Thursday Feb 12, 2004

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Well, Manray last night was quite good. As usual I was able to enjoy the company of friends and associates, but I did dance more than usual as my somewhat aching legs readily attest.
The highlight of my day was the guest lecture I presented in a friend's class. With relatively minimal preparation I delivered an hour and a half presentation on the impact of blackletter pamphlets and broadsides on the popular ideas of witchcraft in 16- early 17th century England and the judicial repercussions thereof. The class seemed genuinely interested, they took copious notes, and I was complimented on the quality of my lecture by the regular instructor.
The facility with which I spoke and the responsive nature of the class was a very encouraging experience. In the process of reading and researching there is a constant feeling of inadequacy and a (hopefully) imagined mediocrity in your grasp of the material. Speaking rather extemporaneously on a topic for an hour and a half does remind me that at least some of my reading is sticking with me.
Other than that, I'm starting to get ill with something. Just in time for the weekend...wheee.
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gumbercules:
It was a collection of clips from "Witchcraft...", "Der Golem", and Murnau's "Faust". All 3 are silents, although in the early '60's, "Witchcraft..." was resurrected, edited down a bit, and a voice over (which is utterly fantastic, by the way) was added by William Burroughs. It's basically a pseudo documentary on the history of witchcraft, but I think it was more of an excuse to show women kissing the devil's ass, some torture, posessed nuns, and so forth. All are available now on dvd, and the Criterion "Haxan" one has both versions: the longer silent one, and the Burroughs one. I own 'em all.

[Edited on Feb 13, 2004 1:24PM]
gumbercules:
Happy Trifon Zarezan (Wine-Grower's Day, if you happen to be in Bulgaria today). So, hope you enjoy your weekend, and have the opportunity to raise a glass in honor of all of the lovely Bulgarians who risk their lives daily to bring us stompable grapes in liquid form.

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