without the artist....

[liminal_space]

THIS is why the internet was invented:

~ 

one of the first things most students study when chasing the highly lucrative ba in english literature is critical theory which, basically, explores all the different ways to analyze a piece of writing like a smarty pants. 

one of these critical approaches is biographical, where you dig in to what and who the author was before moving on — hopefully — to a more "serious" examination. it's probably my favorite way to start the fancy way to read because it's all gossipy and nosey. =D 

last night i stumbled on the above video (although, to be fair, i think i knew about the series) and, with headphones on, listened. and swooned. and hand-to-heart felt magic all about me. 

the language of the letter is nothing short of perfect. 

at least on first listen. 

still, it's that first "read" where literary art does what it's supposed to do. and this letter did what it was supposed to do. 

let's leave it at that — and not look at all the red flags that signaled dude was sort of a douche. and let's not look at the relationship between the writer, gerald durrell, and the woman, lee mcgeorge, it was written for, because a quick peek on the internet tells me i don't want to approach this in any other way than the "i have my blinders on" way. 

i just want to let it be beautiful. 

Comments

[kensmind.livejournal.com]

I've heard about those snooty people with Bachelor of Arts degrees in English Lit and their country clubs and polo ponies. Still, as you say, their ability to capture our hearts and minds on a first reading is probably why they make the big bucks!

[honor-reid.livejournal.com]

This was lovely. Thanks so much for sharing!

[liminal-space.livejournal.com]

i think that the best writers DON'T have the english degrees, to be honest. it's the critics and academics that are the snooties (ahem, harold bloom, ahem). :) lol

[liminal-space.livejournal.com]

wasn't it, though? the words...oh, the words. <3

[kensmind.livejournal.com]

Speaking of the best writers, have you read Burning Eden yet (by one of our mutual LJ friends)? Whether or not she has an English lit degree, I loved reading that book!

[adafrog.livejournal.com]

Beautiful.

(I will take your advice and not delve further.)