In the best of all
worlds, a book worth packing along on vacation is one that invites
interruptions without complaint, whether it be gazing at cloud
formations, polite conversation, or even dozing off. After all,
the whole point is to relax, right? To narrow the definition further,
such a book must be amusing and witty at times and, if possible,
thoughtful. If I learn something about plants in the meantime,
all the better. A practical matter is size, the smaller the better;
my beach bag is heavy enough, thank you.
The search for just
such books led me to the garden essays of Beverley Nichols. For
those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Nichols,
let me introduce you. Nichols (1898-1983) is a British author
with some 60 books to his credit. He is most famous for a dozen
or so gardening books written in a light and airy style. In them,
he reveals a keen observation and sensitivity to nature, whether
it be floral, human, or feline. Readers will be delighted with
witty musings about his world and the characters who visit it.
Nichols’ work is enjoying
a resurgence of interest thanks to the efforts of Timber Press,
which began reprinting his work in 1998, and Roy Dicks, whose
readings of Nichols’ work are said to be more akin to performances
than mere readings. Books now available from Timber Press include
the Merry Hall Trilogy, which includes Merry Hall,
Laughter on the Stairs, and Sunlight on the Lawn;
Garden Open Today; Garden Open Tomorrow; and Cats’
A.B.C.
Timber Press has also
set up a Web site to celebrate Nichols: www.beverleynichols.com.
The site contains wonderful photos, excerpts, and a complete bibliography.
(See Page Two for the bibliography.)
Roy Dicks is also responsible
for the Nichols renaissance. He took up the Nichols crusade after
reading Down the Garden Path, which had been recommended by J.C.
Raulston (of Raulston
Arboretum, Raleigh, NC). The Nichols’ fan, a former librarian,
actor, director, and producer is now a music and theater critic
for a local newspaper. He collected all 60 of Nichols books and
visited the Nichols gardens in England a few years ago. Unfortunately,
Dicks points out, none is designated a historic site or public
place or even maintained as Nichols had them.
Dicks does readings
all over the country. His upcoming performances are listed at
the Beverley Nichols Web site. When asked which of Nichols’ books
is his favorite, he says without hesitation Merry Hall.
It’s also the one he recommends readers pick up first. His second
favorite is Down the Garden Path (Antique Collector’s Club,
limited availability). Both are beautifully written, full of humor,
and consistently, well, “Nichols,” explains Dicks. They are also
very quotable.
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