Having spent a considerable amount of time in Durham Cathedral of late, I have also found myself immersed in The Last Office, a compelling work of narrative history that chronicles the sixteenth-century dissolution of the monasteries - most notably, Durham itself. Meanwhile, like many in recent years, I have been hearing the ever-growing clamour for reparations, … Continue reading A Pathetic and Shadowy Medley: Tolkien’s Catholic Critique of Protestantism
Category: history
Tantalus: The Original Snackless Snacker
There are lots of sources where you'll find Tantalus' story, the poor sod. There he stands, up to his knees in water, fruit dangling just above his head, and yet he can’t eat or drink a thing. It’s the ultimate cosmic tease, isn’t it? The gods clearly had a flair for ironic punishments, but honestly, … Continue reading Tantalus: The Original Snackless Snacker
Holy Hype and Heavenly Hardships: A Witty Take on The Song of Bernadette
The Song of Bernadette. A tale so steeped in piety, suffering, and miraculous visions that one might think Franz Werfel and Henry King teamed up to make us all feel like we’ve been woefully underachieving in our spiritual lives. Between the novel’s lofty prose and the film’s reverent close-ups of Jennifer Jones looking like she’s … Continue reading Holy Hype and Heavenly Hardships: A Witty Take on The Song of Bernadette
Mozart Was Wrong? Discuss.
I want to take issue with Mozart. Not his music, but his creative ideal. "When I am, as it were, completely myself, entirely alone, and of good cheer - say, traveling in a carriage or walking after a good meal or during the night when I cannot sleep - it is on such occasions that … Continue reading Mozart Was Wrong? Discuss.
Petals, Politics, and Pointless Pining: A Dig at Dumas’ The Black Tulip
The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas – a novel that dares to ask the pressing, existential question: 'What if horticulture were as riveting as a murder mystery?' Set amidst the whirling chaos of 17th-century Dutch politics and the delirium of Tulip Mania, (fascinating part of history, you must look into this) one might expect a gripping … Continue reading Petals, Politics, and Pointless Pining: A Dig at Dumas’ The Black Tulip
Wording 