Daily Archives: April 13, 2014

“Philip of Macedon” by George Cawkwell

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Houyhnhnm

A standard—looking textbook, first published in 1978. I didn’t read it all, just plundered it for background after reading The Fire from Heaven; this showed how close Mary Renault’s account was to the sources (almost diminishing her imagination). I particularly … Continue reading →

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“The Fire from Heaven” by Mary Renault

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Houyhnhnm

From the start I was hooked, in a way: beautifully, intricately written, researched, and imagined, so at every turn I felt in the hands of a writer of the very top class. I knew she would be taking me on … Continue reading →

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“Diamond Street” by Rachel Lichtenstein

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Houyhnhnm

An excellent London book, focusing on Hatton Garden, but ranging pretty widely around, and combining the author’s personal reminiscences with deep research. You learn a lot from this book, painlessly. It’s pushed me now several times to the area, listening … Continue reading →

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