The Story behind GWTW

After I finished reading Gone With The Wind and was waiting a few days to start watching the movie, I came across a speech on YouTube by author Ellen F. Brown [17:28 m:s]. She talks about the extensive research to write this book about how GWTW became a book, then a movie and all the business that went along with it.

Cover of the book's dust jacket.

So I went to the library on Monday December 16th and found Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind: A Bestseller's Odyssey from Atlanta to Hollywood. It grabbed me right away and looked forward reading it every day until I finished it today.

Excerpts from the book's dust jacket:

Granted unprecedented access to GWTW records and correspondence, Ellen F. Brown and John Wiley, Jr., examine how a disorganized and incomplete manuscript by an unknown Southern writer was discovered by a major New York publisher and became one of the most popular, profitable, and controversial novels in literary history.

This entertaining and informative account traces Gone With The Wind from its origins in the Civil Ware-era experiences of Mitchell's relatives through its status today as a pop culture icon that still generates impressive profits for her estate. At the core of the story is Mitchell's struggle to capture on paper the sights, sounds, and smells of antebellum Georgia and how she dealt with her book's stunning success

Mitchell had no affinity for the celebrity status or legal complexities associated with being a bestselling author, but accepted them with resignation and went on to build an international publishing empire amidst the Great Depression and World War II.

The book was published in 2011 by Taylor Trade Publishing (printed in Canada). The book has 379 numbered pages along with ix front pages. The actual text covers 327 pages and is divided into 18 chapters plus an Introduction and Epilogue. There are also 54 images in the center of the book on unnumbered pages.

As I mentioned above, I was enthralled with the book. In some respects it reminded me of the old book about the Beatles' business venture Apple: The Longest Cocktail Party.

Along with this book I have been watching the movie and listening to the commentary track. That will be another blog post.

All in all, this book gave me an increased appreciation for how GWTW was written and published and the tremendous amount of effort involved PLUS the associated intricate business aspects.

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Links:
http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2019/12/finished-gwtw-but.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttSByd94Sfg
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781589795273/Margaret-Mitchell's-Gone-With-the-Wind-A-Bestseller's-Odyssey-from-Atlanta-to-Hollywood
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Longest_Cocktail_Party
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Written Wednesday January 1, 2020.

Added post

Retroactively added post about my quick trip to Clevo in August.

http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2019/08/visiting-clevo-uk-connection.html

Happy Anniversary

Nine (9) years ago, I began this blog. A birth. Something new for me. My first post was titled "birthing". I was inspired by the blogs written by my nephew and niece. So here I am, a stubborn and (apparently) foolish soul. They have abandoned their blogs and perhaps moved on...to [evil] FB (?).

So far I have written 436 posts over those years. I have dozens more that I intended to write but never got around to doing them. It is a challenge to keep going when your biggest fan is the apathy of others, especially those whom you hold dear. If you can't count on them, then who can you depend on? No one apparently. Eventually, one comes to realize that there is at least the satisfaction of creation. "He saw all that He had made and it was very good."

This blog was intended for others (family), to communicate and bridge the miles. But now no one seems to care about anyone but themselves. They can't be bothered. The attitude is "whatever floats your boat" (i.e., "I don't care about you."). Now it's more important to pose on [evil] FB and gain "friends" and "followers."  No time or inclination for son, brother, cousin, uncle, nephew.

Christmas Eve seemed (then) like an appropriate moment to start a new journey. And so the trek continues. After all, tomorrow is another day.

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Links:
http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2010/12/birthing.html
https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/tomorrow+is+another+day
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Written Wednesday 25 December 2019.

The New Runaway Home

Cover of my copy of The New Runaway Home (1954 Edition).
Illustrations by Gustaf Tenggren.

A few years ago, I thought it might be fun to buy an RV and travel cross country to see the sights when I retire. The New Runaway Home  (The Alice and Jerry Books) by Elizabeth Coatsworth gave me a sense of what that might be like.

