While I was traveling around at the beginning of the month, I read another issue of the London Review of Books. I can’t remember which issue, ’cause I threw it away when I finished with it. But a couple of fun articles stood out:
- “Even the Eyelashes” is about the role of mummies in Inca society. It’s a shorter than usual LRB article, which probably makes it better as a study resource. This topic could make a fun TOEFL reading passage.
- “When Paris Sneezed” explores the reasons why people were so pissed off in Paris between 1748 and 1789.
Meanwhile, continuing my journey through the Norton Library Podcast, I read Charles Chesnutt’s “The Marrow of Tradition.” Chesnutt’s book is a work of fiction set before and during the Wilmington Massacre of 1898. I strongly recommend this book; for a 127 year-old novel, it is surprisingly accessible. For some listening practice, you can check out the two-part podcast episode starting here.
For a little more listening practice, you might enjoy this Paul Wells podcast from a few days ago about the topic of book burning – mostly in Canada, but also elsewhere. It also touches on the value of reading “the classics,” which matches one of the ongoing themes of this column.
