Fifteen years ago I read the Old Testament (King James Version) and blogged it as I went. I always meant to keep on trucking, but, well, I didn’t. Now, in January and February of 2026 I am going to read all 27 books of the New Testament (I have a passing familiarity with the Gospels,... Continue Reading →
New Testament: 1 Timothy
Fifteen years ago I read the Old Testament (King James Version) and blogged it as I went. I always meant to keep on trucking, but, well, I didn’t. Now, in January and February of 2026 I am going to read all 27 books of the New Testament (I have a passing familiarity with the Gospels,... Continue Reading →
Essays; “Debtors’ Prisons 1 & 2” by Samuel Johnson (30 & 31/142)
Essays; “Debtors' Prisons (1)” by Samuel Johnson (30/142) In an effort to educate myself, I am reading The Oxford Book of Essays, chosen and edited by John Gross. [copies for sale here] There’s 142 of the blighters, so it will take me all year. To make this “stick” I am going to blog each essay.... Continue Reading →
Sherlock Holmes short story: The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual- a “mere” trifle 18/56
In 2026 I plan to read all the Conan Doyle “Sherlock Holmes” works - 56 short stories and 4 novels (here’s why and how). If you haven’t already read it, Michael Green’s “undiscovered letter” from John Watson is fricking hilarious. I may also read various Holmes homages/pastiches etc. Who knows? (btw I’d recommend theSeven Per... Continue Reading →
Ressentiment, white rage and… Samuel Johnson?
Hardly a new observation, but I just quote posted this on Bluesky in response to someone who had copped flak for writing an obituary of a talented black female scientist, Gladys Mae West. "Nothing drives sexist racists more wild than evidence that there are women of colour smarter than them, who achieved more than they... Continue Reading →
Book: Philemon – “prison letters”
Fifteen years ago I read the Old Testament (King James Version) and blogged it as I went. I always meant to keep on trucking, but, well, I didn’t. Now, in January and February of 2026 I am going to read all 27 books of the New Testament (I have a passing familiarity with the Gospels,... Continue Reading →
Book: Titus
Fifteen years ago I read the Old Testament (King James Version) and blogged it as I went. I always meant to keep on trucking, but, well, I didn’t. Now, in January and February of 2026 I am going to read all 27 books of the New Testament (I have a passing familiarity with the Gospels,... Continue Reading →
Essays; “Conversation” by Samuel Johnson (29/142)
In an effort to educate myself, I am reading The Oxford Book of Essays, chosen and edited by John Gross. [copies for sale here] There’s 142 of the blighters, so it will take me all year. To make this “stick” I am going to blog each essay. This essay is online No. 188. SATURDAY, JANUARY... Continue Reading →
Essays; “Dignity and the uses of Biography” by Samuel Johnson (28/142)
In an effort to educate myself, I am reading The Oxford Book of Essays, chosen and edited by John Gross. [copies for sale here] There’s 142 of the blighters, so it will take me all year. To make this “stick” I am going to blog each essay. This essay is online Who was the author: ... Continue Reading →
Essays; “The Poor and their Betters” by Henry Fielding (27/142)
In an effort to educate myself, I am reading The Oxford Book of Essays, chosen and edited by John Gross. [copies for sale here] There’s 142 of the blighters, so it will take me all year. To make this “stick” I am going to blog each essay. This essay is online Who was the author: ... Continue Reading →