on my desk

Nicola Beauman and I go back a long way. All the way back to April 1989 when I bought two copies of the 1989 Virago edition of Nicola's book A Very Great Profession - one for me and one for my Mum. For a long time, though, Nicola knew nothing of this relationship as we didn't actually meet until 2001.

In the intervening years, and ever since, this book has been a vital part of my life. Until now, I have only ever had the one copy and have always felt uncomfortable if I couldn't locate it in a nanosecond; it had to be taken down from, and put back in, exactly the same place every time I referred to it or read it. And, goodness me, I have done that so many times over the last 19 years.

There are only two people who have ever truly and deeply influenced my reading; one is Adam Roberts and the other is Nicola. Adam changed how I read, and Nicola changed what I read. It's thanks to this marvellous book that I not only discovered a huge body of women's literature, the sort of books I knew I was looking for but couldn't uncover on my own, but also a wonderful connection with all sorts of women, real and imagined, who weren't afraid to explore the details and depths of ordinary lives.

So when I read nearly ten years ago that Nicola had created Persephone Books, I was delighted, because I could see that, like an addict, I would always be able to get a fix of a good read.

And now A Very Great Profession has been reissued, and it's not a moment too soon. For a start, my first copy is looking a little ragged so I am thrilled to have a brand new one with the most inspired bookmark ever (Celia Johnson as Laura Jesson in Brief Encounter). But, just a little more importantly, this book is an absolute treasure for anyone with the slightest interest in middlebrow fiction; not only does it cover a huge number of themes and books, it also has a brilliant glossary of the most important and significant writers of such novels. I know I only have to turn to these pages to be inspired to read a previously unknown author.

I am delighted Nicola's book has been reprinted, and have to say it looks very lovely in grey.

                                   ***

On the subject of the most recent Persephone Biannually, I too have read the 'Our Readers Write' page. I laughed at the comment which refers to me and blogs in general and feel I should say that the only opinion this reflects is that of the writer. It is not my opinion and it is not Nicola's opinion.

                                   ***

And since it's that time of year, I think we should have a gratuitous photo of tulips. These are also on my desk today, freshly picked this morning.

Comments

[Sarah]

I totally agree with you regarding Nicola Beauman's book. I have loved it for years, too.

However, what really grabbed my attention was your reference to Adam Roberts who seems very far from the authors you usually write about. Your comment made me terribly curious and I have to admit that I would love to know how he changed "how" you read.

Thanks, as always, for your beautiful work.

[rebecca]

those tulips are so vibrant that they appear fake!

[Fran]

I have to go to this bookshop, it sounds amazing!

[Canadian]

I have not been able to access the Persephone Books website for a few weeks. I have tried from home and work, but to no avail. This morning I tried to click on your link to the Persephone edition of A Very Great Profession, but the page just won't load. I would contact them about this but without their website I don't know who to email.

[Liz in IN]

Done. Ordered from Persephone and soon to be winging its way to Indiana, USA. Resistance (admittedly weak at best) was futile.

Many thanks for spotlighting this book, Jane. Can't wait to read it.

I recognized Brief Encounter immediately, on the cover of the original edition. One of the best stories, films, and performances EVER. The idea of a Celia Johnson-as-Laura Jesson bookmark makes me quite irrationally happy, in a wistful sort of way. Thanks again.

Also, those are my very favourite old-fashioned tulips!

[Kathe Kramer]

Fresh home from a lovely vacation in England, my daughter is coming to share her stories and photos with us this weekend. She brought home cheese, I am making oat crackers, saffron cake and Devonshire splits. We will be talking about Persephone Books. You have enriched our everyday life. Tulips, lots and lots of tulips are on my list. Thanks.

[françoise]

I looked up Amazon sites in the US and in Canada where I found used copies selling at US$149.50 and C$ 256.95 respectively! Fortunately, one copy was left ast US $30.00 and I grabbed it!

After I moaned about not planting new tulips last fall, some hardy older bulbs have surprised me by popping up unexpectedly in the garden. A very nice surprise!

[rachellake]

Those tulips are absolutely lovely. I will have to look up this book, it sounds like a perfect addition to my small library.

[Nicola]

Yes, Nicola Beauman's book was a great resource when I did my dissertation on Rebecca West and middlebrow 20th Century fiction. (And I had to battle with (male) lecturers to get my dissertation subject approved!) I always borrowed the book from the library before but now I think I'm going to buy my own copy.

[Barbara]

Jane,
Thank you for sharing all of your lovely tulips. I can't wait for mine to start blooming.

