Persephone Books have shrunk their lovely Persephone Biannually publication to this little Persephone Pamphlet - much smaller, fewer articles and no coloured pictures. They don't actually say so but it's obviously to save money - especially on postage. As it's still free I won't complain but the pictures in the Biannually were always handy for the scrapbook.
Persephone Books publish books, just 3 or 4 a year, that have been forgotten, usually by women writers. I've enjoyed several of their books and have a small collection of favourites but two they've re-published recently are books I've already read.
I owned a copy like this one below for many years - The Waters Under The Earth by John Moore, but it went in one of the house moves.
I can't remember anything about it now and wouldn't mind re-reading so I suggested the library buy a copy and they did. I was able to be first to reserve and it will be on the library van for me this month.
Mrs Miniver by Jan Struther is Persephone's most recent re-print (number 151) and I own a Virago Modern Classic copy from 1989, which is still available second-hand for pennies, so I'm not sure why Persephone chose this to reprint. The original started as columns in The Times in 1937 recounting the everyday events of a fictional middle class family.
It was turned into a film during WWII and became popular on both sides of the Atlantic with Winston Churchill saying it had been very good for the Allied cause.
Jan Struther was the pen-name of Joyce Maxtone Graham and her Granddaughter Ysender Maxtone Graham is also an author - of non-fiction books. I read one of her books (British Summer Time Begins) recently in the summer bit of my Reading The Seasons 'challenge'.
Before going to the second-hand book sale on Saturday it was over a year since I'd found a Persephone anywhere but then I spotted this lurking at the back of the gardening books and picked it up quickly for £1.
Back Soon
Sue
I never knew Mrs. Miniver came from a book. I loved that film!
ReplyDeleteChurchill said that film helped with US participation in WWII more than many words.
DeleteI am reading a book that I think you would love. Have you ever read 'There are Rivers in the Sky?' Oh my gosh. What a fascinating story, rich and over flowing with details. Elif Shafak is the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the hint. The library have copies and 76 people waiting so it must be good! I shall add myself to the list
DeleteMrs Miniver is a lovely book. I've never seen the film. I also enjoyed dipping into Gardener's Nightcap.
ReplyDeleteI think the film was on TV a few years ago as I know I've seen it fairly recently - perhaps it will come round again
DeleteJan Struther also wrote the beautiful hymn "Lord of all hopefulness"
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourites.
DeleteWe certainly need plenty of hopefulness at the moment!
my mother's friend, a devout Christian married to a vicar simply could not get that hymn correct and always sang "Lord of all hopelessness" sending us into gales of giggles during the service!
DeleteI've never read Mrs Miniver, but enjoyed the film, of course.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the film will be on TV again sometime
DeleteI didn't know Mrs Miniver was a book, nor of its origins. I did, however, enjoy the film, and Greer Garson was a lovely actress.
ReplyDeleteI need to re-read sometime - I'm glad I have a copy
DeleteWhat a coincidence - I’ve just found a free download of Mrs Miniver on the Internet Archive (archive.org). It mentions library books and a jigsaw at thee end of the first chapter and I immediately thought of you.
ReplyDeleteOh - strange coincidence! Spooky!
DeleteIt sounds like Mrs Miniver would be right up my street, either the book or film. I'll have to look out for one or the other. Persephone books do look very good lined up on a bookshelf don't they. How big is your collection now?
ReplyDeleteI've just counted and there are 18 grey and 3 of their classics with picture covers. I would have had more but I passed on some to a friend and charity shop that I knew I'd never read.
DeleteAnd of course you sent me one of your duplicates. :-)
DeleteGreat find and well done on getting the library to order a new book. I liked the film Mrs Miniver so will try to source a book. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThe libraries are really good at getting books suggested - Thankfully - saving me a fortune
DeleteThanks for the Mrs Miniver book tip. I love the Virago classics these Persephone books sound similar vein.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
I always scan the shelves in charity shops etc for dark green Virago and Grey Persephone - not often lucky though
DeleteI will have to look for some of the titles mentioned in my library. Thanks, Sue.
ReplyDeleteHope you find some of the books and enjoy them
DeleteI loved The Waters under the Earth and recently realised I have lost my copy!
ReplyDeleteI had my old copy for years until it went in a house move - that has happened to many of the books I've owned
DeleteI will look for the books and/or films. They sound lovely.
ReplyDeleteHope you find them
DeleteI have seen Mrs Miniver movie several times.
ReplyDeletecathy
I've only seen it once but will look out for it again
Delete