Culture Watch

Joan L. Cannon writes: Reading The Master was so like my memory of reading Henry James, I was amazed that a member of the 21st Century could so faithfully reproduce not only the literary style, but the moral stance of the 19th, especially in a fictional personification. Just to make sure the resemblance was deliberate, I read a recent essay by Mr. Tóibín. No question the diction, syntax, and authorial posture were carefully chosen to suit the narrative. The feeling engendered for the reader is uncanny and moving. more »

Plato writes: "It is a confusing path, hard to follow without a thread, but, provided [you are] not devoured at the midpoint, it leads surely, despite twists and turns, back to the beginning." Mazes and labyrinths can be found on artifacts from the ancient world; from the Bronze Age in Spain, to Ireland and India; from North Africa to the American Southwest. In these cultures — and many others — the labyrinth conveyed ideas about a meandering, perhaps obstacle-filled, journey toward enlightenment.         more »

With a career encompassing the birth of modern art in Paris, to revitalizing the arts scene in Glasgow after the outbreak of World War II, Fergusson is the most international and diverse of the Scottish Colourists. The only Colourist to make sculpture, he was also involved with the performing arts through his partner, the dance pioneer Margaret Morris. He is best known for his depictions of women. more »

Joan L. Cannon reviews: After too many novels whose focus seems (if the reader is honest with herself) to be on the sexual antics and sensations involved with falling and being in love, this is a welcome rendition that allows for how real people after the flush of youth must behave. It seems likely that it would take a writer of Quinlen’s reputation to be allowed to have her two main characters act as they do. You will believe it all, and really root for a happy ending. more »