gardai Siochana. In an effort to get true crime figures official reported crime statistics were supplemented with crime and victimization surveys. The CSO lists : Burgarly and Related Offences as 24,913 in 2004 but rose to 26,743 in 2009. Statistics on Attempts to Murder, Assault, Harrassement and Related Offences are listed as 13,277 in 2004 but it rose in 2009 to 17,635. Theft and related offences were 72,201 in 2004 but rose to 76,849 in 2009. There was a huge rise in controlled drug offences from 9,868 in 2004 to 21,928 in 2009. Public order and social code offences rose from 47,791 in 2004 to 56,979. Driving over the limit was up from 12,168 in 2004 to 13,821 in 2009. Homicide decreased from 97 in 2004 to 80 in 2009. There were 30 murders in 2004 but in 2009 it was listed as 53. Manslaughter decreased from 15 cases in 2004 to zero cases in 2009. Dangerous driving leading to death fell from 52 in 2004 to 25 in 2009. A survey on Irish Crime in 2006 listed 5% of the population had been victim of a crime. At the moment there is a low rate of murder and terrrorism, one hopes this will continue. The Economic Crime Survey In 2009 stated fraud was a serious problem in Ireland. 71% of Irish businesses sufferered from fraud , whereas in Western Europe had a 40% fraud rate. 21% of Irish fraud cost companies over 3.3 million but in Western Europe it was only 8% suffered this loss. The fraud was discovered through internal control procedures (29%), Internal Audit 21%. The most common type of fraud in Ireland were asset misappropriation, financial statement fraud and money laundering. An alarming increase of 300% knife crimes in the last four years begs urgent attention. The International Crime Survey labelled Ireland the Most Dangerous Country. Ireland’s crime rate in the poll was 22% whereas the rest of Europe was 15%. Therein shows another problem apathy and not reporting crime to the gardai. After London, Tallinn, and Amsterdam, Ireland was the 4th most criminal state. It noted that in recent years the numbers of assaults, burgarly and rapes increased in Ireland. Irish theft rate was double that of Greece. We have the third highest car theft rate in the EU. Clearly, Irish Justice needs to be put back in favour of the victim and not the criminal. What can we do to fight crime? We could electronically tag prisoners out on bail. Every year 5,000 crimes are committed while prisoners are released on bail. The DPP should have the right to oppose bail for hardened career criminals. There should be a tougher appeal system and longer sentences for all crimes and a zero tolerance to criminals. A minimum of 20 years sentence should be imposed on all gangland murders. While in prison, prisoners should be re-educated, meet victims and rehabilitated. Prisoners should earn the right to early release and not automatically get it because prisons are overcrowded. A DNA database should be compiled to eliminate innocent people early on in investigations and it may add as a deterent. All senior gardai posts should be filled and gardai numbers should be increased to 15,000. Pubs and nightclubs should have knife detectors at its doors. There should be a onus on publicians to refuse drink to very drunk, especially late at night in night clubs. Crime is a scourge on society. It hurts our most vulnerable the old and the poor. The gardai rely on the public to assist with their enquiries. Everybody can do their bit by joining their local community initiatives and watch each others safety and property. We clearly need a more balanced and effective approach to tackling crime. The time has come for the government to take tough action on criminals. The End Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Annette J Dunlea, Cork Author, Irish crime, Ireland crime 
Title: A Foreign Field Author: Ben Macintyre Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd; New Ed edition (1 July 2002) Language English ISBN-10: 0006531717 ISBN-13: 978-0006531715 Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.4 cm Product DescriptionA wartime romance, survival saga and murder mystery set in rural France during the First World War. Four young British soldiers find themselves trapped behind enemy lines at the height of the fighting on the Western front in August 1914; unable to get back to their units, they shelter in the tiny French village of Villeret. Living in daily fear of capture and execution, they are fed, clothed and protected by the villagers including the local matriarch, Madame Dessenne, the baker and his wife. The