Persephone Readers MESSAGE BOARD

Welcome Sibylle.Night! After reading your posts, I noticed from your profile that you've just joined LibraryThing! Welcome then, to Persephone and to Virago Modern Classics as well!!

Thank you so much ! I've just joined and I've just discovered those : my library mostly consists of " books to buy ", I only have 86 books at home ( all paid by me full price I think ).
All in all, I'm a poor French student who adds more books to her " to read " list than she can possibly afford ( although I think I buy a lot, considering that my libraries don't have that many books in English ).

Welcome to Persephone! Keep a look out here and on the Virago board - people are often giving away duplicate copies of books. You might get lucky!

Bienvenue, Sibylle.Night!

Welcome once again, Sibylle!!

Thank you, citizenkelly!! This article gives me hope of finding Persephones in US book stores soon.

*Duplicate post from the Virago Modern Classics Group*

For those of you on Facebook, There is a Persephone Group

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2390827097 which has 52 members.

A Virago Group

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10406273979 There are 7 members, you'll recognize most of them.

Oh, and there's also a LibraryThing Users Group

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2209920952 which has 791 members!

Perhaps we'll get new members to our Groups here!!

This group has been very quiet! First off....who has seen the movie Miss Pettigrew and what did you think?

Also, click here to read Nicola's fortnightly letter for March 30th: Persephone News

bleuroses, I saw the movie before reading the book which was fortuitous because I didn't resent the movie for changing the book. I enjoyed the movie immensely. It captured the ambiance of the time and the general feel of the admirably. I also feel that when I support movies like this it is casting a vote to see more books made into films.

I then read the book (my first very first Persephone since I live in the states- though I have been ogling the Persephone website for some time). The book is charming. Without giving it too much weight it also slyly addressed women's changing social roles something the movie missed. I loved the line drawings. Also I loved hearing Miss Pettigrew's thoughts which are always lost in a movie. Like the moment she considers saying she kept her figure through rationing and nervous worry but chooses instead to say it is all natural. I also miss the sense that Miss Pettigrew is channelling her past employers.

I also saw the movie before reading the book and totally agree, Marensr! A delightful capture of the story and ever so lively.

Although, I confess that I'm only a short way into the book. Moving wrecks havoc on reading time!!

Having read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it, I am very reluctant to see the movie, especially after our dear Louise (Fabrile-heart) told me what they changed in the movie...GRRRRRRR!

Persephone Newsletter

Exciting news! In addition to the Spring issue of their Biannually being mailed this week, there will be a Persephone Tea in Georgetown on May 3rd!

Oh, to be on the east coast once again!

Oh, I will be going to DC on May 3-4. Maybe I can make the tea! DO you have any info on where it will be held and at what time? I didn't see it in the linked newsletter (but am excited to hear that BBC 7 is dramatizing The Crowded Street).

Paola and Louise are possibles for attending as well, Deborah. It's just a 3 hour train ride from NYC. *sigh*

>14 Cariola: Speaking of BBC 7, I recently discovered they put their dramas on their website for up to 7 days after they are aired. Last week I listened to some of the Barchester Chronicles and now I'm listening to A Room with a View. I reckon they're brilliant! Oh, and I also discovered a newish LT group for BBC 7. *sighs* .... there is not enough time for reading these days with all this audio available!!

Apologies for the 'off-topicness' here ;)

I am afraid chances that Paola may attend are quite slim (not to say none)
:-((

>16 digifish_books: Do not apologize, digifish, as I did not know this about BBC7! Thanks for the info!

>14 Cariola: Cariola, if you get to go to the tea, please report back to us!

>18 marise: marise ~ I'm listening to The Crowded Street as we speak :-)

How do I find out the location and time?

Ah, I found it under "events." Sounds a bit swanky, and since I only just ordered my first Persephone about a month ago, I'm not in the league with the "long-time readers" who have been sent invitations.

>21 Cariola:

Cariola, I could be tempted to attend if you fancy meeting up? I have to say that while I love the idea behind Persephone and the books they publish, the reality of PB is a little tarnished for me by its tendency towards cliquishness.

