Pleased and proud to be writing the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography entry on John Prescott. A key figure in the country's recent history, rather neglected in the literature. A monumental life story, and a huge contribution to policy. Hope to do him justice.
Dark Reading Matter - Thursday Next #8 by Jasper Fforde The final novel in the New York Times bestselling series: Will literary Special Ops agent Thursday Next find her happy ending? The Dark Reading Matter is a theoretical realm that suggests that the observable bookverse can only account for 20 percent of the calculated total readable mass. Out there somewhere, possibly, is a larger and more expansive and unseeable "Dark Bookverse" that contains millions of deleted novels, slush-pile manuscripts, lost poems, forgotten pop culture references, long unheard oral tradition, stories and ideas that were still in people's minds when they died. The Goliath Corporation hopes to exploit the Dark Reading Matter for profit, and Thursday Next is once again pitted against a familiar foe. A visitor named Roger Thatt who purports to be from Fourth Wall Publishing, has some peculiar ideas of his own that require careful thought. Is Thursday and everyone she knows living in a simulation? Was her world created from scratch Last Thursday as Roger supposes, and are the books she reads the only direction in which books can be read? With existential questions the least of her troubles and a family to take care of, Thursday must defeat the Goliath Corporation, ensure that a tear in the fabric of the Bookworld does not suck all literature from hers, and conclude her own series so she can enjoy a comfortable retirement, while dodging the threat of the worse fate imaginable for a story: The Scooby Doo ending.
The author said they had been pleased to meet Salman Rushdie at the Freedom Games in Łódź. They wrote that they discussed freedom of expression, literature’s role in education, and preserving creativity and independent thought in an era increasingly shaped by AI. https://t.co/tzTstln5nc #WolnośćWyrazu #Literatura #Sztuka #PL
The post reported that Salman Rushdie had said at Freedom Games 2026 in Łódź, Poland, that only a very small number of books changed the world. https://t.co/n1FglPGCQR #FreedomGames #SalmanRushdie #Literature #PL
The author argued that the Sally Rooney and Salman Rushdie cases were comparable, while noting that the Rushdie case had differed between countries. They wrote that India’s Finance Ministry banned *The Satanic Verses* under Section 11 of the Customs Act through an October 5, 1988 notification blocking imports. #Literature #Censorship #FreedomofExpression #IN
I find it important to speak at public appearances not only about literature, but also about the conditions in which it arises. "I find it important to speak at public appearances not only about literature, but also about the conditions in which it arises. In this regard, the actions of the current Minister of Culture are alarming, and many authors evidently considered it important to express their concern," says Vlasáková, according to whom cultural workers in many countries, including Germany, feel political or economic threats. #ČeskáLiteratura #KulturaVOhrožení #KateřinaTučková (translated)
The author wrote that published scientific literature lagged reality by at least a year and said the situation was likely worse than suggested.
Carson, 76, is celebrated for works that often cross boundaries between poetry, fiction and scholarship. #NobelPrize #Literature #AnneCarson
Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. #Cookies #Security #OnlinePrivacy
The author wrote that Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature and linked to a New York Times article. #AnneCarson #NobelPrize #Literature #CA
The author said that year’s Nobel Prize in Literature was due to be announced the following day and that no Irish writer was rumoured to be in contention. They wrote that Ireland was already lagging behind the pace set by its writers in the previous century and referenced an article they had written in 2024 about Ireland’s Nobel prospects. https://t.co/IBiX14Fdxh #NobelPrize #Literature #Ireland #IE
"Czech-German cultural cooperation has significance that far exceeds the realm of culture. It is a contribution to European cohesion and the defense of freedom of thought, to the ability to listen to others while preserving one's own voice," said Klempíř, who wished German and Czech literature to continue in dialogue. #literatura #kultura #FrankfurtskýVeletrh (translated)
Mythology of the British Isles by Geoffrey Ashe Beginning with the giant Albion, after whom the country was once named, Geoffrey Ashe explores the myths whose roots lie in the different British regions. Taking in fairy-folk, druids and King Lear, and the tales of Merlin and King Arthur that continue to hold sway in the nationâ€s imagination, he uncovers their sources and underlying ideas as well as their handling in tradition and literature. An unforgettable and illuminating exploration of the legends of the British Isles. From the misty centuries of British and Irish prehistory to the height of the dark age, comes tales of giants and fairy-folk, druids and saints. From King Lear and King Arthur, to Fingal, Beowulf, Gwendolen and Guinevere these are the legendary characters who shaped the nation. But who were they? In Mythology of the British Isles, Geoffrey Ashe explores these compelling and ancient stories, seeing how they have taken on fresh significance as historical and archaeological research has uncovered the truth behind each legend.
