The Vulgar Eclectic
Vulgar: of the usual, typical, or ordinary kind*
* definitions courtesy of Merriam-Webster
Eclectic: composed of elements drawn from various sources*
recent blog posts
- Indiana Jones and the Peril at Delphi by Rob MacGregor
I just finished reading Indiana Jones and the Peril at Delphi (1991) by Rob MacGregor. It’s the first in a series of novels written after the third Indiana Jones movie. The book begins with Indy graduating from college and his first experiences in archaeology, which, of course, are full of danger and excitement!
I was given a copy of this book when I was a kid, probably about 13 or 14 years old. I started reading it back then, I think, and again in college, but never got past the first bit. I’m glad I returned to it now and gave it a chance.
This was a well-paced great yarn, with good storytelling that felt true to the character of Indiana Jones. I really had fun reading it! MacGregor does a good job of adding historical and cultural details that help make the story feel enmeshed in a real time and place in the past. Plus, the reader gets to see Indy develop into the character we see in the films.
“Don’t worry, Indy,” Conrad said, “If you really want it, you’ll find what you need.”
- Historia Brittonum (History of the Britons) by Nennius
I just finished reading Historia Brittonum (History of the Britons) by Nennius, translated in the 19th century by J. A. Giles. This early history of the British Isles is usually attributed to Nennius, a Welsh monk, and was possibly first compiled around 830 AD. There are a number of old manuscripts of this work that differ from one another to varying degrees. Modern scholarship suggests the work may be a compilation of multiple anonymous authors, with various additions throughout the century.
There is much myth and legend intertwined with some factual history. It begins with the creation of the world and goes all the way through the Roman conquest of Britain and the subsequent Saxon invasions. There is a fairly long passage dealing with King Arthur and his battles against the Saxon armies.
This history reveals a picture of how Britains likely thought of themselves in the early middle ages.
“For it is better to drink a wholesome draught of truth from the humble vessel, than poison mixed with honey from a golden goblet.”
Historia Brittonum by Nennius. First page of manuscript, 11th century. From the collection of Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. - Darken Wood and the Forestmaster
—from Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman - Green
I took a walk a few days ago after the rain let up. In an alley there are several thin cottonwood saplings growing in the narrow strip of earth between the edge of the asphalt and a high fence that runs the length of the alley.
- Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels, Book 1 by Serena Blasco
I just finished reading Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels, Book 1 (2022) by Serena Blasco, translated by Tanya Gold. It’s based on novels written by Nancy Springer. It contains three stories: The Case of the Missing Marquess, The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, and The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets.
The stories are meant to be read in order, as a larger narrative continues to unfold in the background of each individual book’s plot. The main storyline involves the much younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, Enola, who has just turned 14 at the beginning of the story. Her mother goes missing, and Enola decides to challenge the norms of Victorian England, strike out on her own, and search for her mother.
This collection is fun and I plan to read the next stories. I enjoyed the watercolor artwork, especially the subdued color palette. The plots are interesting and Enola is a charming, inventive, and resourceful character.
“Ever indomitable and resolved to remain an idealist.”
