(no subject)

[pantryslut]

"I have often wondered why a ship appears to be on the whole a more satisfactory possession than a woman. It is probably because, being so frail an object, precariously and visibly balanced between the elements, even the most obtuse of men realize the necessity of attention and tact at the helm. But women, though quite as fragile, perched on edges more razor-like, though intangible, amid eterneties even more momentous, must evidently give a false impression of stability, since belated and absent-minded jerks so often take the place of that gentle hand upon the tiller which keeps both ships and human beings along their course. Hence the natural but unreasonable preference of peace-loving men for ships."

Now that's an opening paragraph. (Freya Stark, Southern Gates of Arabia.) Think Ms. Stark had some issues? And yet it's hard not to admire the writing. Much better than her contemporary Mr. Colonial (and professional travel-writing friend), whom I have recently dispensed with.