May 12, 2015
Coming In: Edward Lear
Edward Lear blasted his way into the world on this date in 1812. He was born in Holloway, near Highgate, just before midnight. The twentieth of twenty-one children, the young […]
September 2, 2013
How Pleasant to Know Mr. Lear!
The magnificent Edward Lear, who described himself as “3 parts crazy—and wholly affectionate,” found his way into the Times’ Arts Beat this past week. The piece begins: “Ever wonder what […]
December 17, 2012
Why Ashbery is So Dull
Those who dislike John Ashbery’s poetry often complain that they “don’t understand it.” As any Ashbery fan will explain, while secretly thinking you a retrogressive muggle, there is nothing to […]