I just wrote an elaborate comment and then somehow clicked somewhere on the screen by accident and the whole thing went pooof.. 😭 Let's see if I can do it again...
The essay about postcards - fascinating! I never knew that people were turning personal photographs into cards and mailing them. I was in fact surprised to find out that, clearly, there's always been people for whom it's ok to openly share personal moments, not only words but also images. The parallels with today's social media are obvious, though today's scale is of course much larger. Still, we are very fast to blame technology, but in fact it's always how we choose to use the technology that matters.
And Ada Limón's poem... I really need to check more of her writing. It's not the first time here on Substack that I come across one of her poems that stays with me.
I read Dalrymple’s book earlier this year for my book club. I was charmed and appalled in equal measure. I agree with your linked article that a ‘prequel’ based on the more ancient world is desirable and urgent. (So much history, so little time or funding, right?)
If you want to be truly appalled (and ashamed if you happen to be English) read his earlier book "The Anarchy" about the pillage of Mughal India by the East India Company
Thank you for the recommendation. I know enough of that history that a whole book about it is a slog. I feel physically ill just from the headline facts..
yeah I was curious about it after reading that book review—sounds like it is definitely a mixed bag, but did like how it dispelled the idea that we were somehow ever not global. sigh.
It very much dispels that notion. The book opens with a description (based on a contemporary description) of a thriving university, then points out its not Oxford, Paris or Bologna. Its a multicultural hub, for sure.
I just wrote an elaborate comment and then somehow clicked somewhere on the screen by accident and the whole thing went pooof.. 😭 Let's see if I can do it again...
The essay about postcards - fascinating! I never knew that people were turning personal photographs into cards and mailing them. I was in fact surprised to find out that, clearly, there's always been people for whom it's ok to openly share personal moments, not only words but also images. The parallels with today's social media are obvious, though today's scale is of course much larger. Still, we are very fast to blame technology, but in fact it's always how we choose to use the technology that matters.
And Ada Limón's poem... I really need to check more of her writing. It's not the first time here on Substack that I come across one of her poems that stays with me.
Thank you so much for these, Freya!
Ahhhh, that poem by Ada Limón - love love love. 💜
Also love love love your trees! 💚
Thanks Freya for your smörgåsbord of offerings.
I read Dalrymple’s book earlier this year for my book club. I was charmed and appalled in equal measure. I agree with your linked article that a ‘prequel’ based on the more ancient world is desirable and urgent. (So much history, so little time or funding, right?)
If you want to be truly appalled (and ashamed if you happen to be English) read his earlier book "The Anarchy" about the pillage of Mughal India by the East India Company
Thank you for the recommendation. I know enough of that history that a whole book about it is a slog. I feel physically ill just from the headline facts..
I have that one on my TBR pile, keep looking forward to the right moment to open it.
it is all so appalling—and will read it.
yeah I was curious about it after reading that book review—sounds like it is definitely a mixed bag, but did like how it dispelled the idea that we were somehow ever not global. sigh.
It very much dispels that notion. The book opens with a description (based on a contemporary description) of a thriving university, then points out its not Oxford, Paris or Bologna. Its a multicultural hub, for sure.
love that "Hot Dudes Reading" has *always* been a thing - of course!
ha! yes! 😂