My idea of the Danube was almost entirely formed by reading Greenmantle, by John Buchan, in which Richard Hannay smuggles himself onto a chain of barges carry arms down the Danube from Germany bound for Turkey.
Category: Literature
Holy Right Hand
Last week, on 20th August, St. Stephen’s Day was celebrated in Hungary. I challenge you to name who wrote this, between the wars, about the St. Stephen’s Day procession of The Holy Right Hand in Budapest. “…the swaying canopy above the sacred relics borne by the Cardinal Prince Archbishop, glorious in crimson and ermine….bishops, monsignori… Continue reading Holy Right Hand
Have You Read…..?
I don’t know which is the most trouble, having the hall and stairs painted or having new bookcases in the study. Hanging pictures and putting back books take ages but in both cases it’s an opportunity to re-arrange. More than a year ago, putting books back in the study, I came across a paperback that… Continue reading Have You Read…..?
Travel Feature
Someone Else’s Granny
Serious Money
Drink Time!
“Drink Time! In the Company of Patrick Leigh Fermor” is a memoir by Dolores Payás describing her visits to his house in Greece near the village of Kardamili in Mani in the last two years of his life. It bursts with her affection and admiration for him and is an admirable coda to his life.… Continue reading Drink Time!