>16 digifish_books:

digfish, thanks for the heads up about BBC7

I've listened to the first two episodes of the Crowded Street! Thanks again, digifish!

>22 woollenstuff: I had hoped the event would be in one of the great Georgetown bookshops; I have to admit that the idea of cream tea a private home in Georgetown, "graciously offered," and the fact that it is by invitation only rather puts me off. I don't know as I'd be very comfortable at such an event, especially as I'd have to contact Persephone to beg for an invite, so I'm guessing I won't be attending.

Thanks, again, digfish for the sharing the news about BBC7's The Crowded Street and other listening temptations. BTW - apologies are not allowed here!!
ALL information is good, good, good!!

Thanks for the BBC7 news! I didn't know either but have now just listened to three episodes in a row! Lovely!

#24 - if it makes you feel any better, I don't think the invite list is very exclusive - I only just started ordering Persephones, and got one, I think they were sent out to anyone on their mailing list in the DC area. I can't make it, but again, if I'm any indication of who will attend, it won't be TOOO swanky...;)

I think you read the message wrong - they just sent invites to DC readers because Persephone assume they can come. If readers who live further away from DC want to come I think they're really welcome to do so, they just have to call to confirm :) I live in France so it's obvious they didn't send an invitation to me, it makes sense, but if I were on holiday in Washington DC I would absolutely call to get an invite.

Thank you so much Digifish for drawing attention to The Crowded Street. I started the book yesterday and I am loving listening to what I have just read!

Hmm, I may send them an email. It just sounded a bit Junior League-ish to me. Like I might need a dress, hat, and heels (none of which I own).

Thanks, but it was actually Cariola who drew my attention to The Crowded Street on BBC 7 at #14 :)

Enjoy the tea-party and don't forget to post some pics here :)

So she did - thank you Cariola!

Has anyone in the US/Canada received the new Biannually yet?

Sorry, I just live in France but apparently it's taking very long to cross the Channel as I haven't received mine yet either. I don't know what's happening :(

Nope. (US)

IT ARRIVED TODAY!!!!! (California)

The bookmark is of the actress Celia Johnson from the film "Brief Encounter" also pictured on Beauman's Virago edition of A Very Great Profession. (Note to self: add film to netflix queue)

The smaller more detailed catalogue was not included. I wonder if it was a matter of overseas postage? Calling all UK fans.....you must tell us if you received it!

In any event, I'm a much happier girl today!!

Mine arrived today!

My bookmark is of Daddy's Gone A-Hunting (wrong touchstone) by Penelope Mortimer.

Cate, Turner Classic Movies is showing "Brief Encounter" at 9:15 (Pacific time) tonight! Wonderful film!

Mine arrived yesterday as well :) My bookmark was also the one to Daddy's Gone A-Hunting. I've saved a few pages for later (What a Lovely Surprise) but I've read the whole thing in one sitting !

For those of you who want to discover Brief Encounter (which has been one of my favourite movies for many years), I really recommend the Criterion edition of the DVD : I don't think there's any other edition, please don't be afraid by the price, it's an investment but the quality of the picture and sound, plus the commentary are priceless.

You are right, Sibylle.Night, Criterion DVDs are worth every penny!

Apropos Noel Coward, this week on Radio 3, Composer of the Week is airing music by Noel Coward and Richard Addinsell. The very first song Three Brothers written by Addinsell and sung by Joyce Grenfell reminded me very much of the fate of Grace Scrmigeour in Rachel Ferguson's Alas Poor Lady.

Marise....Brief Encounter is now #1 on my netflix que! Thanks for telling me about TMC, alas, we have only basic cable so no TMC.

I know you will enjoy it, bleu!

Article here about PB.

Thank you for the article, fabrile!

This reminds me that I need need need to find some way to get to the new Persephone Shop.

I got my copy today. My bookmark is The Crowded Street by Winifred Holtby.

Did anyone attend the Georgetown Cream Tea on May 3rd???

Here's Persephone's May 15th Letter

Oh, I'm so pleased to find out that Marghanita Laski's Little Boy Lost will be the next Persephone Classic, and available for a very reasonable number of dollars in the United States!

