Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail By Cheryl Strayed New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2012 As Reviewed By Ted Odenwald Cheryl Strayed’s surname is basically a self-imposed label which she took legally when she divorced. “I had diverged, digressed, wandered, and become wild. I didn’t embrace […]
Judith Skelton Grant. Robertson Davies: Man of Myth. New York: Viking, 1994. As reviewed by Ted Odenwald As the hundredth anniversary of his birth approaches, it seems appropriate to revisit the life and accomplishments of Canadian novelist, journalist, educator, dramatist, and performing artist, Robertson Davies. Judith Skelton Grant’s detailed, analytical, […]
According to narrative historian, Robert Massie, Catherine the Great of Russia was “a majestic figure in the age of monarchy,” unequaled by all enthroned women except Elizabeth I of England. Her achievements rank her alongside the most famous Russian ruler, Peter the Great, as both expanded Russian territories and…
William Deresiewicz. A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me about Love, Friendship, and the Things that Really Matter. New York: Penguin Press. 2011. As reviewed by Ted Odenwald William Deresiewicz combines literary criticism and memoir, focusing primarily upon how the novels of Jane Austen had awakened him to […]
Claire Tomalin. Charles Dickens: A Life. New York: The Penguin Press. 2011. As Reviewed by Ted Odenwald Claire Tomalin has written an outstanding biography of Charles Dickens, published for the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of Britain’s greatest 19th-century novelist. Her meticulously researched and documented study explores Dickens’ strengths […]
Eric Rasmussen. The Shakespeare Thefts: In Search of the First Folios. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. As reviewed by Ted Odenwald A character in Edgar Lee Master’s Spoon River Anthology observes that people thought him mad because his life goal was to memorize the entire Encyclopedia Britannica. Shakespearean scholar makes […]
