Saturday

Aug. 24, 1996

Long Last

by Philip Larkin

SATURDAY 8/24

Today's Reading: "Long Last" by Philip Larkin from COLLECTED POEMS, published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (1988).

The South Dakota State Fair begins today in Huron, South Dakota.

The 13th Annual Quahog Festival starts today in Wickford, Rhode Island, celebrating the state's official shellfish.

The Society of Vermont Craftsmen Annual Fall Crafts Fair takes place today in Ludlow, Vermont.

The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta Festival starts today in Charleston, West Virginia.

Writer A. S. Byatt (POSSESSION: A ROMANCE) was born today in Sheffield, England, 1936

Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges was born today in Buenos Aires, 1899.

It's the birthday of writer Malcolm Cowley in Belsano, Pennsylvania, 1898.

Author Jean Rhys ( POSTURES; VOYAGE IN THE DARK) was born today in Roseau, West Indies, 1890.

Today in 1847 Charlotte Bronte was summoned to the publishing house regarding her book JANE EYRE, which she wrote under the pen name of Currer Bell. She revealed herself as the author when critics speculated that another Bronte had written it.

Inventor Lyman Reed Blake was born today in South Abington, Massachusetts, 1835. He designed a sewing machine that could sew soles to uppers and make shoes.

It was on this day in 1814 that the British forces invaded Washington, D. C. burning the president's house and many other public buildings.

Today in 1542 Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana discovered women warriors and treasure at what he named the Amazon River.

In 1455 the Gutenberg Bible, the first complete book to be produced in the Western world, was finished in Mainz, Germany.

Today in 79 AD, Mount Versuvius erupted in Pompeii, Italy, covering villages and people in volcanic ash.

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.®

 

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