BW44: 52 Books Bingo - Elephant on the cover

I have heffalumps and woozles on my mind. One of the things I enjoyed when my son was young was rediscovering Babar and Horton and Dumbo. And in my recent interweb wanderings, enjoyed going down memory lane with 10 Pop Culture Elephants courtesy of mentalfloss.

Since one of our 52 Books Bingo bonus mystery squares is Elephant on the Cover, read a book with a picture on the cover, or elephant in the title, about an elephant as well as explore non fiction reads on conservation, rescue, and research. to history and culture.

“I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful one-hundred percent!” \ Dr. Seuss - Horton Hatches the Egg

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Brit Tripping

Our Brit Tip on Watling way is taking us to West Midlands this week. West Midlands has been a center of industry since the Middle Ages and the growth of the area exploded during the Industrial Revolution.

Rabbit trails: Coventry Cathedral Back to Back Terraces Cadbury More Chocolate Coventry History Sarehole Mill Wightwick Manor

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BW43: Shakespeare week - Sonnet 43

Sonnet 43

by

William Shakespeare 

When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see, 

For all the day they view things unrespected; 

But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee, 

And darkly bright are bright in dark directed; 

Then thou, whose shadow shadows doth make bright, 

How would thy shadow's form form happy show 

To the clear day with thy much clearer light, 

When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so? 

How would, I say, mine eyes be blessed made 

By looking on thee in the living day, 

When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade

Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay?

   All days are nights to see till I see thee,

   And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me. 

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Our brit trip on Watling way is taking us to Warwickshire, home of a fairly well known playwright - Shakespeare.

Rabbit trails: Warwick Castle at Halloween   Stratford Upon Avon  Kenilworth Castle

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BW 42: Happy Birthday, P.G. Wodehouse

“What ho!" I said.

"What ho!" said Motty.

"What ho! What ho!"

"What ho! What ho! What ho!"

After that it seemed rather difficult to go on with the conversation.” 

― Wodehouse, My Man Jeeves

This week, we are celebrating the anniversary of the birthday of Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse who was born October 15, 1881 and passed away at the age of 94 on February 14, 1975. He was the author of numerous books, plays, magazine stories, play lyrics and and the creator of Jeeves and Wooster, Blandings Castle, Psmith, Ukridge, Uncle Fred and Mr Mulliner,

Dip into some of his stories online through the Literature Network, find book lists and more at Plumtopia's World of P.G. Rodehouse, and read Paris Review's 1975 interview the Art of Fiction with P.G. Rodehouse, peruse international sites dedicated to Wodehouse in the Netherlands, Russia, Italy and more. Browse Merriam-Webster's Words at Play highlights 9 Words of P.G. Wodehouse, and explore a bit of history with Orwell Foundations In Defence of P.G. Wodehouse.

Rodehouse will be honored with a memorial plaque in Westminster Abbey some time next year. 

Brit Tripping

Watling Way: Worcestershire

J.R.R. Tolkien’s aunt lived in Worcestershire and it likely is the inspiration for The Shire in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Also known for this sauce.

Rabbit trails: Witley Court and Gardens More Sauce! King John Cotswold’s Broadway

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BW41: 52 Books Bingo - 14th Century Literature

14th Century Illuminated Manuscript

One of our 52 Book's Bingo categories is the 14th Century which ran from 1301 to 1400. Read a book written by an 14th century author, set in the 14th century, or about the 14th century.

During the 14th century, the pope transferred to Avignon, France, Edward III became King of England, then claimed the French Throne, the Hundred Years War began, the Scottish win the second war of Independence against England, the Black Plague was rampant in Europe and the Renaissance began.

Poetry flourished during this time period with the father of English poetry, Geoffrey Chaucer, Persian mystical poet Hafez, Hindu poet Vidyapati, and Christian poet Saint Catherine of Sienna. Also the rise of the alliterative verse in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, along with Pearl, Purity and Patience. Plus allegorical literature in William Langland's Piers Plowman, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales as well as Dante's Divine Comedy.

14th Century women writers included Christine de Pizan, Christine Ebner, Marguerite Porete and Julian of Norwich.

Peruse Historical Novels 14th and 15th Century stories ranging from mysteries to the black plague as well as Bookriot's 100 Must Read Medieval Historical Novels which highlights several 14th century stories including Hangman's Blind by Cassandra Clark, currently on my virtual nightstand. Plus check out Goodreads Best Books of the 14th Century as well as Popular 14th Century stories.

Have fun exploring the 14th century!

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Brit Tripping

Our Brit Trip this week is taking us to Spooky London. It is a Book a Week tradition to celebrate all things Spooky in October! Join us as we explore the dark and mysterious side of London.

Rabbit trails: Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, Bram Stoker, 138 Piccadilly, More Bram Stoker , Haunted London, Unusual Museums

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