Links and Sundry

AgricolaThe brief interchange here on the site (and the much longer one on Facebook) about the Michael Moorcock Corum books Wednesday has me thinking about a web site re-read of the series. I’m in the midst of too many projects, as usual, but I thought I’d gauge interest about joining me for a Chronicles of Corum read-along. I already know that there’s some interest on FB — what about from my site visitors?

Judging from the lack of comments on my posts about westerns, I’m guessing that most of my regular visitors are about as interested in them as I used to be, which is to say that your eyes glaze and you start thinking about cherry pie. I’d dearly love to convince you that the good westerns are surely worth your time, and I may try to do so more eloquently some day. Or you could take a chance and try a really great one to see for yourself. Here’s a link to a review of a book that collects three strong, short Harry Whittington westerns. The first and third in the collection are just great writing. I read my copy through interlibrary loan and loved it so much I think I’ll want to re-read it, which means I’ll probably pick it up.

Lastly, here’s an interesting essay by Tom Holland, the designer of one of my new favorite board games, Agricola, Master of Britain, on some of the approaches to keep in mind while designing solitaire games. If you’re at all curious about those, you’ll find the essay of interest as well.

Right, well, I have a book to revise and maybe even some cherry pie to eat.