Today I bought all 3 of the new Persephone Classics, but only had to pay for 2 of them - they were in the Birmingham branch of Waterstones 2 for 3 offer (or do I mean 3 for 2?! Excuse me, it's been a very long day...). I don't know if all branches of Waterstones include them in this offer though.

Ooh - hello! Another Brummie?? I haven't looked at the P Classics as I'm worried I will have to start collecting them, too!

I'm planning on buying each Persephone Classic I don't already own in its Original form - I want to collect Persephone books but the originals, unless there's a special offer (but that's about twice a year) are too expensive for me. I want to focus on buying more books for less from now on. That's my new resolution.

More about the "Whipple Line" here in Miss Beauman's May 30th Letter.

It's a shame Virago and Persephone have to set themselves in opposition - similar to what the media try to imply about successful women in the same field, but they seem to be managing it all on their own.

Oh well, many of us will stay faithful to both imprints, won't we!

Yes, I agree with you LyzzyBee!

For those of you not on the Persephone mailing list:

Starting tonight (Monday), Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple will be BBC4's Book at Bedtime. You can listen for up to a week afterwards here if you don't catch it live!

(Although the dates currently read at Monday 8 - Friday 19 August, that is an error--it is Monday 8 - Friday 19 September)

>56 christiguc: Thanks christiguc, I did get the email about it and have been listening along. Unfortunately there seems to be a problem with the Tuesday night episode - the audio keeps dropping out and breaking up. I emailed the BBC about it, so I hope they can fix it. Something is wrong with their i-Player, methinks :)

I'm jealous of those who can hear those BBC4 books at bedtime. (And what a great name for the show, too!) I need to investigate the Podcasts. They sound wonderful!

Great photo LyzzyBee! I agree about the opposition issue, too. Unless it's just an attempt to differentiate the two publishing houses. Have there been any "responses" from the Virago side (i.e., do they agree with the implied characterization of them as more feminist, or Feminist with a capital F?)

I listened to the first three episodes today and Tuesday is still breaking up. *sigh*

TerrierGirl, try the link in #56, that's how I get it!

58 - um, what photo? Not sure if there is a response from Virago. They are part of another publishing house now, not independent, so they may have to watch their words. I still haven't quite forgiven them for giving up on the green spines.

Ooh, it's nearly "Persephone Season" in my house! I have Christmas and then my Birthday in Jan; I and a couple of friends usually buy each other Persephones for Christmas and Birthday, and my OH usually gets me one for one or the other, so it's bonanza time!

>59 marise: marise ~ I got one of those standard email responses from the BBC saying they will look into it. I'm having a similar problem with one of the episodes of Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes on BBC 7 :(

In Nicola's Septebmer 30th Newsletter, she writes that the Biannually will be in the mail to the UK in October and to the USA in November.

Great news! I do hope they send the complete catalogue as well!

Okay, I give up. I'm here. I've joined. I was getting dusty over in the Virago Home for Gentlewomen of Reduced Circumstances. Now what?

Welcome urania1 - shake the dust off and come in and tell us what Persephone books you have read and your opinion of them.

#64 englishrose60 . . . I only own two Persephone editions: Someone at a Distance and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. I own other Persephone titles in non-Persephone editions - Every Eye and Flush - both of which I enjoyed. Of the two I own, I've started both but can't manage to finish them. They feel infinitely "put-downable." I like Whipple's characters although they exasperate me. I thought I would find Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day quite amusing, but I put it down because the characters seemed silly to me without being amusing. Silly characters must be amusing or they really should turn in their silly character papers. Many of the titles on the list sound interesting but . . . Recommendations anyone? Should I give Miss Pettigrew another chance? Should I refrain from wringing the necks of everyone in Someone at a Distance?

urania1,

You may like The Shuttle by Francis Hodgson Burnett (ignore touchstone). The story of doomed International marriage between an American heiress and an English Lord (circa early 1900's); however, the highlight is Bettina Vanderpoel, the headstrong, independent sister who sees things in their 'real' light - in her sister's marriage and in her own society. There is an element of suspense and a surprise here and there, too!