The book is about the Harding family's adventures as they travel from Maine to Tacoma, Washington. Father is a portrait painter but business has not been great lately, Fortunately, his Uncle John invites them to join him on his apple farm in Tacoma since they will eventually inherit it anyway. So they sell their house, buy a small house trailer and hit the road to Washington state. Many adventures along the way.

Mother reads Uncle John's letter
to Mark, Father, Lucy, & Persia

The Harding family consists of Father (Jim), Mother, Mark (17), Jim (aka Bumble), and Lucy and her cat Persia. The story begins in March and ends on Christmas day (i.e., 10 months). 

I found this book at a used book sale recently. It wasn't on my list and I didn't know anything about it but I was attracted by the illustrated cover and similar illustrations throughout the book as well as black & white pictures. The book was illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren who is known for his work with Disney and Little Golden Books (e.g., The Poky Little Puppy). Originally from Sweden, Gustaf  immigrated to the US when he was 24 and joined his sister in Cleveland.

The book was originally published in 1942 as The Runaway Home. My copy is a 1954 edition now titled, The New Runaway Home. Apparently, the book is intended for 6th graders (Sixth Reader). It is 384 pages including a Glossary and a work list consisting of 1,059 words that were not in previous books of the series. 

Persia the cat is rescued from a hawk.

The Hardings adventures include New York City, the Outer Banks (NC), New Orleans, Ozarks, Denver, Sante Fe (NM), Inscription Rock (NM), a dude ranch (AZ), see the swallows of San Juan Capistrano, a stunt double in a movie, wildfire in California, Lucy almost dies on a beach in CA, and end up in Washington in time for Christmas dinner with Uncle John.

Merry Christmas Uncle John. We made it.

I really enjoy these children's books because they are easy, with wonderful illustrations, and pretty good stories too. Relaxing and enjoyable. Would love to take a trip like this someday.

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Links:

http://www.gustaftenggren.com/tenggren/default.asp

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_and_Jerry

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Coatsworth

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustaf_Tenggren
https://www.scenicusa.net/081606.html
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Written Saturday 21 December 2019.

Bethlehem...again

Me in front of the little Post Office in Bethlehem-after sending my Xmas cards.

Originally, I had planned to go to Bethlehem on Saturday 12-14 but didn't make it because I was still wrestling to produce my end-of-year letter to go with my cards. My backup plan was to go on Tuesday 12-17 because I had scheduled that day off for court (however, that day was now freed since the case was reportedly settled). At the last minute, I decided to take a half day off and go today because the weather forecast for Tuesday is freezing rain & sleet (and treacherous travel conditions). It's about a 40 mile drive each way (combination highway and back roads).

Last year, my son Richard accompanied me but he's away this year so I went solo. I had 40 cards to cachet and mail this year. This year's cachet is #85. Only one color ink: green (I don't know why-will have to ask sometime. Perhaps the alternative-red- would look like blood.).

Cachet #85. Note "2019" above the windows of the engine.

Most of my cards I used one or two different cachets but on a few others, I filled the back with several. There was a steady stream of people that came in to stamp their cards too. Many are like me and travel miles in order to get the Bethlehem postmark and cachet(s).

Since it was late in the afternoon when I finished, and since it is on the way home, and since it is something of a tradition, I stopped at G's Burgers for a late lunch. This year I had a hot dog with sweet potato fries and a soda. Cost a little under $10 (and that was for a combo). It was okay-the hot dog was overly lathered with condiments but I did enjoy the fries.

I am thankful to have a Bethlehem that is within driving distance and grateful that I could take time off from work to do this. What a blessing. Merry Christmas!

Postscript: I am stunned, shocked, and saddened (and MAD). I mailed these cards on Monday December 16th. My card was delivered to my apartment on Wednesday the 18th with a Hartford postmark instead of Bethlehem! What in the world is going on? There is no point in traveling to Bethlehem and end up without a Bethlehem postmark at Christmas. Nothing is scared anymore.

