Friday Book Review: Gardener's nightcap

Gardener's nightcap by Muriel Stuart. London : Persephone Books, 2006.

‘There is an hour just before dark, when the garden resents interference. Its work, no less than the gardener’s, is done.’

As the title suggests this would make perfect bedtime reading for any gardener. It’s a collection of observations planting hints and even the occasional recipe brought together as a sort of commonplace book. What sets it apart from many similar books is the quality of the writing; that the author was a poet is clearly evident. Additionally, unlike modern compilations, generally produced by indifferent researchers, Muriel Stuart’s obvious love of gardening shines through as does some very decided opinions.
Superbly presented by Persephone, with their usual care and attention of design, it is a delight to read.

Friday Book Review: Central Glasgow

Central Glasgow by Peter Stewart. Stroud : Chalford, 1997.
This is much better than the usual `then and now' collections of photographs, with quite informative descriptions of each picture. The author has obviously done some research into the histort of the buildings and businesses pictured.

Friday Book Review: Our longest days : A people's history of the Second World War

Our longest days : A people's history of the Second World War by Sandra Koa Wing. London : Profile Books, 2008.

I found this to be somewhat disappointing - I'd read Nella Last's War and enjoyed that book, so was hoping for something similar. Mass observation can provide a fascinating sidelight on the difficulties of peoples lives, and how even the 'trivial' changes that war forces on the population can have far-reaching effects and I would like to have seen more of this sort of detail, particularly towards the end where there seemed to be mainly comment on the progress of the war and peace.

One of the problems with this particular book is that there are a fair number of diarists, some only appearing at various times during the period (the diaries are arranged chronologically), so, at least initially, it can difficult to get a sense of whose perspective you are experiencing events through. I'd suggest reading the biographies (which are very brief) before getting into the diaries properly.

As I got further into the book, I did find myself 'connecting' with one or two particular diarists and reading those were much more enjoyable. As is mentioned in the introduction, the diarists tended to come from a particular class and political leanings, so there are still many stories untold.

Friday Book Review: Scenes From A Revolution: The Birth of the New Hollywood

Scenes From A Revolution: The Birth of the New Hollywood by Mark Harris. Canongate Books (2008), Hardcover, 496 pages

This is a work which covers a rarely covered period of Hollywood in the standard histories – the mid-Sixties between the hegemony of the old studio system and the rise of the director/auteur. American filmmaking of this decade has been less well catered for than the British industry, with its reflection of ‘Swinging Sixties’.

The author’s approach is to focus in on 5 very different films, the Best Picture nominees of 1967 (In the Heat of the Night, Bonnie & Clyde, Doctor Dolittle, The Graduate, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner), each of which represent a strand of filmmaking at that time, and hold them up the changes which are going on in society around them. The films themselves may seem tame today, but between them they reflected the impact of the Production Code, the Civil Rights Movement and the rise of counterculture. The argument the author makes that these are radical films which changed (or at least were a catalyst for change) is compelling.

This is a meticulously researched and referenced work, and for any scholarly film historian would be critical reading, however it is also extremely accessible to anyone with a general interest in the history of film (or the Sixties in general). The stories of the five films, one weaving in and out of the other as their gestation occurs over a period of years keeps the reader interested. The principal characters are sharply depicted, almost wickedly so in some cases. Struggling actors and studio moguls alike could almost be stereotypes, but the author provides enough detail and background to create individuals.

It’s the detail that impresses, based on interviews and original documents it makes the work fresh – Ranulph Fiennes attempting to sabotage Dr Dolittle, the trading of scripts and production rights, and perhaps most poignantly these days how filming of In the Heat of the Night was cut short in Tennessee by racism (only one hotel in the town would accept black people).

I’ve read few works on behind-the-scenes Hollywood which attempt to give such a full context for the production, the process is as much the star as any of the actors.

Friday Book Review: Geology and landscapes of Scotland

Geology and landscapes of Scotland by Con Gillen. Harpenden : Terra, 2003.

