Classic Literature April 2012 Archive

How often do you get the chance to give away free books? Or, better yet, when has a stranger given you a book (or left it for you to find)? It's ... Read More

There's something about the smell of books... Umberto Eco said, "I love the smell of book ink in the morning." And, Ray Bradbury said, "Do you know that books smell ... Read More

A Farewell to Arms is a novel by Ernest Hemingway. The book was published in 1929, and the popularity of this work contributed to Hemingway's status as an American legend ... Read More

Beverly Cleary was born on April 12, 1916 (96 years!). She was born Beverly Bunn in Oregon, and became a popular author of more than 30 books, some of which ... Read More

Mark Twain has been a favorite author to many. His wit and wisdom still touches us today; and his books have continued in their controversial portrayals of humanity. Today is ... Read More

Some classics seem almost deceptively simple. Why is it important to know about some ole fisherman who goes fishing (and catches a fish)? It certainly doesn't seem groundbreaking. And, the ... Read More

The trials and tribulations of Oscar Wilde are well-known. What started out as a seemingly harmless libel suit turned into devastation (as Oscar Wilde was prosecuted and imprisoned). After losing ... Read More

What is our fascination with the love lives of famous authors? We seem not to be content with the absence of information--our contemporary novelists, biographers and others take the bits ... Read More

Have you ever found yourself reading a book--in a place or a situation that's unique, even unforgettable? Perhaps, it's that "certain slant of light" Emily Dickinson talks about? Or, you're ... Read More

Take a look at An April Day, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: "When the warm sun, that brings Seed-time and harvest, has returned again, 'T is sweet to visit the still wood, where springs The ... Read More

I once took a class in fiction-writing class (took quite a few of them actually)... but in this one the professor talked about how to flesh out the character, make ... Read More