4 November 2011
The Trade
Daniel Soar
Two new book proofs have arrived in the office:
And:
Both are to be published by Faber early next year. One is a history book, the other a novel. Guess which is which.
Two new book proofs have arrived in the office:
And:
Both are to be published by Faber early next year. One is a history book, the other a novel. Guess which is which.
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Comments
Here I'd agree with Bob, for related but not identical reasons: "Poland 1939" is lettered/designed more professionally. But that in itself isn't conclusive.
Daniel Soar's piece from a few weeks ago comes to mind.
- 'Ow full is a li're bo''le of Earl Grey?
- Empty - it's got no t in it.
I didn't know that joke, but from your transcription, Cockneys pronounce "bottle" much as outport Newfoundlanders do. Instead of a "t," a glottal (glo''al?) stop.
For what it's worth, Alan Bennett writes somewhere that the shortened "the" or "to the" can resemble a short pause, or syncopation, rather than a positive sound. Does that accord with your experience?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UQmY57qrfw
The comments are quite moving somehow: "I was healed for the first time in the tune of Joy Division. I'm sorry for my poor English." for example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihCbVT637aM&feature=grec_index
I haven't found a YouTube version with the presenter's comments, but this clip begins with a bit of "Evidently Chickentown."
But then, between history studies and my current employment, I'm quite familiar, alas, with clunky writing. (My dentist says I grind my teeth. I'm not aware of it, but not surprised either). Of course, plenty of thriller writers crank out slaphead material. Take Dan Brown -- please. But that's why marketing departments were invented.