self-styled leader of the band of fugitives, Private Robert Digby, falls in love with the twenty-year-old-daughter of one of his protectors and in November 1915, with war waging a few miles away, she gives birth to a baby girl. The child is just six months old when someone betrays the men to the Germans. They are captured, tried as spies and summarily condemned to death. Using the testimonies of the daughter, the villagers, detailed town hall records and most movingly — the soldiers’ last letters — Ben Macintyre reconstructs an extraordinarily story of love, duplicity and shame — ultimately seeking to discover through decades of village rumour the answer to the question, ‘Who betrayed Private Digby and his men?’ About the AuthorBen MacIntyre is the author of Forgotten Fatherland, (Macmillan) and The Napoleon of Crime (Harper Collins — a ‘Waterstones Recommends’ last summer). He is Washington correspondent on The Times. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: A Foreign Field, Ben Mac Intyre 
Title:Agent Zigzag: The True Wartime Story of Eddie Chapman: Lover, Traitor, Hero, Spy Author: Ben Mac Intyre Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (4 Jun 2007) Language English ISBN-10: 0747592837 ISBN-13: 978-0747592839 Product Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.8 x 3 cm Product DescriptionOne December night in 1942, a Nazi parachutist landed in a Cambridgeshire field. His mission: to sabotage the British war effort. His name was Eddie Chapman, but he would shortly become MI5’s Agent Zigzag. Dashing and louche, courageous and unpredictable, the traitor was a patriot inside, and the villain a hero. The problem for Chapman, his many lovers and his spymasters was knowing who he was. Ben Macintyre weaves together diaries, letters, photographs, memories and top-secret MI5 files to create the exhilarating account of Britain’s most sensational double agent. About the AuthorBen Macintyre is a columnist and Associate Editor on The Times. He has worked as the newspaper’s correspondent in New York, Paris and Washington. He now lives in London with his wife and three children. Agent Zigzag is his fifth book. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Agent Zigzag, Ben Mac Intyre Author: Andrew Rawnsley Hardcover: 816 pages Publisher: Viking (1 Mar 2010) Language English ISBN-10: 0670918512 ISBN-13: 978-0670918515 Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 16.4 x 6 cm Product DescriptionAndrew Rawnsley’s bestselling and award-winning Servants of the People was acclaimed across all media as the most authoritative and entertaining account of New Labour and its first term in office. As one reviewer put it, ‘Rawnsley’s ability to unearth revelation at the highest level of government may leave you suspecting that there are bugs in the vases at Number 10.’ The End of the Party is packed with more astonishing revelations as Rawnsley takes up the New Labour story from the day of its second election victory in 2001. There are riveting inside accounts of all the key events from 9/11 and the Iraq War to the financial crisis and the parliamentary expenses scandal; and entertaining portraits of the main players as Rawnsley takes us through the triumphs and tribulations of New Labour as well as the astonishing feuds and reconciliations between Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Peter Mandelson. Drawing on hundreds of interviews and confidential conversations with those at the heart of power, Andrew Rawnsley provides the definitive account of the rise and fall of New Labour. About the AuthorAndrew Rawnsley is associate editor and chief political commentator for the Observer. For many years he presented BBC Radio 4’s Sunday evening Westminster Hour, and he has also made a number of highly acclaimed television documentaries. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Andrew Rawnsley, The End of the Party Author: Alexander McCall Smith Paperback: 272 pages Publisher: Abacus (4 Feb 2010) ISBN-10: 034911997X ISBN-13: 978-0349119977 Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.6 x 2.4 cm Product DescriptionIt is a troublesome fact on which even Mma Ramotswe and her assistant Mma Makutsi agree: there are things that men know and ladies do not, and vice versa. It is unfortunate, for example, when Mma Ramotswe’s newest client is the big-shot owner of the ailing Kalahari Swoopers, that one thing lady detectives know very little about is football. And when the glamorous Violet Sephotho sets her sights on Mma Makutsi’s unsuspecting fiance, it