How Maugham wrote
“On taking thought it seemed to me that I must aim at lucidity, simplicity, & euphony.” — Somerset Maugham
“On taking thought it seemed to me that I must aim at lucidity, simplicity, & euphony.” — Somerset Maugham
The dead language that isn’t: Latin returns to the school language curriculum.
Blake Bailey’s John Cheever biography isn’t out till next March, but an advance copy arrived in the mail a couple days ago, and I’ve been enjoying the author’s skillful and generous use of excerpts from Cheever’s massive journal. The highlight so far (in that it reveals Cheever as an at-least-occasional black hole for praise) is an entry about the lunch . . .
Finally. Harry Crews is selected for induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.
The Smart Set is a weekly feature, compiled and posted by Lauren Cerand, that usually appears Mondays at 12:30 pm, and highlights the best of the week to come. Special favor is given to New York’s independent booksellers and venues, and low-cost and free events. Please send details to Ms. Cerand at lauren [at] maudnewton.com by the Thursday prior to . . .