Dear lovely people who know things. I seem to remember I've read some books or articles on this and it's probably super obvious - looking for (literary critically or philosophically inflected) reading on 'the present' (maybe particularly in relation to the historical novel) but also generally.

A few weeks ago I think there was a conversation here about reading/teaching in Universities. The idea of making space to read. I think someone shared an amazing syllabus about reading (on dropbox?), which mentioned Calvino and surface reading. I've lost the link. Anyone out there/here remember it?

@melpryorpoetry.bsky.social I loved your recent posting of Sam’s poem ‘A Redbreast Flew..’ from ‘New Light’ (2010) - which is such a cracking volume. Do you know what happened to him, or where he is now?

Inscription issue 6 (out spring 2026) is all about cuts / tears. Here is our call for papers -- cut up. Talk to us if you have an idea for an article!

Lucille Clifton, always.

A new conversation on Always Take Notes podcast .... www.alwaystakenotes.com/episodes/202...

Another of my bookmarks from the other place was for this great looking book by @drlynnsomers.bsky.social about one of my favourite artist-makers

So delighted and fortunate to have had this conversation with the brilliant @njdames.bsky.social - just published today. Would love to hear further thoughts/continue the conversation here… www.publicbooks.org/parallel-tra...

Sudden flashback. Aged 7, was cast in school nativity-fringe as a maidamilking. Spent ages in run up trying to overcome my resentment (at not being Gabriel) & trying to figure out how to make the most of my 5 secs of assembly fame, how to milk my imaginary cow with flair & grace..plus ca change

Another of my bookmarks from the other place - this piece by @timkendall70.bsky.social about Keith Douglas news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-h...

40 years ago: Pits and Perverts was a fundraiser for Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners. The Bronski Beat gig raised £5000. It helped build relationships between Unions and #LGBTQ communities, united by the common enemy of Thatcher’s Government, leading to Union support for pro-gay policies.

Love it. I was introduced to this gorgeous cartoon by @andrewschuman.bsky.social and it provided the start of this piece on Adam Phillips. www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/culture/3841...

Here's another from my bookmarks - haven't listened to it yet but looks rather wonderful www.rte.ie/archives/202...

Ushering in another December - with Housman

I love I Capture The Castle so much. An extraordinary book about grief, I think - and included it in this fivebooks.com/best-books/g...

Thinking that the way to start, maybe, is to begin by making a record of interesting things found in the other place that I’ve bookmarked over the years..the first is this article from Nyrob about Dodie Smith’s ICTC - discovered thanks to @sarramanning.bsky.social www.nybooks.com/online/2024/...