Author Archives: Doug

I read THE SNOW LEOPARD when it first came out in the late 1970’s. I much enjoyed it then and rereading it in 2025 reminded me of what a treasure it is. If you have a shelf in your library reserved for American classics like WALDON and LEAVES OF GRASS this book belongs in the same row. Like most classics it sheds light on many subjects and can be enjoyed in different ways. Anyone who appreciates beautiful writing will find … Continue reading →

John Berger’s exploration of Pablo Picasso was first published in 1965 when the painter was still alive. The 1989 edition, which I read, contains a short opening chapter and a concluding one both written following the artist’s death. I found it helpful to keep the internet close at hand while reading because the black and white reproductions in the book are dark and dreary while the paintings themselves are often filled with jovial detail and lively color. I am not … Continue reading →

The story takes place in the early half of the 19th century in Rio de Janeiro and the narrator is a rather spoiled wealthy bachelor who has a love affair with a woman married to his friend. A reader hesitant to take on a story set in South America and published in 1880 need not worry. This novel could have been written yesterday, or maybe tomorrow—after all the narrator claims to be speaking to us from the timeless eternity following … Continue reading →