At any given moment, I've always assumed that nearly everyone around me was smarter than I was, more naturally gifted, quicker-witted, and probably capable of understanding Heidegger and Derrida. Michael Dirda assumecapablederrida Change image and share on social
I love the look of books published by the firm of Rupert Hart-Davis: They strike me as handsome, elegant, and inviting. I'll pick up almost anything with that imprint, especially if it's in a jacket or priced low. Michael Dirda bookdaviselegant share on social
Fiction is a house with many stately mansions, but also one in which it is wise, at least sometimes, to swing from the chandeliers. Michael Dirda chandelierfictionhouse Change image and share on social
The goal of a just society should be to provide satisfying work with a living wage to all its citizens. Michael Dirda citizengoallive Change image and share on social
Late summer is perfect for classic mysteries - think of Raymond Chandler's hot Santa Anas and Agatha Christie's Mediterranean resorts - while big ambitious works of nonfiction are best approached in September and early October, when we still feel energetic and the grass no longer needs to be cut. Michael Dirda agathaambitiousana share on social
From the late 19th to the early 20th century, the December issue of almost any general-interest magazine regularly featured a holiday horror or two. Michael Dirda 19th20thcentury Change image and share on social
The only kind of notebook I actively dislike is the steno pad, entirely because of that vertical line down the middle of the page. I presume it has some arcane secretarial use, but to me, it's both ugly and confusing. Michael Dirda activelyarcaneconfuse share on social
Mentoring is the last refuge of the older artist. With luck, disciples will keep one's books in print, one's reputation alive. Michael Dirda aliveartistbook Change image and share on social
In a single lifetime, roughly from 1865 to 1930, one finds the pioneering and patterning works of modern fantasy, science fiction, children's literature and detective fiction, of modern adventure, mystery and romance. Michael Dirda adventurechilddetective share on social
A reviewer's lot is not always an easy one. I can remember flogging myself to finish Harold Brodkey's 'The Runaway Soul' despite the novel's consummate, unmitigated tedium. Michael Dirda brodkeyconsummateeasy Change image and share on social