First, Jim Bernhard proves that there is humor in death. This is a witty exposition of the odd, unique, or commonplace happenings of death. I really liked the thumbnail sketches the author shared with the reader about the author at hand. I'd just read a biography of Virginia Woolf, but this author showed me a slightly different view of the famous author. Delightfully, Mr. Bernhard divvied up the authors according to time (for example, the Classic Age, the Romantic Era).
I was afraid that the stories of individual authors would all run together, so I divided up the book over several nights. I might read the Victorian Age authors one night, and the writers of the Modern Era on another. By doing so, I learned (and retained) the fact that James Joyce was a genius; he spoke 17 languages. He fell into a coma and died in Zurich at 58-years of age.
Dorothy Parker, cynic, poet, and short-story writer died almost penniless but gave her royalties to the NAACP (who still receive funds). Christopher Marlowe, the playwright, died at 29-years by being stabbed in the eye over the cost of a meal. Not much is known about how William Shakespeare died, only that he died on the date of his birth. I thoroughly enjoyed the text, photos, and witty spin on some of the most famous of the world's writing elite. This year, I've decided to spend more time reading classics. Thus, this book is a handy reference to find out more about an author I'm reading at the time (for example, Agatha Christie, Oscar Wilde, and many others).
Did you know that Thomas Hardy trained as an architect? It was staggering to read how many people died of tuberculosis in earlier years. I've had a great time re-reading favorite authors and their shenanigans. The author tries to share the individual's personal thoughts on death and dying, where available. Delightful reading. I'm keeping this book as a permanent reference for authors (as I work my way through their books).
I was afraid that the stories of individual authors would all run together, so I divided up the book over several nights. I might read the Victorian Age authors one night, and the writers of the Modern Era on another. By doing so, I learned (and retained) the fact that James Joyce was a genius; he spoke 17 languages. He fell into a coma and died in Zurich at 58-years of age.
Dorothy Parker, cynic, poet, and short-story writer died almost penniless but gave her royalties to the NAACP (who still receive funds). Christopher Marlowe, the playwright, died at 29-years by being stabbed in the eye over the cost of a meal. Not much is known about how William Shakespeare died, only that he died on the date of his birth. I thoroughly enjoyed the text, photos, and witty spin on some of the most famous of the world's writing elite. This year, I've decided to spend more time reading classics. Thus, this book is a handy reference to find out more about an author I'm reading at the time (for example, Agatha Christie, Oscar Wilde, and many others).
Did you know that Thomas Hardy trained as an architect? It was staggering to read how many people died of tuberculosis in earlier years. I've had a great time re-reading favorite authors and their shenanigans. The author tries to share the individual's personal thoughts on death and dying, where available. Delightful reading. I'm keeping this book as a permanent reference for authors (as I work my way through their books).
