My Booklist: Heavily into Medieval Stuff at the Moment

Just finished:

The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer

Currently (re)Reading:

Down the Common by Ann Baer

Just received my copy in the mail:

The Book of the City of Ladies by Christine de Pizan

Casually Reading:

The Autumn of the Middle Ages by Johan Huizinga

The Court of Burgundy by Otto Cartellieri

Referring to for Reference:

English History Made Brief, Irreverent and Pleasurable by Lacey Baldwin Smith

Wishlist:

Medieval Mandlin Book, Vol. I & II by Allan Alexander

Images in the Margins (Medieval Imagination Series) by Margot Nishimura

Fond Memories of:

Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

Christine de Pizan, early 15th c.

Book Quote of the Day

From The Church of Dead Girls, by Stephan Dobyns, 1997.

"You know how with most people you're really having two conversations? There's the hidden one under the one you're having? You see someone's fear or pride or vanity, which is like a second subject matter. With Aaron, I never see that hidden conversation." Franklin laughed. "It's too hidden. And without it I never have the sense of what he's going to do next or why he does what he does. I can't see how his sense of cause and effect operates.It's like the surface of a pond. Something's stirring underneath, but I don't know what."

Glossolalia

The phenomenon of speaking in tongues, or glossolalia, is a VERY interesting topic. At least to me. Today in our discussions at the museum we talked about instances of glossolalia found in the bible, and modern instances of glossolalia found throughout the world in Christian and pagan religions. I would be interested in any stories about glossolalia readers may have--whether it be a story about a pentecostal meeting, or an experience with mystical languages, etc. I don't expect that many will read this post, but I'm putting it out there.

-TR

Speaking in Tongues, Sarajo Frieden, 2007

What Phantoms lurk in these dark islands?

Well, that idea fell flat on it's face. Or rather, I did. Not having the opportunity to travel to the great libraries of the world, I will instead content myself with talking about myself. Which is what most people do best anyway.

My room is a mess, perhaps reflecting the state of my mind. I made a last ditch attempt to clean last night, but once again I've failed. The piles encroach upon me like so many tanks armed for battle.

On the plus side, I found a rack of antlers in the garage today. I think I'll put them on my wall somewhere.

The Library Project

Every library is worth a visit. I mean EVERY library. No matter where it is, who lives in the town, who uses it the most, and what books are checked most often, all libraries have something surprising to offer.
So, in this inaugural post, I open "The Library Project" (drums and oboes blare).
Expect re-occurring forays into the stacks of libraries everywhere, made by yours truly, in the name of curiosity and learning. I will bring you books that I find fascinating--from unexpected places. A small midwestern town library? Collection of Victorian dime novels. Community college stacks? Civil war gold. Sterile card cutout libraries everywhere? Who knows, go take a look.

-Madame Crocodile