The Nobel Prize for Medicine will be awarded today in Stockholm, where the prize winners for pioneering contributions will be announced, while a total of six prizes will be awarded in various fields of science, literature, and peace by the end of the week. #NobelovaNagrada #Znanost #MedicinskaRaziskava (translated)
Satul care a inventat banii. The Village That Invented Money. Le village qui a inventé l’argent www.amazon.fr/dp/B0H558J9D1 www.amazon.com/dp/B0H558J9D1 www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H558J9D1 Children’s story in Romanian, English, and French about money, trade, trust, and cooperation Economics for Children by Mr. Numberwise Economics for Children is a story-based series that introduces young readers to simple economic ideas through friendly characters, everyday problems, and clear “AHA!” moments. Each book helps children understand concepts such as money, trade, prices, resources, trust, cooperation, and community decision-making in an accessible and imaginative way. #KindleBooks #Childrens_eBooks #Education_&_Reference #Study_Aids #General #Literature_&_Fiction #Technology_Inventions #EconomicsThroughStories #Aventures_D_été_Pour_Enfants_9_12_ans #MoneyForKid #PoveștiDeAventură #VaraPentruCopii_9_12_ani #FinancialLiteracyForKids #Romanian #Română #English #French #SummerAdventureStoriesForKids_9_12 #Kids #Copii #Enfants (20261006: 801(460)7 #HappyEdu #HappyKids #ÉducationHeureuse #EnfantsHeureux #0262
Prime Minister, it is great that we are discussing literature. But I would be far happier to talk about promises kept. About having reformed our healthcare system so that patients finally receive care when they need it. About decisions and appointments being based on knowledge, #PromisesKept #HealthcareReform #LiteratureDebate #Nospecificcountriesarementionedinthetweet.Therefore #Icannotreturnanycountrycodes.
Roedd Archimedes ar ei dabled pan gafodd ei ladd gan filwr Rhufeinig. Ydy hynny’n swnio’n naturiol? Ddim yn arbennig. Ac eto, os ydym yn “diweddaru” y gorffennol ddigon, dyna’n union lle gallwn ni gyrraedd. Mae gan bron bob diwylliant argraffiadau wedi’u moderneiddio o awduron hŷn, ynghyd â dadleuon am orgraff, geirfa, nodiadau golygyddol ac addasu testunau ar gyfer darllenwyr cyfoes. Dywedodd gwerthwr hen bethau wrthyf unwaith fod “patina amser yn rhoi gwerth” ac y gall wneud y gwahaniaeth rhwng gwreiddiolyn a chopi rhad. Rwy’n agor “Traethodau Dydd Sul” Constantin Noica, yn cyrraedd rhagair y cyhoeddwr yn argraffiad Humanitas 1992 ac yn darllen bod “yr orgraff wedi’i diweddaru”. Gallai darllen Noica fod wedi bod yn daith drwy’r 1930au a’r 1940au. Yn lle hynny, rydym yn teithio drwy’r cyfnod hwnnw gyda sbectol fodern, yn eistedd yn gyfforddus mewn Uber, heb ofni mynd ar goll — hynny yw, heb y perygl o beidio â deall geiriau’r cyfnod, geiriau y gellid eu “cyfieithu” mewn troednodiadau. Beth petai ni hefyd yn cymryd papurau newydd y cyfnod ac yn eu “diweddaru”? A beth am rebranding hysbysebion y cyfnod hefyd, fel na fyddai’n rhaid i’n niwronau weithio’n rhy galed, fel mewn escape room? Pam stopio yno? Gallem ddiweddaru llyfrau hanes hefyd a dweud bod Archimedes o Syracuse wedi cael ei ladd gan filwr Rhufeinig tra oedd yn gwneud mathemateg ar ei dabled. Mae’r syniad sylfaenol yn aros yr un fath, on’d yw? Dim ond y cyfnod sy’n diflannu. Ac un peth arall: pam nad yw mathemategwyr yn “diweddaru” Pythagoras? Gallant newid y nodiant. Gallant esbonio’r prawf mewn ffordd wahanol. Gallant hyd yn oed adeiladu’r diagram ar-lein drwy animeiddiad o flaen llygaid y disgyblion. Ond mae theorem Pythagoras yn parhau’n theorem Pythagoras. Felly, pan ddarllenwn awdur hŷn, pam na ddylem gadw iaith ei gyfnod hefyd — a rhoi’r esboniadau modern mewn nodiadau? Ac un cwestiwn olaf i Humanitas ac i’r rhai sy’n gweithio mewn adrannau llenyddiaeth ac ieitheg mewn prifysgolion: os bydd disgyblion heddiw yn eich “diweddaru” gyda # ac emoji ymhen ychydig ddegawdau, a fydd hynny’n plesio chi? #0201 #Humanitas #ConstantinNoica #Noica #TraethodauDyddSul #Archimedes #Pythagoras #Hashtag #Emoji #MrStorywise #OrgraffWediEiDiweddaru #HanesYrIaith #20260921 #Cymraeg #Welsh #Cymru #Wales #Literature #History