This book sounds lovely. I'm adding it to my wishlist for my birthday :)

[annieb]

I came across your blog through a link from saidosdaconcha to a post you wrote way back in 2007 about persephone books, how pleased I am to find this current reference too. Am off to try to find out more now as these sound just the thing for me...thanks

[Hannah]

I've been lurking about your blog quite a bit recently and just felt like I should finally leave a comment. I absolutely adore your writing and appreciate your frequent updates - when your book is available in the US and I have the money, I'll be sure to get myself a copy. As a current fashion student very interested in both fine and domestic artistry, I love reading about someone doing what I aspire to.

[Laurel]

Goodness gracious, those are the happiest tulips I've ever seen. I'd go out and get the bulbs for them right now if the bunnies didn't seem to have a preference for tulip leaves.

[Adrienne]

Oh my - I am so excited - I just love books. Thank you so much for the 'review'. You might enjoy this book I've just recently found "Sixpence in Her Shoe" by Phyllis McGinley. Here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/Sixpence-Her-Shoe-Phyllis-McGinley/dp/002583360X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208892379&sr=1-1

Happy Day!

[Craftistic]

A friend of mine just directed me to your blog, and I love it! I don't think tulip photos are ever gratuitous; they're essential during the spring, especially for those of us who spend most of our day inside office buildings and don't have gardens of our own. I love to know the names of the varietals too. Thanks for sharing!

[Messy Karen]

i have been rewatching Brief Encounter for many years now. i really don't know why. so I am very interested in reading A Very Great Profession. thanks for inspiring me to seek out & appreciate very many old and new things.

[MaryjoO]

what fun "timing" to read your post as I've just received my first Persephone book all the way from Amazon.co.uk. The Biannually is also like reading a whole book, too! I also nabbed an Elizabeth Taylor -- thanks for all the reviews you've done in your blog.

[alison]

Stunning tulips

[Sophie]

Those tulips are amazing, what variety are they?

[Teresa]

Jane a fascinating post. It is always interesting to hear about others' literary influences. And yes, it makes sense of where you are coming from in your literary choices. I must say I hadn't yet read my biannually when I was lead to this interesting new blog by one of the other readers in the Dovegreyreaders online group http://sibylleskitchensink.blogspot.com/. Mention is made of the letter and I would like to add to my comment there that it would have been better if the writer and Persephone had made a general point. I think mentioning people by name just makes it into a slinging match. You may not mind, or Nicola, but those of us who admire the support you give Persephone, finding your work and reviews useful, do mind and think it unjustified. I rejoiced when I discovered a journal writer who not only shared my love of Persephone books but was prepared to share her choices with us. I have followed your recommendations many times and have never been disappointed. My world, and I am sure that of many other women, has been opened up in so many wonderful ways thanks to this cyber world. A world in which we can explore the lives of other women in much the same way we enjoy reading about such past lives in Persephone books. If that is not something to celebrate then I don't know what is.

[Melanie]

I've never heard of middle-brow before - but it sounds worth exploring. I went off fiction 17 years ago when I had my first child - at which point I found real life more compelling. Since finishing studying and with 3 teenagers, I find I am enjoying fiction again, and looking for new avenues to explore. By the way, those tulips are incredible. They remind me of Barbara Streisand in Hello Dolly, or of 'Show Boat'.

[Adam Roberts]

Saying such nice things about me forces me to de-lurk. Thanks!

[Jools]

Wow, those tulips are lovely! They look like they've been painted. They're not called Painted Lady are they?
I'm just about to order my first Persephone book. Back in the 80's I used to read a lot of Virago books and discovered some great authors thanks to Virago. I'm looking forward to discovering some more via Persephone.

[Fanny]

I've been reading your blog for quite a while now and I wanted to thank you for all the nice adresses I found through your blog. I was in London last week and went to persephone books. I was completelly delighted. Thanks again

[Margaret Powling]

Yes, I have Nicola's book, too and I'm delighed to see it has been reissued as a Persephone.
Love those tulips, Jane! Wow, what zingy colours!

[Jo.L]

Thanks for the literary pathways through the labyrinth of good books out there. The tulips too are gorgeous. Have you seen Alicia's tribute to you on her blog? It inspired me to write one too.

[Jo.L]

Thanks for the literary pathways through the labyrinth of good books out there. The tulips too are gorgeous. Have you seen Alicia's http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2008/04/tulips-for-jane.html tribute to you on her blog? It inspired me to write one too.

[rachel]

Have you read Daughters Of the House by Michele Roberts? A fantastic Virago book crammed with wonderful, evocative domestic detail.