This might lead you to read more about Jennie Jerome & Randolph Churchill, Alva and Consuelo Vanderbilt and perhaps return to The Buccaneers as it did for me.

The Shuttle is a definite favourite in this group.

I do not have The Shuttle in Persephone edition, BUT in hardcover first edition!
Ha ha ha.....
I also enjoyed The Making of a Marchioness by F.H.Burnett, didn't you, Cate?

Cate and Paola,

Interesting that you should bring up Frances Hodgson Burnett’s name. Around here (i.e., Maryville/Knoxville, TN) we consider Burnett one of us. At the death of her father, her family emigrated to Knoxville, TN (and then later to New Market just down the road). She began her writing career here at age 18 to support her large family of siblings who were sinking further into poverty. She met and married her first husband here. A friend of mind owns a dress shop named Vagabondia after Burnett’s novel of that name. The novel deals with a poor but bohemian family who live in a house called Vagabondia Castle. They ingeniously create all sorts of methods of making do (rather like the protagonists in Little Women, gather about them a group of equally bohemian and artistic friends thereby scandalizing the rich relatives. Above all, they are true to High-minded Idealism. Although set in England, Burnett loosely based the novel on the life she and her siblings led here in Knoxville, TN. They did actually live in a house they called Vagabondia Castle.

From time to time, I work at Vagabondia, where I’m known as one of the founding Vagabondivas. I like clothes, enjoy designing them, and am quite good at dressing other people. I’ve read Vagabondia, which was my first exposure to Burnett’s adult fiction. I would probably have loved this book as a teenager, but now I would best describe it as Jane Austen-lite with heavy doses of cloying sentimentality. That said, I adore the best of her children’s books although I dislike the worst of them for the excessive sentimentality.

I also find Burnett a bit creepy. Many of her children’s novels deal with orphans who struggle against a hostile world for survival and who ultimately triumph because of their innate goodness. Although Burnett sentimentalized the child (particularly in Little Lord Fauntleroy), her behavior to her own children was less than stellar. For the most part, she wanted to get away from them even when they wrote letters begging "Mama" to come home. When her son Lionel, whom she had immortalized in Little Lord Fauntleroy was dying of consumption, she put off returning home from a European tour to see him. Later, she made her poor son Vivian dress up in Little Lord Fauntleroy suits and pose for publicity shots. That would warp any child’s character.

One of her brothers, the alcoholic one, is buried in the Old Gray cemetery in Knoxville.

I enjoy light fiction, but I don’t like excessive dose of sentiment and flowery language about love. I also don’t like improbably romances where the angelic, but poor heroine eventually marries into aristocracy and lives happily ever after. I know Austen uses this device, but she also does it with a sardonic and clear eye. Hence I love Austen. So . . . are there any Persephone’s for me?

How about The Victorian Chaise-Longue?

..... or The Village by the same author .....

Urania, if you can't get into Dorothy Whipple, you're probably immune to the Persephone virus, so to weaken your auto-immune systems, I prescribe Michel Houllebecq's The Elementary Particles two Richard Yates novels (A Good School, the Easter Parade), George Gissing's New Grub Street & George Orwell's Keep the Apidistra Flying, with Lawrence Block and Donald Westlake novels in between.

Mary, I wouldn't say that there is sentiment nor flowery language in The Shuttle, and the heiress/lord's marriage certainly isn't a happy one. If a copy happens to cross your future, it may delight you unexpectedly.

That said, I was happy to discover that you moonlight as a Vagabondiva, among others. :~)

Paola - I haven't read The Making of the Marchioness yet! By the time I got to The Buccaneers, I was ready to move on!

I don't know where to post it, and so I write it here.

I just won on Ebay a copy of..................................................................Rhododendron Pie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was not cheap, but still way less than the cheapest copy in internet.
All of this said, I hope none of the other bidders was any of you.
I consider this a birthday gift to myself.
:-))

Thank you!
:-))

Excellent Miss P! You have the luck of the Irish! (hee hee)

Wonderful, I am so happy for you !!!

