| Beverley Nichols in the garden of Merry Hall with its 'peculiar crane' at the edge of the pool |
1. He uses great verbs. On one page alone you have twist, swing, totter, delve, dream, stagger, trip, suffocate, lurk, and devote.
2. He uses unbiased gender pronouns - he and she or him and her instead of just the male pronoun. (And this was in the '50s.) For example...When a visitor first sees my garden, he or she breathes a sigh of serenity.
3. He writes brilliant dialogue.
4. There is always something to learn from Mr. Nichols whether it is about music, myths, or mice. His diversions and asides are just as witty and scintillating as the main story.
5. He knows his cats. And he loves them, as well as all animals. He can't even stand to swat a bee on a windowsill but instead catches it in a matchbox and releases it back into the garden.
6. He quickly captures the essence of his neighbors and friends - Bob with the his gold pocket chain and charms that he jingles when upset; Marius with his knowledge of just about everything, Our Rose with her reckless and energetic flower arrangements; Miss Emily with her practical nature which often clashes with Our Rose's more ethereal personality; and Miss Mint whose brutal childhood has made her quite timid and yet is such a kind person and everyone loves her.
7. In Sunlight on the Lawn, he provides instructions for making a lavender fan with fresh lavender stalks, starched muslin, and ribbon.
8. When it comes to beauty in house or garden, expense be damned.
9. I actually love the fact that he employs Gaskin, his "Jeeves", and Ted, a male secretary. I wish I had such helpmates.
10. He has generously chosen William McLaren, a fine, talented Scottish gentleman, to illustrate the Merry Hall trilogy. This makes the books not only a delight to read but a joy to look at.
Excellent summary! I feel as though I've just met a soul sister.
ReplyDeleteOh, Kelly, I do so love our Mr. Nichols. I have read the 'Merry Hall' books twice, 'Down the Garden Path' once, and I have a copy of 'Twenty-five' that I bought on a trip to London that I cherish. One can't find his books here in the U.S. in dusty bookstores. He must have been a fascinating man to have to tea!
ReplyDeleteI'm writing a post about the consoling power of garden books. Would it be possible to link to this post? You sum up Nichol's gifts far better than I ever could. (I'm not sure how to contact you directly, hence the comment.)
ReplyDeleteKelly, I would be honored. Let's spread the word far and wide about our Mr. Nichols.
DeleteMy blog is just a baby, so I'm not sure how much I can do for B.N. Still, thanks for letting me share your terrific blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://azealeahill.blogspot.com/2013/03/death-of-daphne.html
Thanks Kelly. Good luck with 'Azealea Hill'. What gorgeous photos. I am not much of a 'real' gardener myself, but I do love to read about others' adventures in the dirt.
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