rules of civility

I had a very somber weekend so I apologize for lack of photos.  I've started a book recently called "Rules of Civility" by Amor Towles and I can't seem to put it down. The book begins with a gallery opening of Walker Evans subway portraits "Many are Called".  Using a hidden camera, Evans snapped unsuspecting passengers traveling around the city.  These images are hauntingly beautiful.  In the book, Towles describes the subway commute from the perspective of a woman in the 1930's.  I found it chilling how relevant the description remains.

"Anyone who has ridden the subway twice a day to earn their bread knows how it goes: When you board, you exhibit the same persona you use with your colleagues and acquaintances. You've carried it through the turnstile and past the sliding doors, so that your fellow passengers can tell who you are-- cocky or cautious, amorous or indifferent, loaded or on the dole. But you find yourself a seat and the train gets under way; it comes to one station and then another; people get off and others get on. And under the influence of the cradlelike rocking of the train, your carefully crafted persona begins to slip away.  The superego dissolves as your mind begins to wander aimlessly over your cares and your dreams; or better yet, it drifts into an ambient hypnosis, where even cares and dreams recede and the peaceful silences of the cosmos pervades. "

- excerpt from "Rules of Civility" by Amor Towles                                                                                                     

photo credits here, here and here.

 

Comments

[jen]

he's my favorite.

[Jessica]

now that is a sharp slip of eloquent insight. I might have to read this and loose myself to this kind of lovely prose, even if I am worlds away from the solid plight of a subway gal's undressed daydreams.

And never apologize for choosing a good read over us :)

[Brittany]

i might have to delve into this; it looks lovely.

[amanda jane]

nothing like a captivating book to keep your attention. I'll have to check that one out next.

[Jessica]

looks like this is going to be a movie soon!