Well done!!!

Perhaps I should skype those of you who want me to (and, of course, provided it you give me your skype name), and show you the book (even though it is not much to look at, believe me).
:-))

Yay!!! Congratulations!!

I was going to suggest you type it all out and submit it to Project Gutenberg, but apparently copyright was renewed in 1957. :( So you get out of that one!!!! :)

aluvalibri - congratulations on scoring Rhododendron Pie..

I am trying to think of a way to share it, as I am afraid it is a bit battered to send it around the world, but we shall see....it might be 'healthier' than I think!
:-))

Well done Miss P, I know how long you've been looking for RP.

Random note: My sister just sent me a first edition of Marcia Davenport's 1932 biography of Mozart, and tucked in the back was the original Book of the Month Club leaflet written by Dorothy Canfield, one of my favorite Persephone authors.

The Home-Maker was fascinating and most certainly one of my favourite Persephones. What does the leaflet say ?

Are you able to scan it, Rob?

It's Canfield's review of the book for Book of the Month Club subscribers. She gives the book quite a glowing review. Unfortunately, Marise, my scanner is broken.

Rob,

If you have a digital camera, you may be able to adjust the settings sufficiently to get a readable copy, particularly if the file is large. However, you might want to put such a file on photobucket or some such site.

I read this morning, on wikipedia, that DCF served as a member of the Book-of-the-Month Club selection committee from 1925 to 1951. BOMC leaflets published during her time might be another collectible?

From Garrison Keillor's Writer's Almanac:

Today is the birthday of the children's writer Frances Hodgson Burnett, born in 1849 in Manchester, England. Her parents owned a successful interior decorating store, but her father died, the economy was in decline, and her mother couldn't keep the business running. So the family moved to a log cabin in Tennessee when Frances was 15. She wanted to help support her family, and she had been writing stories for a long time, so she started sending them out, and soon she was earning a living.

We remember Burnett as the author of The Secret Garden (1911), but during her lifetime she was most famous for another book, Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886). It was so successful that a whole line of products was based on the book — toys, chocolate, playing cards — and velvet suits for little boys became a new fashion.

I have an 1897 copy of Little Lord Fauntleroy that was my grandfather's. I didn't even realize it was his until I opened it up to list it on LT. He died before I was born, so I was quite pleased to find that out. He probably had to wear one of those velvet suits, LOL!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I notice a link to a certain Mr Hardy's blog on Nicola Beauman's latest letter ....

Fleur...absolutely! Rob, did you know about this?

Really?!?! That's great, Rob!!

That's for alerting me to this! I didn't know. I hope this is evidence that Persephone is considering adding Fugitive's Return to their list of Glaspell reprints.

Wouldn't that be great? And all thanks to you, Rob! Great review, btw

Am loving the incongruity of this

Thanks for pointing it out! I have made a comment to the article although had to jump through hoops to do so, so not sure when it will appear!!

>102 bleuroses:, 103 Thanks bleu, thanks Liz! :)

I enjoyed the Daily Mail article too, so thank you for posting it, bleuroses.

The Wartime Stories of Mollie Panter-Downes are currently playing on BBC7. Starting today, those that are interested can listen online for up to seven days after airing.

Christina. Thanks for info. As I shall not be reading this until next year's 1010 Category Challenge I am not going to tune in because it might spoil the pleasure of reading the book.

I'm the same Christina. I want to actually read my Persephones. I loved The Crowded Street on the radio but I only listened because I didn't own it. Now Viragos are another matter. I have over a hundred unread and radio adaptations are always welcome.

I started to listen to Good Evening, Mrs craven as I am currently reading the volume and was most aggrieved to discover the readings were abridged (I didn't realise it was adaptations and thought I could read along).

I loved the radio adaptation of The Crowded Street so much that I instantly went to the shop to buy a copy!

I noticed the adaptions too. It's a bit dissapointing but being able to listen to the stories was nice.
I haven't heard The Crowded Street...heading over now to listen.

Edited to say: Opps time has passed for The Crowded Street, maybe next time!

Nicola and Persephone Books at the Port Eliot Festival - July 23-25, 2010!