Archimedes a wrug bos gans y tablet pan veu ev lethys gans sodhek Romanek. A son natural? Na, nyns yw. Hag yn ta, mars “daskor” an tremenedh yn splann lowr, yth yw hemma yn tyller le may hyllyn dos. Nes pub gonisogeth a’n bys a’n jeves dyllansow nowedhys a skriforyon coth, gans dadhelow a-dro dhe orthography, gerlyver, notennow redaksyonel ha’n fordh dhe aswon an tekst dhe redyer an termyn a-lemmyn. Un gwerther hen dra a leveris dhymm unnweyth bos “patina an termyn a rei gwerth” hag y gall bos an dyffrans ynter gwreythyn ha kopïa marow. My a ygor “Essayow Sul” gans Constantin Noica, a dheu dhe raglavar an dyllador yn dyllans Humanitas 1992, hag a wel bos “an orthography wedi bos daskorys”. Redya Noica a allsa bos kelgh yn blydhenyow 1930–1940. Yn le henna, ni a wra an kelgh-ma gans gwederow modern, esedhys yn ystayl yn Uber, heb own dhe golli’n hens — hemma yw, heb an peryl na wrussyn ni konvedhes geryow an termyn-na, a allsa bos “treylyes” yn notennow yn-dann an folen. Ha mars ni a gemer an lyvrow nowodhow a’n termyn-na hag a “daskor” y’ga? Ha mars ni a wra rebranding dhe’n hysbysansow a’n termyn-na, rag na wra’gan neuronow oberi re hir, kepar hag yn escape room? Prag hedhi ama? Ni a all daskor ynwedh an lyvrow istori ha skrifa bos Archimedes a Syracuse lethys gans sodhek Romanek pan o ev ow kewri mathematek war y tablet. An tybyans gwredh a gerys an keth, nyns eus? Saw an termyn a goll. Hag un peth arta: prag na wra mathemategoryon “daskor” Pythagoras? Y hyllyn chanjya an notasyon. Y hyllyn displegya an provyans yn fordh aral. Y hyllyn ynwedh gwul an linen online gans animation hag ev ow tevi yn-dann lagasow an dyskyblon. Mes theorem Pythagoras a gerys theorem Pythagoras. Ytho, pan redyn ni skrifor coth, prag na wren ni gwitha ynwedh yeth y dermyn — ha gorra an displegyansow modern yn notennow? Hag unn govyn diwettha dhe Humanitas ha dhe’n re a wra ober yn departementow llen ha filologi yn universita: mars dyskyblon a-lemmyn a “daskor” hwi a-ji dhe dew dhesempas gans # hag emoji, a vynnsegh hwi henna? #Humanitas #ConstantinNoica #Noica #EssayowSul #Archimedes #Pythagoras #Hashtag #Emoji #MrStorywise #OrthographyDaskorys #IstoriAnYeth #20260920_1926 #Kernewek #Cornish #Kernow #Cornwall #UnitedKingdom #Literature #History
Almost every culture has modernised editions of older authors, along with debates about spelling, vocabulary, editorial notes, and adaptation for contemporary readers. An antiquarian once told me that “the patina of time adds value” and can make the difference between an original and a cheap copy. I open Constantin Noica’s “Sunday Essays”, turn to the publisher’s preface in the 1992 Humanitas edition, and discover that “the spelling has been updated”. Reading Noica could have been a walk through the 1930s and 1940s. Instead, we are taking that walk wearing modern glasses, comfortably seated in an Uber, with no fear of getting lost — that is, of not understanding the words of the period, which could simply have been “translated” in footnotes. What if we took newspapers from the same period and “updated” them too? And perhaps we should rebrand their advertisements as well, so that our neurons do not have to work too hard, as if we were trapped in an escape room. Why stop there? We could update history textbooks too, and describe Archimedes of Syracuse as having been killed by a Roman soldier while doing math on his tablet. The basic idea remains, doesn’t it? Only the period disappears. And one more thing: why don’t mathematicians “update” Pythagoras? They can change the notation. They can explain the proof differently. They can even build the diagram online, through an animation unfolding before the students’ eyes. But the Pythagorean theorem remains the Pythagorean theorem. So when we read an older author, why not preserve the language of their time — and place modern explanations in the notes? And one final question for Humanitas and the people in university literature departments: if today’s schoolchildren “update” you a few decades from now with # and emoji, would you be happy with that? #Humanitas #ConstantinNoica #Noica #SundayEssays #Archimedes #Pythagoras #Hashtag #Emoji #MrStorywise #UpdatedSpelling #HistoryOfLanguage #20260920_1926 #English #Literature #History
There were reports that American troops were massacring villages of people and that bombs were being dropped on innocents. Wasn't Naomi's husband a bombardier? New #bookbubble from Carol Ann Ross https://t.co/la2WDBz0b5 #fiction #literature #amreading #bookbubble #fiction #amreading #US
