Very pleased to be in such fine company with That Dark Spring. Thank you, @thecwa.bsky.social

Lovely article, btw. Thank you.

It isn't for me. I think it depends how many FT articles you've already read this week/day.

Excellent! ❤️

Thanks, Kev. 🙏 The cheaper ticket price can also be redeemed against a purchase of the book on the night (for those undecided).

Front cover of Look and Learn

Article on George Meredith

Feature on Meredith's novel 'The Egoist'

I've just been shown a copy of 'Look and Learn' (1960s magazine for children) by friend @susannahstapleton.bsky.social and we've become slightly hysterical over the idea that the average 11 year old might be tempted to pore over a full page article on the novels of George Meredith.

That Dark Spring: Stumbling upon an eccentric family story | Virgin This is the story of my (murdered) Great Aunt Olive who was found dead in a water tank in the South of France with a single bullet in her head

One of the joys of historical research is revealing unexpected connections as you get to know your subject. This one was a real surprise, and a tad intimidating, but I'm glad to report that he seems delighted with my book about his Great Aunt Olive.
#ahem1stcousintwiceremoved #phew #ThatDarkSpring

Happy news for the wonderful, brilliant George; bittersweet for the rest of us. But, if anyone deserves to put their feet up, it's @georgeisediting.bsky.social. A great editor and a lovely person to boot. ❤️

Congratulations, Jim. Well deserved!

Happy birthday!

Top tip! Thank you. They’re a bugger to wash, anyway.

Ah, yes. I probably should have mentioned this. I have a new book out! Published yesterday, and one that was a joy to research and write. All good bookshops, etc., thanks to @georgeisediting.bsky.social and all the fab folk at @picadorbooks.bsky.social

uk.bookshop.org/p/books/that...

Well done - sounds rewarding for all!

Oooh-hooo! ♥️

🤐

I’ve only read The Lie Tree and half of Fly By Night, but I’ve got Cuckoo Song on the shelf waiting. I think if I had to choose right now, I’m enjoying the world of Fly By Night marginally more than TLT, but they’re both brilliant. What else have you read?

Oh, snap! I’m currently reading Fly By Night (highly recommended). I remember loving The Lie Tree.

Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances - Firstsite Step into the magical and mystical world of Leonora Carrington, the British-Mexican painter and novelist, in her debut exhibition in the East of England.

Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances is at Colchester until 9 March. Leonora was expelled from an Essex convent, and the county welcomes her back by mixing her work with local witchcraft relics, Mexican artefacts and pieces by her friends inc. Lee Miller and Max Ernst. Wow.
tinyurl.com/2s4akd78

After Leonora: Echoes of Surrealism By reimagining Surrealist motifs and themes for today’s world, the exhibition emphasises the boundless creativity and influence of this artistic movement. Through this cross-generational exchange, Gil...

After Leonora: Echoes of Surrealism is on until 26 Feb at the Gillian Jason Gallery, London, feat. Leonora Carrington’s wonderful bronzes and lithographs plus works by contemporary women artists treading in her Surrealist footsteps. In an ideal world, a lobster tea would follow.
tinyurl.com/ykve4nhp

Paperback copy of Leonora Carrington's novella 'The Hearing Trumpet' propped up against pots containing paintbrushes,

There are two exhibitions in London/Essex that I was really excited about seeing over the next couple of months. I may yet get to go. And maybe you can, too? They would make a fantastic weekend. Here’s a clue.

Wow!

It is called a skyline, isn't it? And, if not, why not?

PSA: I'm confined to barracks again by my Pesky Brain Disease. Screens are painful, but I do miss chatting with my online bookish friends. As I can't participate fully, I will be randomly sharing goodies when I can. My skyline will look weird & self-centred, but so be it. 'tis temporary.

Beyond Vanity From the award-winning author of Dressing Up, a riveting and diverse history of women's hair that reestablishes the cultural power of hairdressing in ninetee...

Strangely, I was reading about this new book just the other day. It’s only 19th Century US, but looks fascinating. I’m sure there are more.
mitpress.mit.edu/978026204905...

I'm currently filming the projects for my online 'Introduction to Prehistoric Textiles' class that starts on January 14.

My classes include projects in easily sourced materials as well as the full scale versions in the types of materials used in the past.

Small Bomb at Dimperley. I’ve been waiting for a cold and miserable weekend for maximum cosy enjoyment.

The scroll shape is very reminiscent of a calliper! Do you think that was deliberate, or were there other similar headstones nearby?

I was a beta reader for this fab book. 1930s Greek archaeology, ancient spirits and a gutsy young heroine - I loved it all (and my younger self would have, too).

Hello! There's a distinct lack of biscuits in the house – but, other than that, all good. Great to see you here.

It obviously eggs-ploded.
(sorry)