becomes exasperatingly clear that some men do not know how to recognise a ruthless Jezebel even when she is bouncing up and down on the best bed in the Double Comfort Furniture Shop. In her attempt to foster understanding between the sexes and find the traitor on Mr Football’s team, Mma Ramotswe ventures into new territory, drinks tea in unfamiliar kitchens and learns to trust in the observational powers of small boys. And, as wise and warm-hearted as his heroine, Alexander McCall Smith reminds us that we must dig deep to uncover the goodness of the human heart. About the AuthorFollowing a distinguished career as a Professor of Medical Law, Alexander McCall Smith has turned to writing full-time. He is the author of over sixty books on a wide array of subjects, and his books have been translated into forty-five languages. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Alex McCall Smith, Teatime for the Traditionally Built Author: Alexander McCall Smith Paperback: 240 pages Publisher: Abacus (15 Oct 2009) Language English ISBN-10: 0349120552 ISBN-13: 978-0349120553 Product Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.4 x 1.6 cm Product DescriptionIsabel Dalhousie is a new mother and a connoisseur of philosophy; she’d rather not be a sleuth. But when a chance conversation at a dinner party draws Isabel into the case of a doctor whose career has been ruined, she cannot ignore what may be a miscarriage of justice. Because for Isabel ethics are not theoretical at all, but an everyday matter of life and death. As she attempts to unravel the truth behind Dr Thompson’s disgrace, Isabel’s patient intelligence is also required to deal with challenges in her own life. There is her baby son Charlie; Cat’s deli to look after, not to mention her vulnerable assistant Eddie; and a mysterious and unlikeable composer who has latched on to Jamie, making Isabel fear for the future of her new family. Isabel treads a difficult path between trust and gullibility, philanthropy and interference, while keeping in her sights the small but certain comforts of family, philosophy and a fine Saturday morning. About the AuthorFollowing a distinguished career as a Professor of Medical Law, Alexander McCall Smith has turned to writing full-time. He is the author of over sixty books on a wide array of subjects, and his books have been translated into forty-five languages. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Alex McCall Smith, The Comfort of Saturdays Author: Meg Hutchinson Paperback: 448 pages Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks (1 Oct 2009) ISBN-10: 0340977779 ISBN-13: 978-0340977774 Product Dimensions: 17.8 x 11 x 3 cm Product DescriptionHer upstairs d’aint want nobody becomin’ privy to what that husband of her’n be up to! Her knowed the ways of Fenton Gilmore . . . may the devil tek him! Her knows his temper, felt his fist many a time. And there be others as knows, women he’s paid to keep silent about the blows they’ve suffered, for it tek more’n a roll in bed to satisfy Fenton Gilmore. Emma Lawrence has reason to fear the base cruelty of the man she must call uncle. She and her sister Rachel had been taken into the Gilmore household on the death of their parents and have known nothing but unkindness at the hands of Fenton and his wife. And now Rachel is dead, brutally raped and strangled, and Emma must dry her tears and flee if she is to escape the same fate. Emma falls in with two other orphans, and Timothy and Lily become as dear to her as her own departed sister. But Fenton Gilmore does not give up so easily. His evil ambition is to own a brothel and Emma is vital to his perverted plan … Meg Hutchinson is back in vintage form with this absorbing tale of a vulnerable young woman who overcomes hardship and tragedy to reap the rewards of a virtuous life. About the AuthorMeg Hutchinson lived for sixty years in Wednesbury, where her parents and grandparents spent all their lives, but now has a quiet little cottage in Shropshire where she can indulge her passion for storytelling. It is a passion that has reaped dividends, with her novels regularly appearing in bestseller lists. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: A Sister's Tears, Meg Hutchinson http://www.pepysdiary.com/ My tailor come to me betimes this morning, and having given him directions, I to the office and there all the morning. At noon dined well. Balty, who is mighty thoughtful how to dispose of his wife, and would fain have me provide a place for her, which the thoughts of what I should do with her if he should miscarry at sea makes me avoid the offering him that she should be at my house. I find he is plainly jealous of her being in any place where she may have ill company, and I do pity him for it, and would be glad to help him, and will if I can. Having dined, I down by water with Sir W. Batten, [Sir] W. Pen, and [Sir] R. Ford to our prize, part of whose goods were condemned yesterday — “The Lindeboome” — and there we did drink some of her wine, very good. But it did grate my heart to see the poor master come on board, and look about into every corner, and find fault that she was not so clean as she used to be, though methought she was very clean; and to see his new masters come in, that had nothing to do with her, did trouble me to see him. Thence to Blackwall and there to Mr. Johnson’s, to see how some works upon some of our repaired ships go on, and at his house eat and drank and mighty extraordinary merry (too merry for me whose mother died so lately, but they know it not, so cannot reproach me therein, though I reproach myself), and in going home had many good stories of Sir W. Batten and one of Sir W. Pen, the most tedious and silly and troublesome (he forcing us to hear him) that ever I heard in my life. So to the office awhile, troubled with Sir W. Pen’s impertinences, he being half foxed at Johnson’s, and so to bed. 6 annotations | Permalink Also on this dayTemperature: 2°C / 36°FIn Earls Colne, Essex(About this data) [Sir] W. Pen and I to White Hall, and in the coach did begin our discourse again about Balty, and he promises me to move it this very day. He and I met my Lord Bruncker at Sir G. Carteret’s by appointment, there to discourse a little business, all being likely to go to rack for lack of money still. Thence to the Duke of York’s lodgings, and did our usual business, and Sir W. Pen telling me that he had this morning spoke of Balty to Sir W. Coventry, and that the thing was done, I did take notice of it also to [Sir] W. Coventry, who told me that he had both the thing and the person in his head before to have done it, which is a double pleasure to me. Our business with the Duke being done, [Sir] W. Pen and I towards the Exchequer, and in our way met Sir G. Downing going to chapel, but we stopped, and he would go with us back to the Exchequer and showed us in his office his chests full and ground and shelves full of money, and says that there is 50,000l. at this day in his office of people’s money, who may demand it this day, and might have had it away several weeks ago upon the late Act, but do rather choose to have it continue there than to put it into the Banker’s hands, and I must confess it is more than I should have believed had I not seen it, and more than ever I could have expected would have arisen for this new Act in so short a time, and if it do so now already what would it do if the money was collected upon the Act and returned into the Exchequer so timely as it ought to be. But it comes into my mind here to observe what I have heard from Sir John Bankes, though I cannot fully conceive the reason of it, that it will be impossible to make the Exchequer ever a true bank to all intents, unless the Exchequer stood nearer the Exchange, where merchants might with ease, while they are going about their business, at all hours, and without trouble or loss of time, have their satisfaction, which they cannot have now without much trouble, and loss of half a day, and no certainty of having the offices open. By this he means a bank for common practise and use of merchants, and therein I do agree with him. Being parted from Sir W. Pen and [Sir] G. Downing, I to Westminster Hall and there met Balty, whom I had sent for, and there did break the business of my getting him the place of going again as Muster-Master with Harman this voyage to the West Indys, which indeed I do owe to Sir W. Pen. He is mighty glad of it, and earnest to fit himself for it, but I do find, poor man, that he is troubled how to dispose of his wife, and apparently it is out of fear of her, and his honour, and I believe he hath received some cause of this his jealousy and care, and I do pity him in it, and will endeavour to find out some way to do, it for him. Having put him in a way of preparing himself for the voyage, I did go to the Swan, and there sent for Jervas, my old periwig maker, and he did bring me a periwig, but it was full of nits, so as I was troubled to see it (it being his old fault), and did send him to make it clean, and in the mean time, having staid for him a good