Synopses & Reviews
The commonplace book emerged in the 15th century as a way to compile knowledge. It took the form of a writer's notebook in which were recorded apposite quotations from other writers that were inspirational, motivational, philosophical or meditative. This record of the key points of his readings, resulted in a journal that was a unique reflection of the compiler's own thoughts and feelings and one stamped with his personality.
A Writer's Commonplace Book follows this tradition. In effect a personal notebook, this is an eclectic collection of more than a thousand short quotations that have struck a chord with the author in the course of her life and work. Drawing on the literary output of writers and commentators from many eras, this beautifully designed and thought-provoking anthology displays great sensibility, profound good sense and fine, if understated, wit and erudition. Taken from a wide variety of sources, it is a pantheon of the interesting and the apt, the wise and the witty, the curious or the just plain eccentric.
Review
"Compulsive reading... the literary equivalent of a really expensive box of Belgian chocolates." The Daily Express
About the Author
Rosemary Friedman is the author of some 20 novels and non-fiction works, including Practice Makes Perfect and Love on My List. She has kept a personal commonplace book for many years.