University elections – a story of Light, Darkness and Jellies

If you’ve worked in a university, you’ll be familiar with the tortuous machinations that inevitably erupt during internal elections. Examples are not as common as they once were (a specific instance being the installation of Deans, who are usually now appointed rather than elected), but they still exist, especially in more traditional institutions. Continue reading

The joy of a new book

20140724_143348There it was, on the doorstep. A parcel, obviously a book. I knew it was coming, but it was still a nice surprise to see it there. And as with most pleasant things in life, there was a story behind its arrival.

Just over two years ago, I wrote a post titled ‘Of Oxford, books and a theory of stupidity‘. The focus was my experience in buying a couple of books associated with the Oxbridge historian Hugh Trevor-Roper (T-R) at a market in Oxford. Then, out of the blue, a few months ago I received a message from a reader who was interested in purchasing one of the books, in this case a bound series of articles from T-R’s personal library. Continue reading

Of Oxford, books and a theory of stupidity

Every Thursday, near the centre of Oxford, sees the Gloucester Green ‘Antique and Craft Market’. Two immediate caveats: Gloucester Green is now a car park rather than the picturesque grass field you might imagine (though there is the odd tree, as you can see); and it’s more of a flea market than its grand title suggests. Nevertheless it’s great fun, and Marilyn and I (at her insistence) have visited on more than one occasion. And that’s where my meandering tale begins … Continue reading