Aubrey Menen (1912–1989)

Another great volume in the Time-Life Great Cities series; far from being a children's book, this series features serious writers writing creatively, this one being by Aubrey Menen, who also authored the volume on London. As can be expected, this is a lyrical sort of prose-poem (almost) on a much-loved city, but not about its main tourist attractions (if you want panoramic views of St.Mark's, you will have to look elsewhere); the author seeks out nooks and crannies, glimpses of the lives and labors of the locals in back streets and hidden compounds; the photographer dwells on the interplay of light and water with patterns and colours, with many of the iconic buildings portrayed in their reflections more than in the flesh. A somewhat different, but valuable, introduction to what he calls "the most beautiful city in the world".… (mer)

A highly erudite and perceptive description of the people and culture of the city that was once the capital of the world, and now of Britain. Britain, of course, is most closely bound up with the growth of parliamentary democracy, but achieved in stages, with comparatively less bloodshed and revolution. The author takes us to all the inner precincts, of the gentlemen's clubs and the people's pubs, the centers of creative arts and the fairgrounds, the parks and the watering holes, the lobbies of parliament and the hallowed premises of law courts, the eastern quarter and the posh city centres. A delightful work, evocative of London before the information technology transformation, when people still interacted in the outdoors and community was still not a curiosity.… (mer)

Recently I took "The Mystics" to our swimming pool. I wasn't sure whether I was lending it or giving it to a lifeguard who is interested in Yoga. After a few days he reported that it was a wonderful book (and it became apparent that he wanted it, so I bought a second copy and now he, and I and my husband, all are reading it.)

Menen's prose flows smoothly and the book is generously illustrated. It's easy to browse (which I had done in 1974) but our young friend sets us the example of reading it, and so I shall. Provisionally I am assigning it 5 stars. I doubt that I will cut them down.… (mer)