Books I’ve Read in 2018 [Christmas wrap-up]

It has become an annual tradition of sorts on this blog to post a list of books I have read in the last twelve months. This might perhaps provide some inspirational reading ideas for you, dear readers.

Besides, I think it’s the perfect opportunity for me to take a moment, stand back, and admire the books I have consumed (not literally).

‘Taliessin Through Logres’ – Charles Williams {BookTalk}

BookTalk is a series of blog posts, where I discuss non-Tolkien books in concise and honest reviews. Read on dear reader …

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Well, I’m not sure exactly how to write this review.

I was aware, before I ever purchased a copy of this book, that Williams’s writing was dense and difficult to comprehend on a first-time basis. That has been the case in this instance.

‘Medieval Monsters’ by Damien Kempf and Maria L. Gilbert {BookTalk}

BookTalk is a series of blog posts, where I discuss non-Tolkien books in concise and honest reviews. Read on dear reader …

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Many a time I find myself in awe at images and scans of beautifully-crafted manuscripts from the Middle Ages, often wondering what some of the strange, yet colourful creatures adorning the margins actually are or even symbolise.

‘Norse Mythology’ by Neil Gaiman {BookTalk}

BookTalk is a new series of blog posts, where I discuss non-Tolkien books in concise and honest reviews. Read on dear reader …

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Spurred on by a need to read more about the works that inspired Tolkien’s own stories, I had introduced myself to the myths and sagas of the Norse legends years back. The material was as expected: epic, entertaining, intriguing and also surprising — leaving me wanting to know more about the gods, their stories and the vast plethora of characters and adventures that have been passed down and recorded through history.

When I therefore became aware of the imminent release of Neil Gaiman’s book on Norse mythology, I just had to get myself a copy.

I knew that the content would be along the same lines of what I had already read, but was nonetheless excited at the prospect of reading a more narrative-friendly version of these tales by someone as excellent a writer as Gaiman.

‘The Once and Future King’ by T.H. White {BookTalk}

BookTalk is a new series of blog posts, where I discuss non-Tolkien books in concise and honest reviews. Read on dear reader …

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The Once and Future King recounts the journey of a young Arthur as he becomes king of Britain and is mentored by the wizard Merlyn on the ideas of chivalry, justice and human nature.

‘The Chapel of the Thorn’ by Charles Williams {BookTalk}

BookTalk is a new series of blog posts, where I discuss non-Tolkien books in concise and honest reviews. Read on dear reader …

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Having focused my reading habits on the works of Tolkien and Lewis for years now, not to mention acquiring a book or two about the Inklings, I thought it was the right time to dip into some of the works by other members of that literary group.

And what better way to do this than by exploring the somewhat obscure figure of Charles Williams himself?