Monday 18 July 2011

Chekhov

Went to see Rosamund Bartlett and a couple of others talk about Chekhov at the Olivier Theatre. Interesting as I'm a big fan of Ms Bartlett. Her biography of Chekhov is an excellent read whilst her latest book explores the life of Tolstoy. I was also impressed by the National Theatre and their apex offer of £12 seats. Will be off to see The Cherry Orchard shortly.

Friday 8 July 2011

Public Libraries : some good news

My hero of the day is the resident who lives on the Isle of Wight that has managed to claim legal aid to fight the closure of five public libraries there. Well done. I take my hat off to you.

Campaigners in the London Borough of Brent and Gloucestershire have also managed to halt any action their local authorities were taking. The Brent court case is next week. All the best.

The Samuel Johnson Prize was also deservedly won by the Dutch author of  "Mao's Great Famine: The History of China's Most Devestating Catastrophe, 1958-62". Frank Dikotter also gave a very good speech. A very unassuming kind of guy and very clever.