Yes! I had known about the language, but not realized the rest even though the Awdrys lay out the reasons up front:
"Railways serve towns, villages and industries, and while place names are wrapped up in geography and/or history, the siting of industry depends largely on geology. The result was that before long we found ourselves evolving a political, social and economic history of the island. To do this we have had to delve into Irish, Scots, Norwegian, Icelandic, Manx and English history besides discovering Sudric sources of our own. The work combines the activities of historical characters and events with fictitious ones in what we hope is a convincing way. There are, of course, many gaps still to be filled in spite of the extensive further research needed to complete this volume, but we have enough material for two different lectures on 'The Railways of Sodor' and another on 'Pages from Sodor History'. These lectures are always delivered seriously as befits a learned subject! I remember on one occasion inviting questions after I had given a 'Pages from Sodor History' lecture, and was asked:
"'You write books about the people and railways of Sodor, don't you?'
"'Yes,' I answered.
"'Well,' he went on, 'aren't you putting yourself in danger of being sued for libel?'"
The main saints are Luoc and Machan and the saga is of the shield-maiden Sigrid, who beat back the Normans against overwhelming odds after her husband had died in the field. I am afraid I may find these historical inventions even more endearing than the railway stories themselves.
The cufflinks and tie clasp sound wonderful, and what a great way to carry a person's memory with you.
I was honored. I will find occasions to wear them.
no subject
Yes! I had known about the language, but not realized the rest even though the Awdrys lay out the reasons up front:
"Railways serve towns, villages and industries, and while place names are wrapped up in geography and/or history, the siting of industry depends largely on geology. The result was that before long we found ourselves evolving a political, social and economic history of the island. To do this we have had to delve into Irish, Scots, Norwegian, Icelandic, Manx and English history besides discovering Sudric sources of our own. The work combines the activities of historical characters and events with fictitious ones in what we hope is a convincing way. There are, of course, many gaps still to be filled in spite of the extensive further research needed to complete this volume, but we have enough material for two different lectures on 'The Railways of Sodor' and another on 'Pages from Sodor History'. These lectures are always delivered seriously as befits a learned subject! I remember on one occasion inviting questions after I had given a 'Pages from Sodor History' lecture, and was asked:
"'You write books about the people and railways of Sodor, don't you?'
"'Yes,' I answered.
"'Well,' he went on, 'aren't you putting yourself in danger of being sued for libel?'"
The main saints are Luoc and Machan and the saga is of the shield-maiden Sigrid, who beat back the Normans against overwhelming odds after her husband had died in the field. I am afraid I may find these historical inventions even more endearing than the railway stories themselves.
The cufflinks and tie clasp sound wonderful, and what a great way to carry a person's memory with you.
I was honored. I will find occasions to wear them.
That Janus daffodil is TRÈS COOL.
Your icon is right on point, too!