What are you reading? – 16 August 2018

Carina Buckley, instructional design manager, Solent University, is reading Miranda July’s No One Belongs Here More Than You (Scribner, 2007). “A woman teaches a group of pensioners to swim. A man waits to meet his friend’s sister. A young boy pretends to have a dog. Such are the ordinary scenarios in these 16 stories, but the outcomes are anything but ordinary. A port wine birthmark, Prince William, a shared patio and a new hairstyle become catalysts for exploring the all too ordinary pains and disappointments of living. Although diverse in content, the stories hang together in mood and style, their languid air undercut by writing that knows exactly how to stab, twist and tease at the right points. Those familiar with July’s work will love this collection: for those who have never come across her before, the dreamlike quality is totally absorbing.”

R. C. Richardson, emeritus professor of history, University of Winchester, is reading Asa Briggs’ Marks & Spencer, 1884-1984: A Centenary History (Octopus Books, 1984). “Briggs, a prolific English social historian, excelled in providing searching overviews of big subjects. But he was no less expert in handling the historian’s microscope and displayed an unerring eye for significant detail. Here he charts the phenomenal growth of this landmark company from its humble market stall origins in the north of England. Profusely illustrated, the book examines business philosophy and innovation, personnel management and employee loyalty, branding and marketing, relations with suppliers and the shifting patterns of merchandising, as well as overseas expansion. Since it was written in heady days as an ‘official’ publication, M&S’ uninterrupted success story is inevitably the dominant theme. In the midst of today’s high street retailing crisis, the optimism would have to be much more circumspect.”

Karen McAulay, performing arts librarian and postdoctoral researcher, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, is reading Charles Edward Horn’s Memoirs of his Father and Himself (edited by Michael Kassler; Ashgate, 2003). “In the realm of niche books, this one deserves a niche of its own. For anyone working on Georgian music performance or publishing, these accounts of Horn and his father Charles Frederick Horn’s musical activities – along with transcripts of appropriate correspondence – are peppered with references to contemporary musicians, many working in theatres, but also as teachers and performers in other capacities. It was a delight, not to mention highly informative, to encounter many of the names so often seen on the title pages of song sheets of this era. Kassler went on to edit Music Entries at Stationers’ Hall, 1710-1818 and The Music Trade in Georgian England (both Ashgate, 2004 and 2011). I now have all three books on my shelf.”