That phrase "seduced by the power of the obscure footnote" caught my attention — as a historian I appreciate the import of footnotes (and always interested in anything labeled “obscure”) but never understood them to be seductive, so an explanation is wanting.
I would not skip Faulkner, especially not The Bear. Take a look at what Merton wrote about Faulkner’s achievement in what he found to be a deeply spiritual piece of writing.
I had a professor of International Relations whose exams include 10-15% of information contained in footnotes. This was a college undergraduate course! It was also in the 80's before the quote! Now those were happy days and I didn't need to leave the 'burgh! Once again, your short article dredged up happy memories.
I would not skip Faulkner, especially not The Bear. Take a look at what Merton wrote about Faulkner’s achievement in what he found to be a deeply spiritual piece of writing.
Thank you, DrRMR Mitrik. Great advice! See today’s post “Merton on Faulkner”
I had a professor of International Relations whose exams include 10-15% of information contained in footnotes. This was a college undergraduate course! It was also in the 80's before the quote! Now those were happy days and I didn't need to leave the 'burgh! Once again, your short article dredged up happy memories.