History in old books

Whilst waiting for a banana cake to bake I'm blogging about the latest book I'm reading. It was a gift from my cousin which she picked up from an old book shop near Arundel Castle the other week and she picked a good 'un.

North Midland Country by J H Ingram was published in the winter of 1947-8 by Baisford. It describes this part of the country in post war Britain and is quite striking in places. He talks about the impending world famine and the effects of not only the Industrial Revolution on the countryside but also between the very wealthy and the government of the increasing "No Trespassing" signs going up and greats portions of the country being unaccessible to the English people.

For various reasons I am very interested in various parts of this country as some of my ancesters harked from here or else I am just fascinated because of the places I am familiar with now.

What I love about such old books are the perspectives or views offered up. This book is wonderful and "spot on" but I have read others that are so frighteningly politically incorrect that they are very funny. Well, maybe not but they certainly are a fascinating read until you get bored of such barbaric ideology. Something to be said for yellowing pages with an insight into how things used to be. But just to contradict myself, this shows that some things do not change:

J H Ingram speaks of the youth:

"There is a fresh, healthy, happy look about them, and a vivacity and zest for life which puts to shame the pessimistic remarks made by the old women of both sexes that the young people of today aren't what they were in their young days."

Original Comments:

Ally said...

Every generation thinks the one after them is going to the dogs ... :).

I love old books like that, too - they're a window in to how people's views / needs / acceptance of everyday things change over time.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006 9:02:00 AM

Neutron said...

"old women of both sexes"! Brilliant.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006 10:57:00 PM

Gerald Ford said...

Speaking of old books making startling predictions, I remember reading Lenin's "On Imperialism" a few years back. He wrote in the 1910's about the growing power of corporations and predicted they would become multinational entities.

Kind of creepy in that it sort of turns out to be true.

I mention all this since May Day just came and passed. ;p

Wednesday, May 03, 2006 5:56:00 AM

Milt Bogs said...

"The old women of both sexes" rings a bell.
I think that hearing test is duff. Even without my hearing aid it claimed I was "within the normal range" too. I'm devastated.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006 8:26:00 PM

jane said...

It's remarkable that generation gaps are always met with the same types of comments. "What's wrong with kids these days, didn't their parents teach them manners?" and so on.
I LOVE to read books, I could make a career of it, really. My dad was in England during WWII, it was something he engrained in my brain before he passed on because I kept assuming he was in Germany or Japan.
I just read a book titled, Anneliese. It was about a young Christian German girl during WWII. Slow reading, but it was informative as far as how they had to survive.
Now I'm onto the Vietnam war books.
Sorry for rambling again

Wednesday, May 03, 2006 11:09:00 PM

mrshellonheels said...

I love to read..anything and everything. ((((Gran))))

Thursday, May 04, 2006 5:32:00 AM

Ghone said...

Mrs Pig kindly serves me warm banana cake with Green & Black's vanilla ice cream on top.
Mmmm... I'm starting to dribble in my keyboard!

Thursday, May 04, 2006 11:01:00 PM

Annie said...

I love reading old books. I have a collection of the 'Chalet School' books by Elinor M Brent-Dyer, and love the old-fashioned outlook, although it's very non-PC. I also enjoy reading recent books about social history, and am a sucker for archive film and photos.

Saturday, May 06, 2006 12:46:00 AM

Badaunt said...

I LOVE reading old books. A while ago I read a whole bunch of Michael Innes books - amazingly old fashioned sometimes. Other times less so. But beautifully written - the language is marvellous. I love the style. Funny, too.

Of course they're not THAT old...

Saturday, May 06, 2006 3:24:00 PM

ChelseaFCChick said...

Another old book lover here.

I love reading about the world wars and have quite a fascination with history (the 20thC especially).

It is definitely interesting to read the perspectives or views in old books.

Saturday, May 06, 2006 5:35:00 PM

Writer Mom said...

I was here before, then ran off to pull out some favorite quotes.
I was also a bit tipsy, so I forgot to come back.
I'm back, and I've missed stopping in!

Saturday, May 06, 2006 10:50:00 PM

Tony said...

You might find it interesting to look at some of George Orwell's 1947 observations, here.

Saturday, May 13, 2006 11:27:00 AM

The Ex, the Dinner and the Dream

He arrived quite late so we launched right into dinner. I had already suggested to Mr Doris we may have to forgo Dr Who and watch the repeat instead as it would be a tad impolite to rush him through dinner just to fulfil my Dr Who fix!