while, did go away by water to the Castle Taverne, by Exeter House, and there met Sir W. Batten, [Sir] W. Pen, and several others, among the rest Sir Ellis Layton, who do apply himself to discourse with me, and I think by his discourse, out of his opinion of my interest in Sir W. Coventry, the man I find a wonderful witty, ready man for sudden answers and little tales, and sayings very extraordinary witty, but in the bottom I doubt he is not so. Yet he pretends to have studied men, and the truth is in several that I do know he did give me a very inward account of them. But above all things he did give me a full account, upon my demand, of this judge of the Admiralty, Judge Jenkins; who, he says, is a man never practised in this Court, but taken merely for his merit and ability’s sake from Trinity Hall, where he had always lived; only by accident the business of the want of a Judge being proposed to the present Archbishop of Canterbury that now is, he did think of this man and sent for him up: and here he is, against the ‘gre’ and content of the old Doctors, made judge, but is a very excellent man both for judgment and temper, yet majesty enough, and by all men’s report, not to be corrupted. After dinner to the Court, where Sir Ellis Layton did make a very silly motion in our behalf, but did neither hurt nor good. After him Walker and Wiseman; and then the judge did pronounce his sentence; for some part of the goods and ship, and the freight of the whole, to be free, and returned and paid by us; and the remaining, which was the greater part, to be ours. The loss of so much troubles us, but we have got a pretty good part, thanks be to God! So we are not displeased nor yet have cause to triumph, as we did once expect. Having seen the end of this, I being desirous to be at home to see the issue of any country letters about my mother, which I expect shall give me tidings of her death, I directly home and there to the office, where I find no letter from my father or brother, but by and by the boy tells me that his mistress sends me word that she hath opened my letter, and that she is loth to send me any more news. So I home, and there up to my wife in our chamber, and there received from my brother the newes of my mother’s dying on Monday, about five or six o’clock in the afternoon, and that the last time she spoke of her children was on Friday last, and her last words were, “God bless my poor Sam!” The reading hereof did set me a-weeping heartily, and so weeping to myself awhile, and my wife also to herself, I then spoke to my wife respecting myself, and indeed, having some thoughts how much better both for her and us it is than it might have been had she outlived my father and me or my happy present condition in the world, she being helpless, I was the sooner at ease in my mind, and then found it necessary to go abroad with my wife to look after the providing mourning to send into the country, some to-morrow, and more against Sunday, for my family, being resolved to put myself and wife, and Barker and Jane, W. Hewer and Tom, in mourning, and my two under-mayds, to give them hoods and scarfs and gloves. So to my tailor’s, and up and down, and then home and to my office a little, and then to supper and to bed, my heart sad and afflicted, though my judgment at ease. 11 annotations | Permalink Up with a sad heart in reference to my mother, of whose death I undoubtedly expect to hear the next post, if not of my father’s also, who by his pain as well as his grief for her is very ill, but on my own behalf I have cause to be joyful this day, it being my usual feast day, for my being cut of the stone this day nine years, and through God’s blessing am at this day and have long been in as good condition of health as ever I was in my life or any man in England is, God make me thankful for it! But the condition I am in, in reference to my mother, makes it unfit for me to keep my usual feast. Unless it shall please God to send her well (which I despair wholly of), and then I will make amends for it by observing another day in its room. So to the office, and at the office all the morning, where I had an opportunity to speak to Sir John Harman about my desire to have my brother Balty go again with him to sea as he did the last year, which he do seem not only contented but pleased with, which I was glad of. So at noon home to dinner, where I find Creed, who dined with us, but I had not any time to talk with him, my head being busy, and before I had dined was called away by Sir W. Batten, and both of us in his