Sissi

I bought this because I hold Richard Bassett in high esteem as an historian and travel writer; a biography of Wilhelm Canaris, and a memoir, Last Days in Old Europe. And for another reason; I thought it was a biography of the 19th century Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi).

The Producers

An annual treat in the late 1960s was to watch Brian Rix farces on the television and I remember they were at the Garrick Theatre.

Kiss Me Hardy

The Needles are almost in sight after my long voyage with Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. I am on the 20th and final (complete) book: Blue at the Mizzen.

The Secret Sin

When I was at Pratt’s yesterday, where the staff are always called George or Georgina, I was reminded of Saki’s short story: The Secret Sin of Septimus Brope.

Into the West

Driving along the elevated section of the M4 there may be time to contemplate the view when traffic is at a standstill.

Hanging On

“The Princess Royal this morning visited the Metropolitan Police Crime Museum at New Scotland Yard, Victoria Embankment, London SW1, and was received by Colonel Jane Davis (Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London).”(The Times, 22nd October, 2025)

Published
Categorised as History

A Similarity

This is about a septuagenarian writing a blog. Do you see a similarity?

Christian Hope

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord (Psalm 19:14).

Published
Categorised as Religion