It was worth it though as dinner was fun. Even daughter got into the swing of it and we ended up talking politics. You see, daughter has decided she is going to uni to do a degree in politics even though she never talks politics at home. It was interesting then to hear her drawn out and become vocal on the subject. She has scary views which I hope come down to her youth and will be tempered in time.

After dinner we retired to the parlour where ex, the kids and I played rummy until midnight. Admidst laughter and bluff and double bluff it was a fun time.

After son went to bed, ex told us about his dream. It was set in our house and consisted of my brother hauling my ex up against the wall and threatening him with a knife for daring to turn up and just waft in and out of our lives and how terrible he was. It was the dream that shook up ex and made him come visit immediately. Sounds to me like someone's guilty conscience getting the better of him!

Today we took a drive en famille and found a nice country pub for lunch. Home for a cuppa and then goodbyes. Ex gives son a tenner to which son looks as if the riches of the world have been bestowed upon him. Ho hum. Daughter was called down to say goodbye and the same was pressed into her hand. I guess that might be it for another year.


Original Comments:

Stegbeetle said...

Glad verything went well and you had fun.
Rather sad ending, though. £20 shouldn't absolve ex of his responsibilities but there, that's none of my business and maybe I'm speaking out of line. Sorry.

Sunday, April 30, 2006 8:21:00 PM

Cheryl said...

Great ending. Cordial, like a visit from an Uncle or family friend and if he has gone away happy that Mr Doris and the whole set up means that his kids are 'fixed', that there is no onus to fulfil responsibility and he can visit as a friend and not as a scorned child who let the world down, then I don't see how things could be better, under the circumstances. If future visits are spontaneous and based on wanting to see the kids rather than feeling that he ought to, or even if he dissappears for another couple of years because the guilt dreams stop now he knows you have a happy family, well either way, it sounds like the tension is gone?
Congrats to you & Mr for hosting so well.
xxxxx

I wish I could remember the whole poem, but the end bit goes:

"But you my love I'll always love, wherever you may be
So you may stay or go away, it doesn't worry me."

Monday, May 01, 2006 7:57:00 AM

ella m. said...

Here's hoping that guilty conscience will prod him to visit more often, the driting in and out of their lives must be hard on the kids.

Glad all is/went well otherwise.

Monday, May 01, 2006 7:28:00 PM

Ally said...

I'm glad it went well; it's such a civilised way to behave, a shame that it's quite rare for everyone to get on like that!

Tuesday, May 02, 2006 4:05:00 PM

Neutron said...

I'm also glad and quite relieved it went well...phew...huh?

It reminds me of my brother who having been totally out of touch for 30 years suddenly appeared at my mother's 80th birthday...(well, she had found him after years of searching and put pressure on him to come). He also did a fair bit of tenners-into-hand-pressing but that has subsequently died out and I haven't heard from him for over 2 years...

Tuesday, May 02, 2006 11:04:00 PM

MrsDoF said...

Here is a similar tale of an Ex

Random and Odd

I'm glad folks are able to get along.

Thursday, May 04, 2006 2:48:00 PM

The Ex and the Son

Some of the comments from my last post made me think how I had not for one moment made reference to my son in all this and how he felt. And in same ways it did stop me short, horrified, realising I was considering my own feelings but what about son.

If there was any chance that I felt my son was being mentally messed around with then I have no doubt I would put a stop to it. In fact, I always insisted on very high standards from ex when we were "together". Apart from a brief few months, we never lived together and so when he came to visit, it had to be by arrangement and promises (on the whole) were to be kept.

Yesterday I chatted with son specifically to get an update of how he was feeling. He really feels OK abut it all. A bit disappointed that his father didn't remember his 12th birthday earlier this year but that's about it. Anyway, he has his "Dad" - Mr Doris - who had a go at trying to fix the gears on his bike yesterday; who buys the shopping and gets treats and rewards for son; who makes dinners; who can be relied upon; who provides personal computers with whizzy lights; and (from my perspective) who welcomes son's father to stay.

I'll blog again later about last night - it was so much fun! After we've had our outing together today.


Original Comments:

Karen said...

Ex's suck - my ex missed out on seeing his daughter grow up - fool. I haven't gone just got P****d off with the ball and chain asking why I'd writen what I had.

Sunday, April 30, 2006 12:33:00 PM

Annie said...

I have an ex who once delayed his son's birthday presents for two months - when my son was living with him - despite other son having a birthday (and presents) in between times! He then bribed his brother not to tell him about his wedding. It says a lot for my son that he has forgiven this and still wants to, and does, see his Dad weekly. I am polite if I see him, but fortunately don't often have to. The divorce is long over and done with, but what that poor kid went through.... Hope your son isn't disappointed, and well done Mr Doris - does he have a brother?!

