One of E.P. Roe's most popular novels is Barriers Burned Away. In my last post I shared my thoughts on the novel, and how a visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871 inspired him to write it. This fascinating book was actually his first attempt at writing a novel! … Continue reading Author Edward Payson Roe
Tag: vintage books
Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire
A visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871--151 years ago today--touched the heart of the author, Edward Payson Roe, and inspired him to write this novel, published in 1872. Diorama of 1871 Chicago Fire - Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois He seems to have asked himself: How … Continue reading Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire
Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
Gesta Romanorum is Latin for "Deeds of the Romans", which makes it sound like this book is a narration of the early culture of Rome, its history and battles. However, it is actually a Latin compilation of morality stories believed to be written approximately at the end of the 13th century. There are 181 stories. … Continue reading Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
Best Books Ever at Project Gutenberg
I can't say enough about the riches found in Project Gutenberg! I have found, downloaded and happily read loads of their books in Kindle format, online, or in pdf form--ALL for FREE. Here I want to whet your appetite by pointing you to some lists of books. But before you delve into the lists below, … Continue reading Best Books Ever at Project Gutenberg
Calgary Book Sales May 2022
Two worthy organizations, Calgary READS and RESET Society of Calgary, are holding their fantastic book sales again! Both are now looking for volunteers and donations. Calgary READS The curling rink transforms into the Calgary READS sale! (You'll find me at the far, far bottom left part of the photo in the special VINTAGE BOOKS section!) … Continue reading Calgary Book Sales May 2022
Writing advice from some of Alcott’s characters
As I was enjoying a short story by Louisa May Alcott, I found spirited conversations among the characters about reading and writing. I seriously doubt that it was the author’s intention to pass along writing tips in her story, but I got a kick out of the subtle wisdom and commentaries on the writing life … Continue reading Writing advice from some of Alcott’s characters
Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
It's February, the month we celebrate love, and here is a most fitting book to celebrate. Celia Bassingdale was about to take a long journey—the longest on earth—from the unreal to the real.First line Celia’s romantic interest in a young man (whom her grandfather was convinced was only after the fortune she would inherit when … Continue reading Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
Too Many Books
Is it possible for a book-lover to have too many books? Yes. If they are making you crazy. Otherwise, no. Tee shirt given to me by a friend and fellow book-lover who, like me, has also run out of shelf space While I was working in schools, it was a joy to come home and … Continue reading Too Many Books
Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature
Of all the revived, republished classic books available, the 4 Hedgerow Tales are my favorites. These were ahead of their time, "retold" back in the 1980s, forerunners of the latest trend. The illustrations by Sandra Fernandez are exquisite and appear on almost every page. (Note that these Hedgerow Tales are not related to Enid Blyton's … Continue reading Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature
Holiday Gems
One of the joys of the holiday is settling down after all the energetic activities to read inspired holiday fiction. You are no doubt familiar with some of the well-known holiday books and short stories… Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol… The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson… Eugene Field’s The First Christmas Tree… O. … Continue reading Holiday Gems
