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Alan Browne - 08 Feb 2010 20:16 GMT

Scott,

Regarding evolving English, I suggest you read "The Road" (Cormac
McCarthy) for a dose of rule breaking - in a book that is bound to
become a literary reference, it has won the Pulitzer and other prizes.

It's a pretty short read (paperback 287 p., fairly large print and
spacing). But for that, certain turns of phrases require re-reading for
full meaning or luxurious enjoyment.

A dictionary at hand may be needed as he delves into some archaic words
from time to time that you can't (at least I can't) always infer by context.

(He also wrote "No country for old men" amongst others).

Cheers,
Alan

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Savageduck - 08 Feb 2010 21:24 GMT

> Scott,
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> Cheers,
> Alan

If you want to try a truly grueling Cormac McCarthy opus try "Blood
Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West." (327 pages) It has
become the foundation of many English Lit. classes.

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Regards,

Savageduck

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Alan Browne - 08 Feb 2010 22:40 GMT

>> Scott,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West." (327 pages) It has become
> the foundation of many English Lit. classes.

I've begun looking at that list and I'll likely pick some up on the next
trip (airport bookstore junkie). I'll probably start with "No
country..." as I've seen the movie.

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Savageduck - 08 Feb 2010 23:39 GMT

>>> Scott,
>>>
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> next trip (airport bookstore junkie). I'll probably start with "No
> country..." as I've seen the movie.

"Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West" is best found via
Amazon, as it is almost 30 years old. You are not likely to find it in
an airport book store.
<http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords
=cormac+mccarthy+blood+meridian&sprefix=Cormac+Mc>

It

is very interesting (& violent) in that it is set in the 1830's to
1850's, in border Texas, Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona, & California, and
is based on a group of real characters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_Meridian
McCarthy uses quite a bit of archaic language, and his style is a
prologue to his writing in "No Country ...." and "All the Pretty
Horses," another of his excellent tales.

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Regards,

Savageduck

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Alan Browne - 09 Feb 2010 00:25 GMT

>>>> Scott,
>>>>
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> an airport book store.
> <http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords
=cormac+mccarthy+blood+meridian&sprefix=Cormac+Mc>

I'll look into it. My SO likes to order from Chapters and Amazon(.ca).

> It
> is very interesting (& violent) in that it is set in the 1830's to
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> prologue to his writing in "No Country ...." and "All the Pretty
> Horses," another of his excellent tales.

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Robert Coe - 11 Feb 2010 02:13 GMT

: Scott,
:
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
: words from time to time that you can't (at least I can't) always
: infer by context.

"Be not the first by whom the new are tried,
Nor yet the last to lay the old aside."
- Alexander Pope (referring to words) ;^)

Bob

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Alan Browne - 11 Feb 2010 21:34 GMT

> : Scott,
> :
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> Nor yet the last to lay the old aside."
> - Alexander Pope (referring to words) ;^)

In other words don't innovate, be a trend follower and dump it before
it's not "in" any more. I thought Pope was loftier than that.

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Robert Coe - 12 Feb 2010 00:22 GMT

: > : Scott,
: > :
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
: In other words don't innovate, be a trend follower and dump it before
: it's not "in" any more. I thought Pope was loftier than that.

"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep. or taste not the Pierian spring."

And my favorite:

"Men must be taught as if you taught them not,
And things unknown proposed as things forgot."

Bob

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