coach (which I observe his coachman do always go now from hence towards White Hall through Tower Street, and it is the best way) to Exeter House, where the judge was sitting, and after several little causes comes on ours, and while the several depositions and papers were at large reading (which they call the preparatory), and being cold by being forced to sit with my hat off close to a window in the Hall, Sir W. Pen and I to the Castle Tavern hard by and got a lobster, and he and I staid and eat it, and drank good wine; I only burnt wine, as my whole custom of late hath been, as an evasion, God knows, for my drinking of wine (but it is an evasion which will not serve me now hot weather is coming, that I cannot pretend, as indeed I really have done, that I drank it for cold), but I will leave it off, and it is but seldom, as when I am in women’s company, that I must call for wine, for I must be forced to drink to them. Having done here then we back again to the Court, and there heard our cause pleaded; Sir [Edward] Turner, Sir W. Walker, and Sir Ellis Layton being our counsel against only Sir Robert Wiseman on the other. The second of our three counsel was the best, and indeed did speak admirably, and is a very shrewd man. Nevertheless, as good as he did make our case, and the rest, yet when Wiseman come to argue (nay, and though he did begin so sillily that we laughed in scorn in our sleeves at him), yet he did so state the case, that the judge did not think fit to decide the cause to-night, but took to to-morrow, and did stagger us in our hopes, so as to make us despair of the success. I am mightily pleased with the judge, who seems a very rational, learned, and uncorrupt man, and much good reading and reason there is heard in hearing of this law argued, so that the thing pleased me, though our success doth shake me. Thence Sir W. Pen and I home and to write letters, among others a sad one to my father upon fear of my mother’s death, and so home to supper and to bed. 7 annotations | Permalink Posted in literary blogs
Tags: book blog, Diary of Samuel Pepys, lit blog Author: Tarek Malouf Hardcover: 144 pages Publisher: Ryland, Peters & Small Ltd (15 April 2009) Language English ISBN-10: 1845978307 ISBN-13: 978-1845978303 Product Dimensions: 23.8 x 18.8 x 2 cm Product DescriptionThe Hummingbird Bakery is the destination bakery for Londoners with a passion for great cakes. In this irresistible book, the chefs from the bakery share their recipes for a delicious range of 60 bakes, from deliciously light cupcakes with pretty buttercream frosting to moist chocolate layer cakes and zesty lemon meringue pie. Hummingbird recipes not only taste great but also look spectacular – without resorting to fussy recipes and hours in the kitchen. The chapters include Cupcakes, Cakes (including loaf, layer, ring and cheesecakes), Pies, Brownies and Bars, Muffins and Cookies Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Tarek Malouf, The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook Author: Alexander McCall Smith Hardcover: 256 pages Publisher: Little, Brown (4 Mar 2010) ISBN-10: 1408701057 ISBN-13: 978-1408701058 Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 14 x 2.6 cm Product DescriptionMma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are called to a safari lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta to carry out a delicate mission on behalf of a former guest. The Okavango makes Precious appreciate once again the beauty of her homeland: it is a paradise of teeming wildlife, majestic grasslands and sparkling water. However, it is also home to rival safari operators, fearsome crocodiles and disgruntled hippopotamuses. What’s more, Mma Makutsi still does not have a date for her wedding to Phuti Radiphuti and is feeling rather tetchy herself. But Precious knows that with a little patience, just as the wide river will gently make its way round any obstacle, so will everything work out for the best in the end … About the AuthorFollowing a distinguished career as a Professor of Medical Law, Alexander McCall Smith has turned to writing full-time. He is the author of over sixty books on a wide array of subjects, and his books have been translated into thirty-seven languages. