One of the unexpected joys that the blogosphere has brought is is the revival of writings that were originally presented on a serialised basis.
Samuel Pepys diary, for example. ‘Geoffrey Chaucer hath a blog’ is a nice variation – a contemporary set of sentiments put to the vulgar rhythms of late-middle English.
Flann O’Brien would be a good subject for a Pepys-ish treatment. His best work was short articles in The Irish Times. And of course, Orwell, whose letters and essays are at least as important as his literary high-points such as 1984 or Animal Farm.
Here’s the latest from Orwell’s facebook profile which has regular updates featuring the great man’s wisdom:
“I always disagree, however, when people end up saying that we can only combat Communism, Fascism or what not if we develop an equal fanaticism. It appears to me that one defeats the fanatic precisely by not being a fanatic oneself, but on the contrary by using one’s intelligence.” – George Orwell in a letter to Richard Rees (1949-03-03)
