For some reason most of my reviews in the latest issue of Shiny New Books were of reprints. Here's a taster of one I really enjoyed. You can read the full review here.
I live in rural France, and visit Paris from time to time, generally rather briefly. I’m beginning to get the hang of the city and to appreciate the character of its various arrondissements, but I want very much to get to know it better – the place fascinates me as it has fascinated people for centuries. So when I spotted this volume, just published by OUP, I thought it looked as if it would be just the thing to increase my knowledge and appreciation. And I was right.
And here's a bonus, as it's National Poetry Day - a poem by TE Hulme (1883-1917), who is much less well-known than he deserves to be. This is probably his most celebrated poem:
The Embankment
(The fantasia of a fallen gentleman on a cold, bitter night)Once, in finesse of fiddles found I ecstasy,
In a flash of gold heels on the hard pavement.
Now see I
That warmth’s the very stuff of poesy.
Oh, God, make small
The old star-eaten blanket of the sky,
That I may fold it round me and in comfort lie.
You can read more of his poems here.
