Comments on Stein, Proust, Rimbaud.

From one of America's greatest literary critics comes Edmund Wilson's insightful and candid record of the 1930's, The Thirties: From Notebooks and Diaries of the Period. Here, continuing from Wilson's previous journal, The Twenties, the narrator moves from the youthful concerns of the Jazz Age to his more substantial middle years, exploring the decade's plunge from affluence and exploring the tenets of Communism. His personal life is also amply represented, from his marriage to Margaret Canby and her subsequent tragic death to various erotic episodes with unidentified women.

From one of the greatest literary critics of the twentieth century, this installment of Edmund Wilson’s private notebooks covers the years of the 1940s, providing a rich lens into the writer’s life and the world at large. Wilson turned forty-five in 1940, and this volume The Forties: From Notebooks & Diaries of the Period shows the extent to which he was reappraising his life in the decade to follow - saying goodbye to the drifting of the 1920s and the Marxism of the 1930s. Published posthumously and edited by Leon Edel, The Forties includes observations on his increasingly complicated family matters and covers appreciatively writers like Andre Malraux, W. H. Auden, and Max Beerbohm, as well as entries from his research and travels. "We can see the beginnings of the masterly work of Wilson's later years, the studies of the American literary and mythic past on which his reputation will surely rest." Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post on The Forties

"The Blue Castle" tells the story of a young woman named Valancy Stirling, who lives a dull and uneventful life in the restrictive and judgmental society of the early 20th century. She is unmarried and lives with her overbearing mother and cousin, and has resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood and conformity. However, everything changes when Valancy receives a devastating medical diagnosis that gives her only a year to live. This news acts as a catalyst, prompting Valancy to break free from the constraints placed upon her and start living life on her own terms. She decides to leave her oppressive family environment and embrace her dreams and desires. Valancy's journey takes her to the fictional Blue Castle, a place of love and freedom that exists only in her imagination. In this imagined space, she meets a mysterious man named Barney Snaith, who becomes a symbol of hope and adventure in her life. Through "The Blue Castle," Montgomery explores themes such as self-discovery, the power of imagination, and the importance of living authentically. The novel challenges societal norms and expectations, highlighting the barriers placed on women during the early 20th century. Valancy's transformation from a meek and submissive woman to a vibrant and independent individual is both inspiring and empowering. Montgomery's writing is vivid and evocative, immersing readers in the beauty of the Canadian landscape and the emotions of the characters. Her descriptions of nature and the Blue Castle itself transport readers to a place of enchantment and possibility. The author's knack for creating memorable characters shines through in Valancy's journey, as well as in the supporting cast that includes eccentric family members and quirky townspeople. "The Blue Castle" stands apart from Montgomery's more famous works due to its departure from the author's usual setting of Prince Edward Island. The novel is set in the fictional Muskoka region of Ontario, providing a fresh and captivating backdrop. This change of scenery adds another layer of charm and uniqueness to the story. Overall, "The Blue Castle" is a delightful and heartwarming tale of self-discovery, courage, and love. It portrays the transformative power of embracing one's true desires and finding joy in unexpected places. Montgomery's masterful storytelling and the endearing characters make this a book you won't want to put down.