Hardy in Tooting

Keeping in theme with famous authors in London, it has come to my attention through Tomalin's enlightening biography on Hardy, that the masterful writer resided in Tooting for a time. Although I think the only people on this entire earth who would be interested to know are myself and my sister (former Tooting residents), and a handful of other Tooting inhabitants. It is too bad we were not aware of the fact before as the house is still there: 1 Arundel Terrace, Trinity Road. According to Tomalin, "There was nothing picturesque about it or its situation, but it was undoubtedly genteel" (174). Today, Tooting is still largely residential, with a main street of unattractive storefronts. However, Tooting is far more greener than the center of London, which is about 40 minutes away by bus and tube. It has been affected by some ugly 60's style buildings (namely Ani's multi-level Furzedown dorm), but the seemingly endless rows of houses are quite charming.

Hardy worked on A Laodicean during his three year residence in Tooting, which I've only just begun, but one is struck with it's immediate idyllic and rural mood.

Map to Hardy's Tooting Residence

conspiracy theories!!

Now this is pretty wacky: Was Jack the Ripper really Jose Rizal?

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/weblog/comments/3999/

following the trail of Rizal

I never get excited about anything, so this is a rather grand occasion! I'm currently deeply entrenched in research for my Literatures In Translation essay on Jose Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere." Rizal turns out to be quite an incredible personage. Besides an understanding of 22 languages (6 of which he was fluent enough to hold correspondence, Augenbraum), he held a degree in opthalmology and humanities (specifically literature and philosophy, Austin). In the context of my recent jaunt to Europe, I find his intellectual pursuits and travels of great interest. I am pleased to discover his connection to London! During his stint in London he lived with a a Mr. Beckett and his English family on 37 Chalcot Crescent (Which my edition of Austin's biography of Rizal erroneously writes as Charlecote (totally different place in London)). Access a map to Rizal's London residence here.

He lived above Regent's Park (A very lovely park with a victorianesque pond complete with rentable row boats) and a walk away from UCL and the British Museum. During his time there he copied Morga's book on the Spanish history of the Philippines (Austin, 288).

Upon my return to London, it is my intention to make a pilgrimage to this obscure road and noteworthy residence of the "guiding saint" of the Philippine revolution (Augenbraum, intro to "Noli" Penguin Classics).

In the beginning

Been slowly wading my way through Bullfinch's. Lack of time and motivation keep me from getting anywhere near close to finishing the collection. I figure if I write about it in a blog I'll complete my half-assed mission at least twice as fast, even though I will be my one and only subscriber. Well, if it worked for Julie, why not any other selfish neurotic with commitment issues? Bring on the blogging.