Visiting writer at CSH

[Errol Friedberg]

I am presently writing a book on the writing life of Jim Watson and spent a "micro-sabbatical" here during the winter months of 2002. Living here allows one to soak up the atmosphere of this historic place in a way that simply isn't possible during the brief and hectic meeting experiences. In particular, the Banbury center where I lived and wrote for 2 months is a most tranquil and beautiful place, perfect for scholarly activity that requires hours of uninterrupted time.

Delving through the CSH archives on an almost daily basis and getting to know Mila Pollock and her staff as people as well as capable archivists and librarians was another memorable experience. They are all remarkably "old world" in the most charming sense of the phrase. Speaking of which, by all accounts the old Carnegie Library is to be remodeled soon. Yes, that is badly needed; and yes, that will be nice --- but a piece of wonderful history will be lost forever. How sad that the imperatives of staying "modern" necessarily require losing something irreplaceable.