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Alexander Mc Call Smith, Double Comfort Safari Club Author: Hilary Mantel Paperback: 880 pages Publisher: Fourth Estate Ltd; Re-issue edition (5 Mar 2007) Language English ISBN-10: 000725055X ISBN-13: 978-0007250554 Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 13 x 5.2 cm Product DescriptionAn extraordinary and brilliant work of historical imagination — this is Mantel’s epic novel of the French Revolution. A spellbinding novel which recounts the events between the fall of the Ancient Regime and the peak of the Terror, as seen through the eyes of the French Revolution’s three protagonists — Georges-Jacques Danton, Maximilien Robespierre and Camille Desmoulins, men whose mix of ambition, idealism, and ego helped unleash the darker side of the Revolution’s ideals and brought them eventually to their own tragic ends. Critically acclaimed upon first publication, ‘A Place of Greater Safety’ is one of Mantel’s most celebrated works of fiction. About the AuthorHilary Mantel is one of our most important living writers. She is the author of eleven books, including A Place of Greater Safety, Giving Up the Ghost, and, most recently, Beyond Black, which was shortlisted for the 2006 Orange Prize. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: A Place of Greater Safety, Hilary Mantel Author: Hilary Mantel Paperback: 400 pages Publisher: Fourth Estate Ltd (4 Mar 2010) ISBN-10: 0007230206 ISBN-13: 978-0007230204 Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 13 x 4.6 cm Product DescriptionWinner of the Man Booker Prize 2009 ‘Lock Cromwell in a deep dungeon in the morning,’ says Thomas More, ‘and when you come back that night he’ll be sitting on a plush cushion eating larks’ tongues, and all the gaolers will owe him money.’ England, the 1520s. Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is his chief advisor, charged with securing the divorce the pope refuses to grant. Into this atmosphere of distrust and need comes Thomas Cromwell, first as Wolsey’s clerk, and later his successor. Cromwell is a wholly original man: the son of a brutal blacksmith, a political genius, a briber, a charmer, a bully, a man with a delicate and deadly expertise in manipulating people and events. Ruthless in pursuit of his own interests, he is as ambitious in his wider politics as he is for himself. His reforming agenda is carried out in the grip of a self-interested parliament and a king who fluctuates between romantic passions and murderous rages. From one of our finest living writers, ‘Wolf Hall’ is that very rare thing: a truly great English novel, one that explores the intersection of individual psychology and wider politics. With a vast array of characters, and richly overflowing with incident, it peels back history to show us Tudor England as a half-made society, moulding itself with great passion, suffering and courage. About the AuthorHilary Mantel is one of our most important living writers. She is the author of eleven books, including ‘A Place of Greater Safety’, ‘Giving Up the Ghost’ and ‘Beyond Black’, which was shortlisted for the 2006 Orange Prize. Buy Online: http://astore.amazon.com/annduniriwri-20/detail/0805080686 Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Hillary Mantel, Wolf Hall Author: Ian McEwan Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Jonathan Cape Ltd (18 Mar 2010) ISBN-10: 0224090496 ISBN-13: 978-0224090490 Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.8 x 3.6 cm Product DescriptionMichael Beard is a Nobel prize-winning physicist whose best work is behind him. Trading on his reputation, he speaks for enormous fees, lends his name to the letterheads of renowned scientific institutions and half-heartedly heads a government-backed initiative tackling global warming. A compulsive womaniser, Beard finds his fifth marriage floundering. But this time it is different: she is having the affair, and he is still in love with her. When Beard’s professional and personal worlds collide in a freak accident, an opportunity presents itself for Beard to extricate himself from his marital mess, reinvigorate his career and save the world from environmental disaster. Ranging from the Arctic Circle to the deserts of New Mexico, “Solar” is a serious and darkly satirical novel, showing human frailty struggling with the most pressing and complex problem of our time. A story of one man’s greed and self-deception, it is a profound and stylish new work from one of the world’s great writers. About the AuthorIan McEwan is the author of two collections of stories and eleven previous novels, including Enduring Love, Amsterdam, for which he won the Booker Prize in 1998, Atonement and, most recently, On Chesil Beach. Posted in literary blogs
Tags: Ian Mc Ewan, Solar | |
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