Problematic

We had never learnt to dance, and, for some reason, we had supposed it to be a thing which everybody could do quite easily and naturally. I think Linda realized there and then what it took me years to learn, that the behavior of civilized man really has nothing to do with nature, that all is artificiality and art more or less perfected. -- Nancy Mitford

This past week began with my enjoying Excellent Women by Barbara Pym; it is such an austere book, one streaked with regret. The persisting wit within is such delight, if only in relief. I followed that with The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford, from which the above was cited.

Samizdat has selected White Savage by Fintan O'Toole as its next read, that appears promising, as does Chris Wickham's The Inheritance of Rome.