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Links:

http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2018/12/return-to-bethlehem.html 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cachet
https://gsburgers.com/
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Written Tuesday 17 December 2019.
Postscript added Wednesday 25 December 2019.

Annual KOC Creche Exhibit

Friday (November 29) was a paid holiday for me. I chose to mark the day be visiting the annual Christmas Creche exhibit at the Knights of Columbus Museum. 

Last year I was accompanied by my son. But this year, he is away, trucking, so I went solo. (Perhaps if he is able to come home for a break, we can go again together).

This year's theme is "Christmas in Europe." The pamphlet and promotional literature description:

Across Europe, the annual celebration of Christ's birth has formed traditions that have become part of the cultural fabric of its nations and regions. "Christmas in Europe" is the theme of the Knights of Columbus Museum's 15th annual Christmas exhibition, showcasing the art and customs of the continent. 

From November 16, 2019 to February 2, 2020 the museum will exhibit more than 80 Nativity scenes or creches, icons and religious artworks representing 30 countries across Europe including its signature 120-square-foot Neapolitan (Italian) creche. 

European artists, from the great masters to local craftspeople, have depicted the Nativity for centuries, often integrating and showcasing regional clothing, architecture and raw materials. The show also explores the traditions and festivities that have developed across the continent to celebrate the Christmas season.

History of the Nativity in Art. 

The origins of the creche or Nativity scene, a three-dimensional representation of the birth of Christ, date back to the 13th century. It was in the Italian city of Greccio, in December 1223, that St. Francis of Assisi gathered villagers together to form a living Nativity scene. This depiction of Christ's birth has since evolved and has been explored for almost 800 years. 

While the earliest creches were found in churches, by the 17th century elaborate creches were commonplace within the homes of the aristocracy. By the following century, creches were made with more affordable materials, allowing them to be accessible to all people.

The exhibit is again located on the main floor in the three primary gallery rooms. Each room has one or more posters that explain the items in the room. The exhibit is organized by country, each one having a caption to describe a key feature of its Christmas customs as illustrated in the exhibit.

I am fascinated by the colors, artistry, and imagination behind the various interpretations of the birth of Jesus, the Christ child. I think this demonstrates the diversity of thought and devotion that people bring to the concept of savior. The birth of a child represents continuation of life, a new generation, a fresh start, and hope for a future.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help icon.

This reminded me of an Easter basket.

This made me think of VeggieTales.

One section of the exhibit featured a mock-up of a Christmas market.

Beginning in late November, many European cities host Christmas markets. Dozens of vendors display and sell Christmas items such as ornaments, candles and creches. In addition, food, beverages, and other handcrafted gifts are fore sale. Families flock to the markets to buy everything they need to prepare for Christmas or come simply to celebrate the season. Some modern markets provide a fair-like atmosphere. 

These markets originated in German-speaking countries in the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1298, the city of Vienna hosted its first market, called the "December Market" and the city of Munich hosted a Christmas market in 1310. Today markets can be found throughout Europe. Even Albania, where half the populations practices Islam, has a Christmas market in its capital city of Tirana. While many follow the design of the German markets, others include their own nation's foods and crafts.

Part of the market exhibit-note also the Christmas tree.

Christmas trees awaiting to be decorated by schoolchildren for the
annual Christmas Tree Festival (beginning December 7, 2019).

Christmas Trees

There are several stories associated with the origin of the modern Christmas tree. The ancient Romans decorated their houses with pine branches for the celebration of  Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. The celebration began in the middle of December and ended around January 1.  

People of Celtic descent would adorn holly or ivy bushes with fruit, nuts, and torches in late December to celebrate the winter solstice.  

With the introduction of Christianity, decorated evergreen trees came to symbolize the Tree of Life, and, also the figure of Christ and his promise of eternal life.