Sunday, April 30, 2006 6:07:00 PM

doris said...

Karen Fool is the word. Nice to see you :-)

Annie What despicable behaviour. I suppose we have gotten off lightly. Son is fine here and no, Mr Doris still doesn't have an available brother! :-P

Sunday, April 30, 2006 6:27:00 PM

Cheryl said...

I have read this twice but didn't know how to answer, simply as I never for a moment considered that you would do anything other than put the needs of you children first. Still the only real comment I can come up with is 'Of course.'

Sunday, April 30, 2006 6:38:00 PM

The Ex

We had a phone call out the blue late last night from son's biological father asking to come visit this weekend. What this means in practise is him coming up by train - because he drives all the time to work and thinks the drive to us is too much - and staying overnight. Which is absolutely fine with us and with Mr Doris.

Sadly, ex does very little to keep in contact with gorgeous son and nothing at all to help with any maintenance costs. He has good intentions but in the end it is his loss. He has missed out on son growing up. Ex was once an informally adoptive father to my daughter but he lost that honour ages ago when he decided he no longer needed to honour her birthday or give her presents. That was most cruel since he loved her very much once upon a time and used to make her feel special.

He is not a cruel person by nature but has ended up being quite thoughtless at times. I wonder about the true nature of his visit as he spoke to me last night with a real gentleness in his voice with almost a touching memory about stuff I had told him in the past such as about my long lost family recently found. I've warned Mr Doris we need to be cautious as I am sure that ex has no qualms on making a move on me even in my new home with my husband about!

Ex and I had an almost Romeo and Juliet passion and love that went on for about 13 years. Even before I managed to have my daughter by someone else. Which is why I affectionately call myself a slapper. And I'm still not telling the whole story. What amazes me is how much ex has managed to overcome his stupid masculine proudness. It was me that called it quits finally and he used to declare that there is no way he would have any contact with me or the kids once a man was in my life. His pride wouldn't allow it. It was Mr Doris who helped trick him into meeting and somehow ex overcame his prejudices and actually found a lot in common with Mr Doris and visited reasonably often when we lived nearer.

It is bizarre having civilised dinners round the table with my beloved Mr Doris and ex at the same table with perfectly affable behaviour from all. Ex has stayed with us before - I think the current rate is seeing his son about once a year - and that was OK. He said he would phone today to confirm his train times but he hasn't done that yet. I expect it will be another late call. Or heaven forbid he has cancelled because I've now told son. It wiil be an interesting and curious weekend.


Original Comments:

Jessica said...

Wow, it's good that time helped things change. I can't imagine ever doing that if my husband and I were to get divorced.

Friday, April 28, 2006 7:27:00 PM

Stegbeetle said...

Well, I'm glad that you and Mr Doris are on good terms with your ex but it sounds like a recipe for headaches to me!

Friday, April 28, 2006 8:30:00 PM

Joe said...

Well Doris I hope it goes well. It sounds like you have a pretty good relationship with ex, all things considered.

The thought of what it would be like to separated from my children and seeing them once a year is a horrid one for me. I couldn't go on without them in my life, or I guess if I did there would be this big aching hole. And yet most divorced men do loose touch with their children. I wonder why?

BTW - Why would he try to make a move on you? He must have figured that you have moved on completely. Or does he still hold a candle for you somehow?

Friday, April 28, 2006 11:33:00 PM

doris said...

LOL It is not hard to keep a candle burning for me!!! ;-) I may jest, but yes he still holds something to what we once had, whereas I don't. I did mention Romeo and Juliet didn't I? And the cheeky bugger has tried it on in the past.

As for him losing touch with his son that is really up to him and it would not have been for want of my (or Mr Doris') efforts or encouragement. He has another child elsewhere and he has finally lost contact with her. Sad. But he has other kids to keep him occupied!

Hi Jessica! It is good to have the cordiality and civility. Just a strange situation really.

No headaches here Steg. Except unless you count me overdoing the wine last night and needing water now in the middle of the night!

And the really cute thing is... our radio in the kitchen is on day and night (it gives nice vibes) and I just went in there to get water and they were playing "my song". Ahhh.

Saturday, April 29, 2006 3:29:00 AM

doris said...

Oh Jessica, I was just reading through some of your older blogs and the tempestuous husband you have. It seems more appropriate to comment back here .... I don't know how you do it and am not surprised you can't imagine him being OK if you divorced. I am not sure I can catch up on your life in one reading and hope that things are improving. ((Hugs))

Saturday, April 29, 2006 3:59:00 AM

Britmum said...

