A glossary for "Me-Smith"
When Caroline Lockhart's first novel, "Me-Smith," was published, the New York Times cited its "infallible ear for local vernacular," among other qualities. At one point famed critic H.L. Mencken at paired Lockhart with Sinclair Lewis and Ring Lardner in their marvelous use of local vernacular.
But it can be a bit intimidating today. Over at "Buddies in the Saddle," Ron Scheer has posted a wonderful glossary of terms appearing in "Me-Smith." I was surprised at how many there were, and how foreign many seemed to me. (I must have glossed over them while reading.) A keen reminder of the constant changes in language, and the current obscurity of the tiny subculture Lockhart was writing about.
I'm always interested in feedback, via info at johnclaytonbooks dot com
But it can be a bit intimidating today. Over at "Buddies in the Saddle," Ron Scheer has posted a wonderful glossary of terms appearing in "Me-Smith." I was surprised at how many there were, and how foreign many seemed to me. (I must have glossed over them while reading.) A keen reminder of the constant changes in language, and the current obscurity of the tiny subculture Lockhart was writing about.
I'm always interested in feedback, via info at johnclaytonbooks dot com
Labels: Caroline Lockhart, Cowboy Girl
