"We All Need Fairy Tales"

[eldritchhobbit]

Many thanks to scribblerworks for the wonderful package! You made my day.


* My most recent "History of the Genre" segment (this one is about Edgar Allan Poe's often overlooked "gift that keeps on giving," with recipients from Jules Verne to John Carpenter) is available in the latest episode of the StarShipSofa Science Fiction Audio Magazine podcast, "Aural Delights No. 54." You can download it here, listen to it streaming here, or get it via iTunes under "StarShipSofa." A list of my other podcast commentaries, interviews, and unabridged dramatic readings is available here with links. To those of you listening, many thanks indeed!

* I highly recommend reading a terrific new article by Melanie McDonagh: "J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard Shows Why We All Need Fairy Tales." (Thanks to The Hogwarts Professor.) As you may guess, I have great sympathy for McDonagh's position.


And speaking of The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling, here's a quote for the day:

"Mrs. Bloxam's tale has met the same response from generations of wizarding children: uncontrollable retching, followed by an immediate demand to have the book taken from them and mashed into pulp."
- from Professor Dumbledore's Notes to "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot"

Comments

[scribblerworks.livejournal.com]

The mention of Dawkins' attitude in McDonagh's article convinces me that I'm going to have to give in and read some of his current crusading - just so I'll know all that he's saying. I, of course, disagree greatly with him (as you'll find why in the intro to The Scribbler's Guide ;-) ). But it is good to know what the "opposition" really is saying.

The idea that only the objective understanding is real is so terribly limiting! It lops off half of what human nature is.

But I'm preaching to the choir here, so I won't fall into full-foaming rant.

And I hope you really enjoy the contents of the package! :D

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

The idea that only the objective understanding is real is so terribly limiting! It lops off half of what human nature is.

Yes, yes, yes! I agree completely.

And I hope you really enjoy the contents of the package! :D

I know I will. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness! :)

[ankh-hpl.livejournal.com]

Another highly informative & enjoyable "History of the Genre" segment. Thanks so much for continuing to preach the eldritch word on StarShipSofa, & for helping me survive early mornings on the treadmill!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thank you SO much! That makes my day. I'm so glad it was of interest -- and that it gave me the chance to share the HPL love. Happy treadmilling!