What I Read in November

November was a slower month for reading, lots of things halfway through or still on the “to read pile”. In goal terms, I hit my target towards the end of October so there’s no fear there.

53. In Defense of Tradition- Richard M Weaver.

I’ve never really explored the Southern Agrarianism or the writing of the post Civil War South. This book has some excellent short essays and articles, I found the longer ones far less engaging but the style and language in some of the short pieces was excellent.

54. A Country Parson - James Woodforde’s Diary

This is the diary of a relatively nondescript and mundane Anglican reverend in the 18th century. It contains some wonderful scenes and bits of information. I read an illustrated version, but have upgraded to the Folio Society edition which, although still abridged, is much more thorough. It does mean I’m essentially reading two editions of the same book back-to-back but it’s worth it. The larger version includes the parson dining with a pirate, mocking Dutchmen’s enormous trousers and marvelling at a three-wheeled wheelchair. This was perhaps the apogee of Englishness and the church of England as a social institution - he certainly is no theologian and the priesthood is essentially his career rather than vocation. One of the reading highlights of the year.

55. Field Guide to English Clergy

A well put together bedside book which gives 3-4 page portraits of the English church’s more colourful characters. Would make a decent gift for anyone who’d enjoy reading about some real English eccentrics and it’s the book that introduced me to the Woodforde diaries.