Grey Ladies Books to publish two D.E. Stevenson's The Fair Miss Fortune and Emily Dennistoun

A launch party for these two very special books will be held in the St. Trinnean’s Room of St. Leonard's Hall, Edinburgh University on Saturday 7th May 2011 at 3pm.

Two new Persphones Classics and will be available for sale in the US as of June 1, 2011:
The Home-Maker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher and Good Things in England by Florence White

The two new books for autumn/winter 2011-12 will be No Surrender (1911) by Constance Maud and Greenbanks (1932) by Dorothy Whipple.

The Home-Maker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher ----- WANT!!!

Thanks for the update, Cate!

I'm coming to London to visit the Persephone Bookshop on Lambs Conduit Street on Tuesday 27th September.

I arrive at Victoria Coach station at 12.10 and must leave from there at 17.00.

But if any Viragoites / Persephone People are around at that time, would you like to meet up for a coffee (there's a nice cafe next door to Persephone or various places of which I'm fond in Covent Garden, etc.)?

Let me know!

From the Persephone Post......perhaps one of our ladies living in the tri-state area might attend!



"And finally Helen Hull herself. There is almost nothing on the internet about her, only this and this and then there is this article which says: 'Feminist scholars have recovered some of the important women who wrote in the first half the 20th century, namely Willa Cather, Ellen Glasgow, Fannie Hurst and Zora Neale Hurston. But where is Helen Hull's Hardy Perennial (1933)?' Well, where are any of her novels, especially Heat Lightning (1932)? But Persephone Books is going to try and change things!

For a start, is there anyone reading the Post who lives in New York City and could come to a Persephone event in celebration of Helen Hull? This will of course be on MacDougal, not alas be at Polly's (unless Woody Allen could organise it) but at Caffe Reggio 119 MacDougal on Friday 28th October at 11 a.m.

The writer of the Persephone Post will be there (she is visiting New York for a week) and will look forward to buying coffee and croissants for any Persephone reader who can make it. She will be holding a grey Persephone book and a copy of Heat Lightning (if enough people had read it by then we could have brief book group) and at noon we will go along the street to the NYU building where Polly's once was and where Helen Hull and Susan Glaspell and the other members of the Heterodoxy Club all used to meet. There we might have a brief reading. It would be great to see you!"

(cross posted to the Virago Group)

Forthcoming from Persephone!

The two new books for Spring/Summer 2012 will be A Writer’s Diary: Extracts from the Diary of Virginia Woolf (1953) edited by Leonard Woolf and Harriet (1934) by Elizabeth Jenkins.

On Radio Gorgeous 12-27-2011 - Nicola Beauman Interview...
http://www.mixcloud.com/player/

(If this link doesn't work, you can access it from the 15 January 2012 Persephone Newsletter)

The new-look Persephone website is with us!

Oooer - I've only just got used to the old one!

Seems quite userfriendly so far, though and has all the links to the Forum etc sensibly along the bottom.

@ #116:
bleuroses;
Strangely enough my maiden name was Hull and that side of the family hails from of all places Hull, England.

On another note, I have just joined this group, having just (knowingly) read my first Persephone and I am so in love with Dorothy Whipple's writing. This afternoon I finished her Someone at a Distance which I only put down to get some sleep last night. By the time I was halfway through the book I had gone to the Persephone site and ordered six new Persephone. Tonight I will begin Little Boy Lost. I have collected 16 Persephone over the past few years but the only one I had read was The Blank Wall which I didn't know was a Persephone as it was a different edition. I feel like I am in a whole new realm. It will most likely take me a couple of weeks to read all of the posts here, but read them I will. I am so happy that I have somewhere to come to discuss these wonderful books now that I am better acquainted with them although there is often good discussion of them on the Virago site.
Oh and just in case there is any interest my review of the Whipple book can be found here: http://www.librarything.com/work/75990/book/47727598.

I just love Persephones Belva, Dorothy Whipple is a favourite of mine : )

*Bump*

A little piece on the Greys at the Paris Review Blog here:

http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2015/09/02/one-shade-of-grey/