Foreword

The Wellington Reading Group, as it might be best known, has now met 57 times to discuss 56 titles. (Plus one more if you include the special Polish book group meeting this summer). Don't underestimate how remarkable this is: many groups do not get half that far. It has changed rather a lot since its first meeting, and continues on what appears to be a solid footing. Whilst we don't actively solicit or market for new members, they are always welcome, and we feel that real literature lovers are bound to seek us out. Whilst we are fairly eclectic in our reading, our main aim to focus on classics – the sort of books and authors we feel we ought to have read.

Our first meeting was back in February 2008, with the witty and hilarious Diary of a Nobody. Despite such exciting literature, it was a bit dull and formal in a seminar room. We now have no association or connexion with either of Leicester's Universities, but many of our members come from these two institutions. Purely for commercial reasons, the University bookshop in the David Wilson Library kindly stocks our books, and at a decent £1 discount (unless it is a particularly inexpensive edition). As my Grandma would have said, better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

The minute book was introduced some time ago, and includes a number of papers too – when the book wasn't too hand. It may be a bit scruffy, but it informally records ideas and impressions of what took place at the meetings. This has evolved a little as Lucie is going to photograph the different covers of the books and upload these directly. The aesthetics of the different copies people have has always been a popular topic of conversation, and not something which is ever discussed on radio four programmes with bibliographic themes. I am pleased that this can be included.

All members are welcome to become posters on the blog – please ask me and I will be only too happy to add you as a contributor.

Malcolm