Stories

Grumbach, "in novels, essays and literary criticism explored the social and psychic hardships of women trapped in repressive families or disintegrating marriages, and ... portrayed lesbian characters and themes in a positive light that was then unusual." - The New York Times

Or so says Spanish philologist Irene Vallejo. "This was something different in the democratisation of knowledge. They wanted to gather all the books from all cultures and make them available for everybody." - The Guardian (UK)

Unless something goes viral (probably for the wrong reason), it's difficult for arts writing to get traction - and Twitter was, until two weeks ago, a good way to find an audience. But what now? The L.A. Times' arts and culture writers have thoughts. - Los Angeles Times

It's not pretty. "HBO Max subscribers are apparently watching a small selection of shows like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Two and a Half Men far more than a lot of the platform’s original programming." - The Verge

"While some are demolished to make way for developments or apartment blocks, others are transformed into childcare centres, yoga studios and libraries. Those rezoned for residential use often come with multimillion-dollar price tags." - The Guardian (UK)

"The women were telling me that they were writing by hand at night with no electricity, by candlelight, just to not go insane." - The New York Times

Is this the same Britain that ruthlessly cut libraries in underserved areas all across the country? The report "recommends that the government should 'support the development of a network of hubs providing cultural spaces, workspaces and free, fast internet access.'" - The Guardian (UK)

Duncan-Jones' "Shakespeare was a thin-skinned scrooge, misogynist and unabashed social climber — 'a rather unlikable man,' she wrote," based on decades of research but still (one must ask - really? Had people seen Taming of the Shrew?) still shocking the world. - The New York Times

Thus, this piece about getting music, books, movies, software and more, for free - or, technically, for a large group of people paying taxes every year - at the library. - Wired

She is the thirteenth woman to win in the prize's 120-year-old history. "The prize is worth just €10 but guarantees renown and massive book sales. Most winners prefer to frame rather than cash their Goncourt cheque." - The Guardian (UK)

At least, they do in Washington, D.C. - and the lack of a mask requirement is, many say, why they're not returning. - American Theatre

Netflix is about to find out. - BBC

"Theodore Farnsworth, the former CEO of parent company Helios & Matheson, and Mitchell Lowe, the former CEO of MoviePass," were charged with deceiving investors about the business model and sustainability of the service. - Variety

Making Mackers modern is a way for some writers - and actors - to get more into Shakespeare's work. One actor says that now she feels "included in a part of the literary canon that she’s always felt excluded from." - The New York Times

"It is not to say that there wouldn’t be room for improvement, and that’s the fun part actually, because I’m nearing an age where many other people are planning their retirement and slowing down and enjoying life. My feeling is, I’m just starting." - Nob Hill Gazette