Discover: First Lines #3
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#3: S
First lines, like first meetings, are fascinating to ponder. As a fairly observant person who can decently register the inner nature as well as the outer nature of something, I can often quickly determine how I will feel about a person or a work of art. But there are always surprises.
Sometimes, I’m thankful that someone or something pushed me past my initial take to discover the hidden beauty I would’ve otherwise missed. And sometimes looking back, I’m amazed that I sensed what I couldn’t see — knew the significance of a seemingly mediocre introduction.
Now, in the third week of this first-lines adventure through my bookshelves, I’ve noted two things thus far: An astounding first line is a rare thing. And, my favourite books don’t always have the best first lines.
This week I have the first lines from four books whose titles begin with S.
Four First Lines
1. The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien:
“There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Ilúvatar; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, that were the offspring of his thought, and they were with him before aught else was made.”
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien | © 1977 Houghton Mifflin
If you are a fan of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, then it’s worth reading The Silmarillion. It is more history book than novel (though it is, of course, fiction), so it can be harder to get through, but it provides a fuller view of both Middle Earth and the brilliance of Tolkien.
My friend, Nathan, was kind enough to give me this [American] first edition copy!
2. Selected Prose by T.S. Eliot:
“From time to time, every hundred years or so, it is desirable that some critic shall appear to review the past of our literature, and set the poets and the poems in a new order.”
Selected Prose by T.S. Eliot | © 1953 Penguin Books
Penguin Books and T.S. Eliot? Be still my heart. I may not be a big nonfiction fan, but I had to buy this when I found it in Blackwell’s used books section, whilst visiting Oxford last December. And one of these days, I will read further than this first line to better know the prosy side of Eliot. But for now, I’ll probably just reread his Four Quartets for the umpteenth time.
3. The Science of Flight by O.G. Sutton:
“Aerodynamics is the science which records, analyses, and makes amenable to calculation the complex phenomena on which flight depends.”
The Science of Flight by O.G. Sutton | © 1955 Penguin Books
Another one I had to get simply because it’s a Pelican (cousin to Penguin…as far as Books go). I don’t foresee ever reading this…but who knows.
I did have the most fun photographing this one. I was checking behind my garage and this yellow leaf caught my eye. When I went inside to grab my camera, I decided to also grab this week’s four books, knowing a bit of “flight magic” would pair perfectly with Sutton’s science.
The Science of Flight by O.G. Sutton | © 1955 Penguin Books
4. Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw:
“No eggs!”
Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw | © 1962 Penguin Books
Ha! That first line was completely unexpected. I know of George Bernard Shaw more than I know his writings. In college, I had to read one or two of his plays, but they didn’t really leave a mark on my memory. However, I feel like I’m always stumbling across quotes that everyone says, which originated with him. And I couldn’t help snagging this book for fifty cents at an estate sale — both because it’s a Penguin (with an especially sweet cover!) and it’s about Joan of Arc — she fascinates me.
A few years ago I even did a Joan of Arc photo shoot with a few friends. Malina, costume-designer extraordinaire, wanted to portray a 1920s stage-version of Joan, and she picked Michelle as her muse. I got to photograph.
from Joan of Arc photo shoot © 2011
This is just a hint, you can see the whole set here.
My Favourite
Out of these four books, I’ve actually only read #1 (The Silmarillion); and though its opening story is one of the most beautiful depictions of creation (Eru, the One, creating the world out of a heavenly choir), among this batch of first lines it comes second to #4. To start any book with “No eggs!” is pretty intriguing, but a play on Joan of Arc? I was caught off guard, and definitely wanted to read more. Sláinte, Shaw!
Page One of Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw
Robert: No eggs! No eggs!! Thousand thunders, man, what do you mean by no eggs?
Steward: Sir: it is not my fault. It is the act of God.
Robert: Blasphemy. You tell me there are no eggs; and you blame your Maker for it.
Steward: Sir: what can I do? I cannot lay eggs.
» Next week: four books whose titles begin with R.
» Don’t miss last week’s: four books whose titles began with V/U/T.
What was your favourite first line
among your own four S books?
Have you been surprised by any discoveries
as you’ve checked first lines from your bookshelves?
→Kindle-edition available here: The Silmarillion.
I have read your first lines post three weeks running now…and still haven’t made any progress on selecting anything! Sigh.
I am, however, getting a good look at what I own, what I’ve read, what I haven’t, etc. And the shelves are getting dusted. So there’s some benefit, even so.
Ha! I hope you know, Lisa, that I am randomly pulling the first books I see whose titles begin with this week’s letter. I’m not searching for particular first lines. There’s no judgment in the selection. :)
But I’m glad you’re getting your shelves dusted and reacquainting yourself with your books! :) I must admit I haven’t at all progressed to any stage of cleaning…
Ha – and no judgment on the lack of cleaning! Truth be told, I only get around to cleaning bookshelves once in a blue moon. I just pretend I don’t see the dust…
I love this Beth! Thanks for giving me an excuse to take a break from mounds of paperwork. I took a pic of my nearby “S” books, but looks like I can’t post them here; I’ll tag you with em on facebook or something.
– Calvin Miller, The Singer [A well-done poetic allegory about the Incarnation] : “For most who live, hell is never knowing who they are.”
– Albert Camus, The Stranger [yeah, the depressing emo classic]: “Mother died today.”
– George Caird, Saint Luke [2 bucks at a thriftstore, but it’s a classic brief commentary by NT Wright’s mentor, so dat’s cool]: “Luke is a Gentile writing for Gentiles, but he has learned to see history through Hebrew eyes.”
– Jessie Haas, Saige [Aurielle’s American Girl Book was one of the first “S” books I saw laying around]: “‘Saige! Hurry!’ Mom called from the front step.”
– Neil Gaiman, Smoke and Mirrors [Short-story collection with one of the bestever opening lines]:”Mrs. Whitaker found the Holy Grail; it was under a fur coat.” [Caveat: the good stories in Smoke and Mirrors are fantastic (in every sense of the word) but in his zeal to land some rather trenchant social critiques he occasionally gets a bit lurid/explicit. Just read the synopses in the introduction to get a glimpse of what you’re in for and you can skip what you don’t like]
Awesome. I haven’t read any of those. But am intrigued by 1, 2, and 5; and yes, that last one is definitely one of the best ever openers — brilliant.
Feel free to leave comments each week, Shayne! This game certainly gets more interesting when others join in.
Glad I helped you steer clear of paperwork for a few moments. ;)