David Jones, artist and poet (1895-1974) begins his PREFACE TO THE ANATHEMATA :

'I have made a heap of all that I could find.' (1) So wrote Nennius, or whoever composed the introductory matter to Historia Brittonum. He speaks of an 'inward wound' which was caused by the fear that certain things dear to him 'should be like smoke dissipated'. Further, he says, 'not trusting my own learning, which is none at all, but partly from writings and monuments of the ancient inhabitants of Britain, partly from the annals of the Romans and the chronicles of the sacred fathers, Isidore, Hieronymous, Prosper, Eusebius and from the histories of the Scots and Saxons although our enemies . . . I have lispingly put together this . . . about past transactions, that [this material] might not be trodden under foot'. (2)

(1) The actual words are coacervavi omne quod inveni, and occur in Prologue 2 to the Historia.
(2) Quoted from the translation of Prologue 1. See The Works of Gildas and Nennius, J.A.Giles, London 1841.


18 July 2013

'Blowers' sets the scene

     
The Ashes

England versus Australia

Day one at Lords, 20 minutes into the opening session.

On the radio, Henry 'Blowers' Blofeld is describing the scene.

"One or two pigeons cavorting away over there...". 
     
This is standard opening fare for Henry, and much appreciated by his legion of fans.
    
        
His eye now in, he fixes on the white chalk marks of the bowlers' run-ups at either end of the wicket.  

"It's like a crossword puzzle that had, perhaps, a drink too much." 
           
 detail
 A Person Looks At A Work Of Art/
 someone looks at something ...
 
 LOGOS/HA HA

      

 Admirer with banner at Headingley, Leeds, 8 August 1996

 detail
 A Person Looks At A Work Of Art/
 someone looks at something ...
 
 LOGOS/HA HA