A thoroughly readable account of the geology of Scotland putting it in the context of world processes. Given this is such a complex terrain, he has opted to go fr a regional approach, but has included how the major events which shaped that particular region have also affected elsewhere. For those interested in the history of the science, he also highlights specific areas of importance in the development of geological theory.
The work is extensively illustrated throughout with many clear B&W photographs supplemented by line drawings.
A useful feature is the further resources section, not merely a bibliography, it includes options for further study and a glossary of technical and Gaelic terms.

Friday Book Review: Words Words Words

Words Words Words by David Crystal. OUP Oxford (2007), Paperback, 224 pages



This is a much lighter book than many of David Crystal's works. It makes a readable introduction to the subject, actually the chapter summaries seem to suggest that it might be intended for the school/college student. The final chapter includes some exercises (word games?) to test the reader.

Friday Book Review: Writing Scotland : how Scotland's writers shaped the nation

Writing Scotland : how Scotland's writers shaped the nation by Carl MacDougall. Edinburgh : Polygon, 2004.

A readable introduction to Scottish literature, it explores the subject thematically rather than chronologically. (Accompanied BBC TV series)

Friday Book Review: Scottish gardens. Being a representative selection of different types, old and new

Scottish gardens. Being a representative selection of different types, old and new by Sir. Herbert Maxwell. London, 1908

Beautifully illustrated by Mary Wilson, this has fascinating descriptions of many of the best Scottish gardens of that era, interspersed with historical anecdote. The author concentrates mainly on the planting rather than design and layout, with the emphasis on West Coast gardens. Given the publication date of 1908, it is especially fascinating to modern readers as few of these gardens remain in original ownership, or even exist in their original state.

Friday Book Review: Restoring period gardens : from the Middle Ages to Georgian times

Restoring period gardens : from the Middle Ages to Georgian times by John Hooper. Harvey. Aylesbury, Bucks, UK: Shire Publications, 1988. 112 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 21 cm.

Not so much a how-to book; more a guide to some of the principles and ethics behind garden restoration. It does give useful descriptions of restored gardens in the UK (and mentions some major restorations from the USA). Perhaps the most practical aspect are the appendices - lists of plants that were commonly available in the UK at the different periods covered by the work. Like most Shire books, a good, brief introduction

Friday Book Review: The Ingenious Mr Fairchild: The Forgotten Father of the Flower Garden

The Ingenious Mr Fairchild: The Forgotten Father of the Flower Garden by Michael Leapman. Headline Book Publishing Ltd (2001), Paperback, 288 pages

Strangely enough Thomas Fairchild is perhaps one of the less vivid characters in this book. The author, Michael Leapman admits to the difficulty of finding any documentary information regarding Fairchild's life and the lack of any existing documents etc., so generally has to extrapolate from references from others, particularly from letters. Richard Bradley, the main source of the secondary , actually comes across as far more interesting - everyone's idea of the Eighteenth Century scientific buccaneer.
The debate between science and religion, was obviously significant to Fairchild, who left money for a sermon to given in his memory, a practice which continues to this day. Leapman writes with vigour about issues such as this not only in regard to the Eighteenth Century, but also relates it to the present day. The descriptions of London, and the scientific and social background of that time are vivid and illuminating.

Friday Book Review: The home front a mirror to life in England during the First World War

The home front a mirror to life in England during the First World War by E. Sylvia Pankhurst. London Cresset Library c1987 460p,[31]p of plates ill 22cm pbk

This is a fascinating book, exploding the facade of a united front during WWI. The situation of those left behind is less popularly documented than that of WWII, and here Sylvia Pankhurst uses examples from the East End of London in particular to highlight the attitudes of officialdom towards the working classes, particularly the women, and how they coped.

This is as much a book about class politics as it is about feninism.
For the casual reader, it does occasionaly get bogged down in the detail of prices, pay rates and the various regulations, but this must reflect the reality of those struggling to cope where even the law seemed to turned against them.

It's not entirely polemic; individuals are skilfully drawn, her strained relations with her mother and sister are sharply expressed, and her affection for and meetings with (the then dying) Kier Hardie is touching.