Those of you who are long-time readers will recognize the Library and World HQ of Easy & Elegant Life. Books have always been a great escape for both me and Mrs. E. Happily, our daughter is proving to be a reader, too.
With all that has changed during the crisis at hand, one thing has helped to keep me grounded, reading. Thanks to Amazon and ABE, Barnes and Noble and Bookshop I’ve been able to feed my habit with great ease. Actually, it’s been too easy and I’m now committed to reading what I’ve bought before I buy more. All the bookshelves here and upstairs are full anyway. Most of the flat surfaces are covered too.
When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes. Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, Letter to Jacob Batt (12 April 1500); Collected Works of Erasmus Vol 1 (1974)
Where I made my mistake was to order and read the modern equivalent of Plague literature: Loner by Wayne, Engleby by Faulks, and waiting on the table beside me is The Road by McCarthy. These will not put me in the sunniest mood. Fortunately I stumbled across a pile of books under a side table and pulled out a copy of Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love From A Year in Paris by Ann Mah, which inspired me to make steak-frites a couple of nights ago. Homemade frites aren’t that tough, although a frying/candy thermometer would have helped. We Learn Nothing by Kreider just made me laugh out loud; much needed.
Must get my mask on and answer the door; a case and a half of wine is being delivered. Apologies to Erasmus, but my tailor is waiting on some shirting fabric for the foreseeable future.
What are you reading these days?
