In a message dated 26/03/2007 19:47:19 GMT Standard Time, nabokv-l@UTK.EDU
writes:
Beerbohm:
On a small table stood a great casket of malachite,
initialled in like
fashion. On another small table stood Zuleika's
library. Both books were
in covers of dull gold. On the back of one cover
BRADSHAW, in beryls, was
encrusted; on the back of the other, A.B.C.
GUIDE, in amethysts, beryls,
chrysoprases, and garnets. And Zuleika's
great cheval-glass stood ready to
reflect her.
MR: Could the
Bradshaw refer to the author of Goddess of Atvatabar? Also
we have here
chrysoprase, which shows up in Kinbote's description of
Wordsmith's
campus. And then, of course, the cheval glass.
MR may be disappointed, but Bradshaw, I am reasonably certain, is a railway
timetable. Zuleika's library is limited, but impressively practical, as well as
beautiful.
Charles