"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife". With one of the most famous opening lines in English literature, Jane Austen begins her tale of the Bennet family, Mr. Darcy and more in arguably her most famous novel, "Pride and... Continue Reading →
Brent Scollie, a graduate of Fort William Collegiate Institute, Queen’s University and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Library Science, retired from the federal public service in 1997. His insights on the Victorian era in Thunder Bay are derived from many years of research. This has resulted in numerous publications about the period mostly focussed... Continue Reading →
The imagery of Shakespeare's work has inspired other artists, especially painters since the plays were performed. The artists of the Victorian period, especially the group know as the "Pre-Raphaelites" were particularly taken with ideas of beauty and youth that mark the lovers in the plays. The elements of illusion, magic and the supernatural, as well... Continue Reading →
JABBERWOCKY ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe: All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe. Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun The frumious Bandersnatch!” He took his vorpal sword in hand; Long time... Continue Reading →
During a boyhood competition with his slingshot, William Bellman kills a crow and by doing so, unknowingly, sets the course of his future. As a man, he is a success in business and has a thriving family but there is a subtle darkness that follows him. It is when William thinks he has everything, that... Continue Reading →
With the new Alice in Wonderland movie's massive popularity, I started thinking about the Alice take-offs that have come out recently. Before this new version we all enjoyed the Disney's Alice in Wonderland, but beyond that I'm not sure anyone gave Alice much thought. However, whether you prefer books or film, here are two rather... Continue Reading →
Summer is about half over (or has it actually started, I couldn't tell) , and hopefully you are filling up your ballots for the "Dinner and a Murder" contest. Since this year's theme involves murder and detection, I would be remiss not to include one of the most famous and one of my favorite detectives,... Continue Reading →
When I was in grade ten, we were given the choice of reading either Far from the Madding crowd, Great Expectations, or Jane Eyre as an English novel. At the time, I went with Hardy, with the intention of reading the others at a later date. Well, recently, over twenty-five years later, I finally realized... Continue Reading →
The night is dark and quiet, the fog thick and wet, clinging to your skin, chilling both your bones and your spirit. The only light is the faint glow of the gas street lamps, their gentle sizzle the only sound you hear outside of your own footsteps and the beating of your heart; suddenly you... Continue Reading →
Thunder Bay Public Library's Book Blog 