Although I read every day I don’t normally post a book review until I have finished it.
Today, however, Jackie and I have both been stricken by colds which have kept us away from the bright, sunny day outside. I occupied myself reading 100 pages of
which Tess and Mat gave me for Christmas.
Published this year Tiffany Francis’s journeys into the nighttime landscapes of Britain and Europe is beautifully written and illuminated by her own competent, well composed, illustrations introducing each chapter. The book jacket above, reproducing one of the internal black and white drawings shows an example of the constellations incorporated into each design.
There is a wealth of information about nature and natural phenomena, of history, and of rituals, embellished by pertinent quotations from prose and poetry.
I found it intriguing that this journey into the night took place following the break-up of a romantic relationship, and, so far at least, seems to have been a way of coming to terms with it.
I will say more when I have finished this informative and entertaining work.
Here are the first batch of illustrations.
Fortunately there was plenty of Jackie’s excellent Boxing Day chicken curry and savoury rice in the freezer for us to dine on it this evening with minimal effort. This was followed by Christmas pudding, cream, and custard.
How fascinating and the illustrations are wonderful! Hope you both feel better soon.
Thanks very much, Cindy
I always loved illustrated books–and the ones you find seem so interesting. Happy new year to you and Jackie. I hope you feel better soon.
Thanks very much, Lisa. And Happy New Year to you.
Seems like an interesting book, and the illustrations are excellent.
Thank you very much, Dolly.
My pleasure, Derrick.
Hope you both feel better soon. If not – just have some food delivered!
Thanks very much, GP. Becky is still with us. Ian had to go back home tonight but will return tomorrow.
Perfect!
Best wishes to you and Jackie for a speedy recovery. I’ve got one too.
Many thanks, Susan. Race you to recovery 🙂
Weirdly, that’s what I’ve just said to my mother. 🙂
🙂
Thank you Derrick, that books sounds as if it is right up my street. I will take note and get it in the library, it sound absolutely great! Hope you both feel better soon.
Thank you very much, Agnes.
I especially enjoyed the illustration of what I take to be Gemini — the twins — above that wonderful tree. They seem to be dancing — I hope you and Jackie are up and dancing soon. Well, metaphorically, if nothing else!
Many thanks, Linda. Metaphorically it would have to be 🙂
Beautiful illustrations. I remember enjoying the book Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier when I was a teen.Is it a real place in Cornwall? I hope you and Jackie both feel better soon!
It is a traditional inn on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall – built 1750. Thanks very much for your good wishes, Merril.
Lovely illustrations, Derrick. I hope you and Jackie are feeling better soon. I was hit Thursday evening with the flu. I haven’t had this in 30 years or so. I’ve never experienced body/joint aches and nerve pain quite like this. Take care!
Thanks very much, Jill. You get well soon, too.
Thank you.
The illustrations are lovely Derrick 🙂 This must be a good book to read.
It is, Arlene. Thank you very much.
Get well soon. Do you read any books that aren’t beautifully illustrated?
Occasionally, Tootlepedal. Thanks very much.
Hope you guys are up soon enough, colds are miserable. I do enjoy these illustrations.
Thank you very much, Mary.
This book looks wonderful. Hope you get rid of the pesky cold soon.
Thanks very much, Gary.
Dark Skies sounds intriguing! I love the illustrations. I hope you and Jackie are soon over your colds.
Thanks very much, Liz. We will get there.
That sounds like a book I would enjoy reading, Derrick. The illustrations are perfect. Thank you!
Wishing you and Jackie speedy recovery from your colds.
Thanks very much, Lavinia. I think you would like it.
Hope you both feel better in time to celebrate the New Year.
Another good book and beautiful illustrations…such wonderful details!
I hope you two are well VERY soon!
Healing-HUGS!!! 🙂
PS…Nugget would be happy to see birdies in those drawings! 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
I hadn’t hear of this, thank you for calling it to our attention; the graphics are wonderful. Hope you’re on the mend for 2020.
Thanks very much, Libre
I like the illustrations. A couple remind me of woodblock prints. I hope you and Jackie soon feel better.
Thank you very much, Jean
This sounds wonderful. All except for the colds. Hope you both feel better.
Thanks very much, Cheryl
Beautiful illustrations and dinner and dessert! I hope your Christmas was a happy one, Derrick. Happy New Year!
It was good, Luanne. Happy New Year to you, too.
Feel better soon!
Thanks very much, Leslie.
Fascinating and insightful art! Take it easy and get well!
Thanks very much, JoAnna.
I hope you and Jackie are feeling better. Both Richard and I have had the cold in the last week and it’s not much fun.
Thank you for your review – part 1; I am sure I would enjoy this one and have made a note of it.
Thanks very much, Clare. We are just about recovered now, as I hope you are.
We’re getting there, thank you, Derrick.
Love this book
Thank you very much, Alex
Having nipped over to your blog I can see why.