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Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Islomania
Durrell's word is "Islomania" or "islomane," not "islomaniac," although the latter may be more relevant. See Durrell's Reflections on a Marine Venus: A Companion to the Landscape of Rhodes (1953; 1960), p. 15. — BR
We should kick off the new AALDS blog by revisiting a contentious issue, and dangling a huge piñata to Bruce to get his whacks in – but I’m not just throwing red meat. More like vegetarian spicy lentils. What do we really know about Prospero’s Cell:
It sometimes appears to be a memoir, yet it lacks certain characteristics (e.g. consistent truthfulness.)
It is framed in the form of a Baedeker, but clearly this is not a conventional travel book, since it was published in 1945!
It is dedicated in part to someone, Count D., who we believe to be the author himself – who does that?!
There may even be darker accusations, like plagiarism (though that is not my viewpoint and I have no such complaints.)
Was he a less-than-ideal husband to his tall & talented first wife? Probably.
However, along with the Alexandria Quartet, I find this to be my other top 5 favorite Durrell book. (Monsieur might edge out one of the quartet on my list, or not…)
Whoops – almost forgot to answer my own question. What is Prospero’s Cell? Utterly enchanting.
The White Dice house nestled on the rocks of Kalami Bay is certainly the appropriate venue to try to get to the bottom of this question.
I propose the AALDS books the White House for a three day workshop and exploration of Kalami Bay, Corfu township and the labyrinthic mind of Lawrence Durrell.
Many unanswered questions will surely be resolved in this enchanting venue which throbs with islomane memories and footstep effluvia of Lawrence Durrell. Who knows we could employ some Gnostic incantations and Count D may make an appearance!
Suggested dates anyone? Naturally invitations would be strictly limited.
PS. I would be happy to revisit and share memories with the group of my infamous encounters with members of the IDLRs. Yes Bruce I will wear the red and green shoes for you!!
Prospero’s Cell: what is it?
ReplyDeleteWe should kick off the new AALDS blog by revisiting a contentious issue, and dangling a huge piñata to Bruce to get his whacks in – but I’m not just throwing red meat. More like vegetarian spicy lentils. What do we really know about Prospero’s Cell:
It sometimes appears to be a memoir, yet it lacks certain characteristics (e.g. consistent truthfulness.)
It is framed in the form of a Baedeker, but clearly this is not a conventional travel book, since it was published in 1945!
It is dedicated in part to someone, Count D., who we believe to be the author himself – who does that?!
There may even be darker accusations, like plagiarism (though that is not my viewpoint and I have no such complaints.)
Was he a less-than-ideal husband to his tall & talented first wife? Probably.
However, along with the Alexandria Quartet, I find this to be my other top 5 favorite Durrell book. (Monsieur might edge out one of the quartet on my list, or not…)
Whoops – almost forgot to answer my own question. What is Prospero’s Cell? Utterly enchanting.
Cheers! - Ken
Ken...
DeleteThe White Dice house nestled on the rocks of Kalami Bay is certainly the appropriate venue to try to get to the bottom of this question.
I propose the AALDS books the White House for a three day workshop and exploration of Kalami Bay, Corfu township and the labyrinthic mind of Lawrence Durrell.
Many unanswered questions will surely be resolved in this enchanting venue which throbs with islomane memories and footstep effluvia of Lawrence Durrell. Who knows we could employ some Gnostic incantations and Count D may make an appearance!
Suggested dates anyone? Naturally invitations would be strictly limited.
PS. I would be happy to revisit and share memories with the group of my infamous encounters with members of the IDLRs. Yes Bruce I will wear the red and green shoes for you!!