1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Classic Literature

Have you ever been caught reading?

Not that reading a book is ever a bad thing... But, reading can be a tantalizing draw, especially when you're supposed to be doing your chores or homework, or working. Get caught reading this summer!

Reading Bits for Summer

Esther's Classic Literature Blog

What a Bother--Past?

Sunday July 20, 2008
The Wind in the WillowsWhat can we learn from a rat, a mole, a toad, and other creatures?

I still remember when I first read The Wind in the Willows. It's a great entertainment experience for readers of all ages. And, once you've read it, you're not likely to forget the read.

In The Wind in the Willows, we read: "Animals arrived, liked the look of the place, took up their quarters, settled down, spread, and flourished. They didn't bother themselves about the past - they never do; they're too busy."

Read more quotes from the novel, or read the entire text. Also take a look at a review. Have you read this book? What did you think? Would you recommend it to others? And, what does this tale say about our society?

Cover Art © Penguin.

Grow Old & Wise, or Just Old?

Wednesday July 16, 2008
On Late Style: Music and Literature Against the GrainHow does dying affect art: literature and music?

In this collection of essays, Edward Said explores the last works of writers and musicians, including Thomas Mann, Constantine P. Cavafy, and Samuel Beckett. Said asks: "Does one grow wiser with age and are there unique qualities of perception and form that artists acquire as a result of age in the late phase of their career?"

Read more about On Late Style. How do you think a writer's last work can be affected by the knowledge that the end is near?

Add to Technorati Favorites

Blogs That Link Here

Explore Classic Literature

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Classic Literature

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.