New book about East Oxford
August 18, 2007
Isolarion: A different Oxford Journey by local resident, James Attlee, was published in 2007 by the University of Chicago Press.
Attlee takes us on a pilgrimage down the Cowley Road. He listens to the stories of many local residents, and writes enchantingly about them, their lives and their memories. He knows our favourite spots – he cycles through the churchyard of SS Mary and John most days, and knows Ruth who leads the band of volunteers who have transformed that peaceful place; and Roberta who still insists on feeding the rats – I mean the squirrels!
How many of us have wondered what is behind that blue boarded Private Shop? and wandered in to find out! He tries out the Flotation Tank at Eau de Vie. He talks to many of the shopkeepers about their lives, their faiths, and their attitudes.
This book is startling by its simplicity and for those of us who know the Cowley Road, intriguing. For those who don’t, it can only serve to attract visitors out of the main tourist area of central Oxford. Congratulations to James Attlee.
I bought my copy – signed by the author – for £12 from Galeria Brasil. They told me, proudly, that they are mentioned in the book! What better reason to stock it?
