Welcome to Litsy!

Reading an Anita Brookner essay is a humbling experience- I don't think I've ever looked up so many words (English ones mind you, not the gobs of untranslated French quotes). Still, I learned a lot about 19th century French Romantic painters & writers, the focus of most of the essays. AB's sharp criticism of other art historians made me worry she would pan Lessing's The Golden Notebook in that essay- I was actively relieved to find she liked it 😋

In a few of her essays on 19th century art, Brookner is not above eviscerating the flimsy theories of other art historians, like in this case while critiquing Michael Fried's theory on the 'obliviated observer'. The underlined portion got a 😄 from me. #shesgotclaws #nuyear @TrishB @Cinfhen

After finishing one novel today, this collection of Brookner essays, mostly on 19th century art, is my last left of 2017. Maybe not most's idea of a party but the delicious amber ale and snack food for later when I'll need to be social are more in that vein. I like the Brookner, but have definitely been distracted by some #NewYearDreams about my planned reads in 2018 starting with #ReadingtheIdiot buddy read. Happy 2018 reading! #decdays @Cinfhen

Thanks Philly for this #bookhaul The top two were from this interesting garage-like vintage shop called Thunderbirds and the bottom three are from the used bookstore Mostly Books, which has a good selection and nice layout.