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Mary McCarthy's memoir of her adolescence, highlighting her experiences in education as she recalls in intimate narrative the eight years before her marriage at age 21. 16 pages of black-and-white photographs.

In "A Devotee: An Episode in the Life of a Butterfly," Mary Cholmondeley deftly weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of devotion, identity, and evolution within human relationships. Written in her signature elegant prose, this novella is marked by its psychologically rich character portrayals and vivid imagery, reflecting the influence of the late Victorian literary context, where themes of transformation and societal constraints were prevalent. Cholmondeley's work transcends mere storytelling, inviting readers to contemplate the profound emotional landscapes of her characters as they navigate the delicate interplay between personal aspiration and societal expectations. Mary Cholmondeley, a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often drew inspiration from her own experiences as a progressive thinker and advocate for women'Äôs rights. Her background, characterized by a deep appreciation for the natural world and a passion for social reform, informs the thematic depth of her writing. "A Devotee" reflects her nuanced understanding of the complexities of devotion, not solely in a romantic context but also in its broader implications for self-identity and personal fulfillment. This novella is highly recommended for readers interested in the intersections of love, self-discovery, and societal critique. Cholmondeley's insightful narrative encourages reflection on one'Äôs journey, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate literature that engages both the mind and the heart.

The Comma Queen returns with a buoyant book about language, love, and the wine-dark sea. In her New York Times bestseller Between You & Me, Mary Norris delighted readers with her irreverent tales of pencils and punctuation in The New Yorker’s celebrated copy department. In Greek to Me, she delivers another wise and funny paean to the art of self-expression, this time filtered through her greatest passion: all things Greek. Greek to Me is a charming account of Norris’s lifelong love affair with words and her solo adventures in the land of olive trees and ouzo. Along the way, Norris explains how the alphabet originated in Greece, makes the case for Athena as a feminist icon, goes searching for the fabled Baths of Aphrodite, and reveals the surprising ways Greek helped form English. Filled with Norris’s memorable encounters with Greek words, Greek gods, Greek wine—and more than a few Greek men—Greek to Me is the Comma Queen’s fresh take on Greece and the exotic yet strangely familiar language that so deeply influences our own.

"You have grown very fond of your good nurse, haven't you, Mary?" "Indeed I have, Uncle. I wish she could go South with us after Christmas." "But don't you think it would be selfish of us to take her away from little folks who really need her? That brings us to a matter of importance which I must discuss with you this evening."