The Written Word

Originally published 29/05/20

Photo courtesy of CanterCreative

Literature has long since stood as humanities most pure means of education, self-expression and simple escapism. In ways that are often unparalleled, the written word allows us to access that part of our brain that facilitates insatiable curiosity. Like an incessant itch that needs to be scratched, works of fiction and non-fiction alike capture our intrigue and imagination to such a degree that a world without them seems barren of creative integrity.

In times of varying unfamiliarity, literature provides a vital means of stability. I myself have always found great solace in the written word. Over the last few months, I’ve revisited old works, in the hope they would spring forth memories of a more familiar time. I’ve also discovered fresh material, with the purpose of busying myself with newfangled knowledge.

What follows is a shortlist of those books, both young and old, which have resonated with me most over the last few months. Perhaps they will come to inspire you also.

1984 (George Orwell 1948)

While it seems almost candid to say Orwell’s dystopian classic is an enjoyable read, it cannot be denied that it is, in every sense of the word, fascinating. The book’s exploration of a near-future totalitarian society is unsettlingly accurate if, at times, hyperbolic.

Indeed, his portrayal of oppressive leadership (particularly in 1984) left such an impact that it gave rise to its own adjective (Orwellian), as well as influencing a once-popular television show.

Despite the books troubling insight into a hopeless future, we can find some comfort in the truth that many of us live in a society that acknowledges free speech and, fortunately, abstains from the practice of torture.

“Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.”

The 39 Steps (John Buchan 1915)

John Buchan’s definitive adventure novel is now over a century old, but time has done little to dampen the pleasure of this exhilarating read. Vividly producing sharp and clear imagery within the mind of the reader, the book seemed destined to become a Hitchcockian thriller before the great director even started making movies.

In times such as these, when grand adventure sometimes seems like a distant memory, books like The 39 Steps act as a catharsis, a way of living vicariously in the shoes of the protagonist. In this case, Richard Hannay. His story is the polar opposite of a life in lockdown and, at 128 pages, it’s a relatively short read. What better way to escape for the day?

A fool tries to look different: a clever man looks the same and is different.”



The War of Art (Steven Pressfield 2002)

The War of Art is an essential read for any artist seeking their true calling or a more refined and unencumbered voice. Though “self-help” in style, the book is more concerned with understanding what limits our creative capabilities. By portraying “resistance” as an almost physical entity, the book manages to humanise it. Once the invisible enemy, out in the open, the artist finds ways to overcome it.

A wealth of free time has seen many of us seek refuge within creative projects. However, as our patience for lockdown wains, so too does our will to motivate ourselves. Resistance rears its ugly head. Thank god then, for books such as these.

“If Resistance, couldn’t be beaten, there would be no fifth symphony, no Romeo and Juliet, no Golden Gate Bridge. Defeating Resistance is like giving birth. It seems absolutely impossible until you remember that women have been pulling it off successfully, with support and without, for fifty million years.”