When I queried the other day whether inveterate collectors actually spend much time poring over their hord (without an "e", I've just checked), I suddenly remembered that I have all issues of The Beaumont Review between October 1957 and June 1963. I have to confess that I did in fact spend an awful lot of time poring over them. It was of course interesting and intensely moving to immerse myself in a distant past but, for the purposes of this blog at any rate, I would like to concentrate on the form of the Review.
The first thing that struck me was how little the format changed in the space of six years. In these digital times, we would expect (if not appreciate) a magazine to change its presentation at fairly regular intervals, just as we would expect a supermarket to change its layout every year, even though we live in dread of the change. From March 1958 to June 1963 (and no doubt beyond), the front cover of the Review changed not at all. (Prior to my "coming", the cover featured the Jesuit motto Aeterna Non Caduca which means "the eternal, not the transitory.)
The Beaumont Review was not above accepting advertisements. Freeman, Hardy & Willis, Ltd: "You can always rely on getting the latest styles, perfect fit and lasting wear, at prices that are distinctly competitive"; Country Cousins Anglo-Continental Agency: "We should be glad to hear from Catholic families who would be willing to entertain French teenagers of good family as paying guests during the Summer holidays"; "The International Stores for ALL your Groceries and Provisions".
Where are they now?
Lastly, I must record how beautifully written the Review was. Not the slightest trace of "dumbing down" here! Indeed, one wonders who the articles were intended for. Probably not for the boys themselves if the Book Reviews are anything to go by. The reviewer of The Silent Life by Thomas Merton concludes thus: "The Silent Life is well illustrated with photographs of monastic life and settings in America and on the Continent, but the publishers might have noticed that In Tabernaculo Altissimi is ill rendered by "In the highest Tabernacle". Might they indeed!
The first thing that struck me was how little the format changed in the space of six years. In these digital times, we would expect (if not appreciate) a magazine to change its presentation at fairly regular intervals, just as we would expect a supermarket to change its layout every year, even though we live in dread of the change. From March 1958 to June 1963 (and no doubt beyond), the front cover of the Review changed not at all. (Prior to my "coming", the cover featured the Jesuit motto Aeterna Non Caduca which means "the eternal, not the transitory.)
The Beaumont Review was not above accepting advertisements. Freeman, Hardy & Willis, Ltd: "You can always rely on getting the latest styles, perfect fit and lasting wear, at prices that are distinctly competitive"; Country Cousins Anglo-Continental Agency: "We should be glad to hear from Catholic families who would be willing to entertain French teenagers of good family as paying guests during the Summer holidays"; "The International Stores for ALL your Groceries and Provisions".
Where are they now?
Lastly, I must record how beautifully written the Review was. Not the slightest trace of "dumbing down" here! Indeed, one wonders who the articles were intended for. Probably not for the boys themselves if the Book Reviews are anything to go by. The reviewer of The Silent Life by Thomas Merton concludes thus: "The Silent Life is well illustrated with photographs of monastic life and settings in America and on the Continent, but the publishers might have noticed that In Tabernaculo Altissimi is ill rendered by "In the highest Tabernacle". Might they indeed!
Another interesting post Barnaby - tx.
ReplyDeleteThe Beaumont Review has been superceded in recent years by a great news letter published or at lest financed by a BU member who I think worked with Mercedes Benz and resides in Monaco. Possibly that publication is nearing its end though as its publisher is I believe a rather older BU member though I suppose we are all in some was now 'rather older'.
Thanks for your kind comments, Jerry. Yes, I too receive the Newsletter after an absence of several years. It's a real labour of love and exceedingly interesting, though sometimes rather sad for obvious reasons!
ReplyDeleteJerry, am I right in thinking you have a Kindle? If so, would you think it suitable for a non-computer savvy 90 year old lady? And again if so, which model would you recommend? My intuition is that the paperwhite touch model might be easier than the manually controlled one for somebody with no experience of computers (she would only want the Kindle for reading).
Please forgive the intrusion!
Best regards, Barnaby
Greetings Barnaby
ReplyDeleteI have responded to your enquiry by email but please say if more info is required.
Best regards
Jerry
Thank you, Jerry.
ReplyDeleteKindest regards
Barnaby