On Jul 24, 2012, at 12:49 AM, Barrie Akin wrote: As for the 'razors' comment - can I mention that the safety razor was introduced early in the twentieth century, so Housman could have used one. And Mr Gillette was "King C Gillette" (the 'C' standing for  'Camp'). Make of that what you will! Barrie Akin


Dear Barrie,

'Camp'? Could relate to those two - mentors? tutors?. Ever since I discovered several camellias at the Huntington Gardens named after Gillette I have been intrigued to know more. I haven't had a chance to study your Hardy trouvailles, but am very interested and will try to catch up today. Hardy meant little to me when I noticed the Eberthella/Ethelberta reference, but I have come to love him very much.

The razor blade -- zhiletka po-russky, deriving from Gillette -- plays an important role in Shade's cerebral stroke(s) or course in my reading of Pale Fire.

Carolyn

p.s. Congs for garnering such positive reactions from the usually more reticent List members - I have to admit to a soupcon de jalousie!
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