The last newspaper news room I worked in was a dead zone. All the young journalists wrote with ear plugs in, there was zero banter. All communication was done digitally, even with people sitting opposite. If I ever needed to talk to someone in another department I would walk across the floor and introduce myself. The alarm was palpable. One afternoon I got some banter going between the desk I was on and the one behind and the joy and amazement on the young reporters' faces was a beautiful thing. They loved it, but it never happened again. One youngster told me off very rudely when I tried.
How very helpful of you to let me know this, and how brilliant that you could identify it through the barrage of commentary and chat from RD. I will edit my piece accordingly!
'Could Dahl, whose books are still globally treasured, filmed, streamed and consumed even though his persona has been revised somewhat, (not least in the current play Giant), ever have anticipated how the cultural signifiers he considers to be the measure of a good life, have come to be handled in the media, in other words with shame, censure and anxiety?
The interview leaves us with a slight indication that he might have done. Asked how he would like to be remembered, Dahl responds; “You can quote Oscar Wilde, and say; ‘When I am gone, I would like it to be said, my sins were scarlet but my books were read.” '
Is he wrong? He may be seeming to generalize his *specific* taste too much, but doesn't every ("semi-intelligent," aesthetic) person appreciate decent furniture, some kind of music, et cetera?
I guess the only part that seems really optional is the booze. I think most creative and tasteful people do enjoy some style of intoxicant, but I wouldn't be suspicious of someone who did not, as I would be of someone who claimed to have no interest in visual art, or to dislike plants.
A lovely article that evokes a great writer and the feel of yesteryear.
On another note, my daughter has been playing for two years in a musical comedy for children based on Esio Trot (Eutrot in French.) It's a darling story.
Fascinating, thank you. "Watching it is like opening a door into a long-vanished place where not only class and sexism exists, but also cultural engagement and a delight in rarified, expensive creativity." Apt summing up of the ambivalence I feel with much of the television of that era. (In Dahl a few other problematic -isms and stereotypes, too, I believe.) btw, the Appassionata is a sonata, not a concerto.
Oh dear, but not oh dear! I still live in this world, sadly without the legions of cleaners, but art music wine solitude broken furniture and daydreams, yes please, for ever and ever
The last newspaper news room I worked in was a dead zone. All the young journalists wrote with ear plugs in, there was zero banter. All communication was done digitally, even with people sitting opposite. If I ever needed to talk to someone in another department I would walk across the floor and introduce myself. The alarm was palpable. One afternoon I got some banter going between the desk I was on and the one behind and the joy and amazement on the young reporters' faces was a beautiful thing. They loved it, but it never happened again. One youngster told me off very rudely when I tried.
A very thought-provoking (and thoughtful!) article - how will our times look and sound in 40 years?
(And I think it is Beethoven’s Appassionata).
How very helpful of you to let me know this, and how brilliant that you could identify it through the barrage of commentary and chat from RD. I will edit my piece accordingly!
'Could Dahl, whose books are still globally treasured, filmed, streamed and consumed even though his persona has been revised somewhat, (not least in the current play Giant), ever have anticipated how the cultural signifiers he considers to be the measure of a good life, have come to be handled in the media, in other words with shame, censure and anxiety?
The interview leaves us with a slight indication that he might have done. Asked how he would like to be remembered, Dahl responds; “You can quote Oscar Wilde, and say; ‘When I am gone, I would like it to be said, my sins were scarlet but my books were read.” '
A perfect comment on current mindsets...
Thankyou so much!
Loved this x
Seconded. Lovely stuff
Is he wrong? He may be seeming to generalize his *specific* taste too much, but doesn't every ("semi-intelligent," aesthetic) person appreciate decent furniture, some kind of music, et cetera?
I guess the only part that seems really optional is the booze. I think most creative and tasteful people do enjoy some style of intoxicant, but I wouldn't be suspicious of someone who did not, as I would be of someone who claimed to have no interest in visual art, or to dislike plants.
That's an impressive wine cellar, but I've never understood why have more than one could ever drink - though that is inevitably a bit hypothetical!
I couldn't possibly comment
Exactly the same reason you have far more books than you could ever read - because you love them!
Friends? Visitors? And an enthusiastic imbiber could surely manage 3,000 bottles over a decade?
You're right, I clearly need to stock up.
Brilliant Rosie. And thanks for the link to the fascinating clip. £1000 for his first story back in 1942! Writers now can only dream!
Thanks! So much of this wouldn't be allowed today
A lovely article that evokes a great writer and the feel of yesteryear.
On another note, my daughter has been playing for two years in a musical comedy for children based on Esio Trot (Eutrot in French.) It's a darling story.
Oh wonderful! We actually have a REAL Esio Trot at home!
Fascinating, thank you. "Watching it is like opening a door into a long-vanished place where not only class and sexism exists, but also cultural engagement and a delight in rarified, expensive creativity." Apt summing up of the ambivalence I feel with much of the television of that era. (In Dahl a few other problematic -isms and stereotypes, too, I believe.) btw, the Appassionata is a sonata, not a concerto.
Great question
Oh dear, but not oh dear! I still live in this world, sadly without the legions of cleaners, but art music wine solitude broken furniture and daydreams, yes please, for ever and ever
!