Polish

Russian

A modern, minimalist interpretation.

There are many more pieces and styles in the exhibit. It is worth attending even if you are not Catholic or Christian (I'm not). At this time of year, I think it is worth pondering the divine and the meaning of our lives. The exhibit shows the various hopes and desires of many peoples for salvation from the burdens of living and also expressions of their hope for the future.

And how can you go wrong with FREE admission and parking.

Upstairs

The exhibit space upstairs contained something of a hodgepodge of religious art:

I don't think I ever realized that wall behind this cross is painted blue to
represent the sky.

Another icon.
Compare to the Lady of Perpetual Help (above).

St Joseph & the child Jesus.

Another Exhibit: Knights of Columbus Headquarters

For the 50th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Headquarters building, the museum has a modest but interesting exhibit on the history of their headquarters buildings in New Haven. The exhibit centers on their current HQ building which was completed in 1969.

Fashioned For The 21st Century: A Headquarters for the
Knights of Columbus.

This picture shows the New Haven Coliseum (at left) with parking garage on top.

One thing I learned was that the (demolished 2007) New Haven Coliseum was designed by the same architect and intended to match the Knights' tower (see picture below).

The parking structure of the New Haven Coliseum (L) with the Knights of
Columbus HQ Tower (R).

Again, this exhibit is FREE and worthwhile.

I am always surprised to find that so many Connecticut Catholics (and even members of Knights of Columbus) have NEVER visited this FREE museum. It is a treasure not to be missed.

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Links:

https://www.kofcmuseum.org/

http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2018/12/christmas-creche-at-knights.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Columbus_Building_%28New_Haven%2C_Connecticut%29
http://www.krjda.com/Sites/KofCInfo1.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Haven_Coliseum
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Written Monday 2 December 2019.

Finished GWTW but...

Slip cover of my copy of GWTW.

I started reading this Gone With The Wind at the end of September and finished it today, Sunday December 1st. The edition I read was 954 pages (not abridged) but some of the paperback editions are 1400 pages!

I found this book to be an easy read. I wanted to keep reading. So many people's opinion of the story is influenced by the movie. But I have not seen the movie yet. I will do that soon (although watching a DVD over numerous days is not the same as a singular experience in a theater).

There is so much to say about this book, this story but due to the political correctness climate today I could not say much without offending someone. Indeed, having merely read the book is likely a horrible sin according to some. We are increasingly approaching the world of  Fahrenheit 451.

In today's "Woke" climate, there is much in GWTW to trigger being offended but perhaps these are not necessarily unique to GWTW. The author of GWTW reportedly said the novel was about survival. Scarlet goes through 3 husbands, the loss of her parents, the loss of a child, the Civil War including the Battle of Atlanta and Sherman's March to the Sea, and Reconstruction. I was motivated to go online to look into more about the history of these events. Over the years I have learned that it helps to consult multiple sources to attempt to achieve a sense of balance and truth (but is it ever really possible to reach absolute truth?).

Sample of chapter illustration (by Ben Stahl).

The book also has something of a feminist slant because Scarlet becomes a business woman in order to be in control and retain some sort of personal power and independence. In that vein the book also touches on the war between the sexes. 

A critical aspect of the story is Scarlet's infatuation with Ashley. Over time, her experience finally wakes her to the reality that he is not what she made him to be. There is a parallel view of how the South viewed "the cause." There is a similar orbit regarding her view of religion and God. There is much to contemplate in this book if one does not allow themselves to be distracted by contemporary values retrojected onto the novel. 

Now that I've read the book once, I am curious to view the movie. It will be interesting to compare the movie to the book. Stay tuned.

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Links:

http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2019/09/starting-gwtw.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_with_the_Wind_(novel)
http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2016/05/fahrenheit-451.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconstruction_era
https://www.ushistory.org/us/35.asp
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Written Tuesday 17 December 2019.