Tag Archives: Joseph Cornell

“I’ve had the kind of fame which I felt was just the right amount.” — Lois Smith

Lois Smith, who turns 94 years old today, made her film debut in 1955, where she played a young prostitute in East of Eden. She has a small scene with James Dean, and then exits the film forever. But she … Continue reading

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“Since we do float on an unknown sea I think we should examine the other floating things that come our way very carefully.” — poet Elizabeth Bishop

“All the intellectuals were communist except me. I’m always very perverse so I went in for T.S. Eliot and Anglo-Catholicism.”– Elizabeth Bishop Elizabeth Bishop, born on this day, is one of my favorite poets. She didn’t write all that many … Continue reading

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“I wish I had not been so reserved.” — Joseph Cornell’s final words

Today is the birthday of artist Joseph Cornell. “Cornell is superb. I first saw the Medici Slot Machine when I was in college. Oh, I loved it. To think one could have bought some of those things then. He was … Continue reading

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“Every day life feels mightier, and what we have the power to be, more stupendous.” — Emily Dickinson

“If I read a book [and] it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me I know that is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know … Continue reading

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2022 Books Read

Some re-reads this year, but a lot of new-to-me authors as well. New novels written by faves. Been a year of upheaval and transitions. I’ve managed to keep up my regular reading schedule. I just don’t feel right if I’m … Continue reading

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Recommended: Biographies

For starters: My recommended Fiction books My recommended Non-Fiction books BIOGRAPHIES: American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson, by Joseph Ellis I’ve written a lot about Joseph Ellis’ work here. While I love David McCullough’s work so much, Ellis is … Continue reading

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Bookshelf Tour #7

Moving on to biographies. Please ignore my wretched ceiling. I had nothing to do with it. I also lost the top shelf of my bookshelves when I moved here in February. Still room for a row of books though. I … Continue reading

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Cornell Connection

Poster for Wes Anderson’s new film Joseph Cornell’s “Pink Palace” I know I am not the first one to recognize the influence that Joseph Cornell has had on Wes Anderson. It’s everywhere in his work, from the feel, down to … Continue reading

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The Books: Utopia Parkway: The Life And Work Of Joseph Cornell, by Deborah Solomon

Daily Book Excerpt: Biography Next biography on this shelf is Utopia Parkway: The Life and Work of Joseph Cornell (ArtWorks), by Deborah Solomon They made their way past several more curricula vitae holding cocktails, as well as a number of … Continue reading

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Happy Birthday to The Belle of Amherst

Emily Dickinson was born on this day in 1830. It is not known why she withdrew from society so completely. Theories abound. Books have been written. But the mystery remains. What we have are her poems. A wide interior life … Continue reading

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