Word of mouth disease

Some new self-promotion on the right. This kind of thing may become more frequent in the months to come.

Hopefully.

Lieutenant George: I don't like blowing my own trumpet.
Captain Blackadder: You might at least told us you had a trumpet.

Speaking of which, have you read this thing on agents, yet?

Or this thing, about hating the literature you are forced to study in school, only to discover it on your own later? Someone should compile a list of literary works you need to revisit after school, and those you were right to hate the first time through.

Another problem with EngLit, at least at the high school and early undergraduate level, is that there is rarely any differentiation made between works that are still interesting on a literary level, and those that are merely historically interesting or significant.

Or maybe, as the writer suggests, it's just that teenagers hate to be told. I had no time for The Great Gatsby – granted, I was getting it from a teacher whom I still hold up as a model for piss-poor English teachers everywhere – but I had a great time, even in Grade 9, with all the dirty double entendres in Shakespeare. Still do, actually. (As the German flying ace shouts, in another episode of Blackadder Goes Forth, apropos one of the pillars of English comedy: "Zexual innuendo!")


ADDED: The cover showing at the right – which, though an early version, will likely be very close to the final – was created by the estimable Phil Rudz. I love it, and would welcome any and all comments and suggestions, either by e-mail or in the comments below.