Category: Literature & Poetry

February 1, 2015

Inimitable Churchill

Killer Quotes from Winston, sometimes witty, often solemn, always true…

-1940-

As we commemorated the funeral of Winston Churchill last week I want to follow WWII per year with his quotes.

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”

cecil-beaton-london-bomb-victim-c-1940Photograph of Air raid victim by Cecil Beaton

In 1940 as Prime Minister, Churchill in a speech refers to the ongoing efforts of the Royal Air Force pilots who were at the time fighting the Battle of Britain, the pivotal air battle with the German Luftwaffe with Britain expecting a German invasion.

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January 28, 2015

The Art of Conversation

Powerful French Women and their Famous “Salons”

“Why not start a virtual “Salon?” was my idea when I decided to write this blog. The Art of Conversation is something I want to vigorously keep up!

Watch the French film “Ridicule” to fully understand the power of women skilled in conversation in 18th century France:

ridicuActress Fanny Ardent in the 1996 French film “Ridicule” (Netflix)

“Salons” started in Italy in the 16th century and soon took hold in France. They were the artistic and literary “Think Tanks” of the 17th, 18th & 19th century, mostly held by society ladies in their beautiful homes. A lady who held a “Salon” would reign as she set the topics, the tone and “ambiance” of the gathering. There was fierce competition amongst ” Salonnières” about who would draw the most brilliant crowd. I will highlight two famous “Salonnières”: Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun and Juliette Récamier.

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January 23, 2015

EGOÏSTE

The Ultimate Literary, Art & Fashion Magazine.

Run to get the 17th issue today!

In 1977 Nicole Wisniak created a gigant sized art and literary magazine in Paris called “Egoïste”. It is literally a “one woman show”. So far only 17 issues have been published at irregular intervals, as Nicole orchestrates her magazine to the last detail. She has persuaded over the years a most eclectic and talented group of photographers, writers, artists and musicians to participate in each publication that is part fashion bible and part literary journal.

exemple maq EgoisteCover of Egoïste Issue No 17 – Cate Blanchett photographed by Paolo Roversi

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January 21, 2015

Sturm und Drang

How Goethe’s poetry and prose seduced me to love the German language…

“I love those who yearn for the impossible”

GoetheJohann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

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January 11, 2015

Sex & Science in 18th Century France

The story of the “Divine Émilie” & Voltaire

Emilie

 Émilie du Châtelet

I am fascinated by women in history who were daring and unconventional. In 18th century France women were enormously restricted by class, position and convention. Gabrielle Émilie Le Tonnelier de Breteuil, Marquise du Châtelet (1706-1749) was a French mathematician, physicist, and author during the Age of Enlightenment. Her crowning academic achievement is considered to be her translation and commentary on Isaac Newton’s work Principia Mathematica, no less! Read the rest of this entry »

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