Doris good luck with your weekend. I hope it turns out well for the sake of your son. It must be hard on him but I expect he has an exceptional relationship with Mr Doris as you come across as a wonderful parents.

Take care xxx

Saturday, April 29, 2006 5:08:00 AM

Gerald Ford said...

Hi Doris,

Sorry to hear about your awkward dinner. Even though it went well, it's still agonizing to have to deal with that.

Either way, I feel worse over your son. He deserves better treatment.

Sunday, April 30, 2006 5:57:00 AM

jane said...

For some reason, sons really need/want to know they're loved by their biological dad. It sounds as though your ex was too hurt & couldn't bear to see another man in his shoes. But, what is now is what matters. I hope he shows up & that your son gets a very nice visit with him.
Thanks for your well wishes for Tarzan. He's almost perfectly better now.
Hey, you know our 1 year anniversary is coming up next month? WootWoot!

Sunday, April 30, 2006 6:15:00 AM

Doris @ 80th birthday bash

Security was lapse at the palace again

They tried not to look at the woman with 'the' hat

Doris always was a trendsetter

"Dahlinks, I lurve a good birthday bash"

HRH muttered, "She was only brought in to
liven things up and now she she's gorn
and stolen the damned show"

LOL on my 80th I'm going to invite everyone else who is born the same day and have a good laff at them too!

It's my party..... and I'll dress as I please

Make way, make way ...



Original Comments:

doris said...

Hats hide a multitude of sins.... the Duke of this, the Duchess of that....

Sunday, April 23, 2006 11:19:00 PM

Cheryl said...

So your true identity is Betty Boop?

Sunday, April 23, 2006 11:47:00 PM

Curly K said...

Luv the hat dahling, always knew you were part of the Bloggerati!

Monday, April 24, 2006 12:15:00 AM

Le laquet said...

God you look stunning ... can't those other nobodys get out of the way so we get a clear shot of you?

Monday, April 24, 2006 6:20:00 AM

Stegbeetle said...

Good to see someone adding a little colour to the scene.
What was the disco like? Or did they have a band?

Monday, April 24, 2006 7:12:00 AM

Britmum said...

OMG you have a figure to die for Doris and those eyes, I bet they hold a secret or two. (wink, wink).

Have a lovely week.

Catherine

Monday, April 24, 2006 4:19:00 PM

Carol said...

Doris, you kill me. I hope you had a fabulous time, and that tiresome woman in blue didn't ruin your day!

Monday, April 24, 2006 8:46:00 PM

Milt Bogs said...

'You get rid of one Lady In Red and another one pops up out of the woodwork.'

I have a wonderful verification code - 'bzumumac'. Sounds like something that big women should wear when it's raining.

Monday, April 24, 2006 9:31:00 PM

MrsDoF said...

"And a good time was had by all in attendance"
I cannot remember where I read that phrase oh those many years ago, but it seems to fit that picture.

My birthday is the same date of the month as Prince Phillip's. I sent him a birthday card awhile back, but never have received an acknowledgement.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006 3:59:00 AM

Gerald Ford said...

Well *I* would rather celebrate the Queen Mum's birthday than G.W.Bush's.

So as far as I am concerned, God Save the Queen! :D

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 4:55:00 AM

Gerald Ford said...

My birthday is the same date of the month as Prince Phillip's. I sent him a birthday card awhile back, but never have received an acknowledgement.

Better that he didn't. I heard that he's not very tactful sometimes.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 4:56:00 AM

Ally said...

I find it very difficult to understand why women who are rolling in cash have such poor taste where fashion is concerned.

*goes to change in to something more comfortable*

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 7:57:00 PM

Gerald Ford said...

I find it very difficult to understand why women who are rolling in cash have such poor taste where fashion is concerned.

Oh I don't know. I've seen plenty of women walking around who looked fantastic and clearly had more money than I. Presumably though, they were using someone else's money.

It's great having a wife who loves you even when you're broke and cheap. ;p

Thursday, April 27, 2006 4:39:00 AM

Badaunt said...

You know, just behind you there is apparently a hat with no head under it. Maybe the head got a headache at the last moment and the hat decided to attend on its own...?

I'm glad you attended, anyway. They needed SOMEBODY to brighten up the occasion, and you really did, didn't you!

Saturday, May 06, 2006 3:17:00 PM

rashbre said...

You missed me?

Sunday, May 07, 2006 1:35:00 PM

doris said...

LOL sorry I missed you Rashbre!

Sunday, May 07, 2006 4:58:00 PM

rashbre said...

You should spot me now!

Sunday, May 07, 2006 7:29:00 PM