Slightly Foxed #84: '1 Too Am Here'

by Gail Pirkis (Editor), Hazel Wood (Editor)

This quarterly publication, independent in spirit, harmoniously blends appealing aesthetics, engaging prose, and a personal touch. It introduces readers to timeless books that, though no longer trendy, possess enduring appeal. With a good-natured, unpretentious, and slightly quirky demeanor, it feels more like a well-read friend than a typical literary magazine.

Genres: Journal

96 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2024

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar issue that gets better as it goes. My two favorite articles were Looking on the Dark Side about Edward Gorey and his dark, fun stories for kids and Shaving with my Father about lyric poetry for boys!

I love how Flora Neville reminds us that Gorey’s sparse style leaves room for the imagination and he definitely avoids moralism.

Of course, I am going to buy all three volumes of lyric poetry mentioned by Nigel Andrew and I love how he acknowledges the role of mediocre poetry in the development of a taste for poetry! So important!

[Laura Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

First issue of Slightly Foxed! I took my time reading through it, and enjoyed it very much. Not every book reviewed was one I would read, but some were. And I appreciate the goal of the quarterly so much, I will keep reading. Each essay was fun to read for itself, as well. Good fun!

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quarterly Slightly Foxed is always a delight, but the Winter 2024 edition is a particularly engaging and enjoyable treat. Wide-ranging as ever, covering everything from the voluminous letters of Jane Welsh Carlyle to Delia Smith’s Complete Cookery Course by way of hard-boiled American crime, experimental fiction, Updike’s Couples and the gothic humour of Edward Gorey’s unique illustrations, and much else besides, the pieces are witty, informative and often surprising. Great stuff for the dark months of the year.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An issue of mixed quality. Some excellent essays, such as those on Diary of a Provincial Lady and the recitation of narrative verse, while others are mere book reviews without the personal reflections and meditations that make this journal such a delight to read.

[Emmapettitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alwaya interesting.

[D'face · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this excellent issue for the Georges Simenon review but there was much else here I very much enjoyed. Some great old books that would be a delight to read by the sounds of it including the Provincial Lady and Stone Mad. Each short essay or review is a pleasant read that opens windows onto literature that I have not yet sampled. The Snow Was Dirty is a devastating novel and highly recommended.

[Marie-Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthusiastic endorsements of another well chosen collection of books.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this edition as much as previous ones, only one book that I added to my TBR list.

A Fatal Inversion by Barbara Vine