Today, I'd like to recommend two books by the great literary critic, Frank Kermode (who passed away last week at the age of ninety): Shakespeare's Language (2000) and The Age of Shakespeare (2004) are two very different undertakings that are both splendidly realized. They are entertaining, memorable and useful.

It's worth remembering how important criticism is in the appreciation of culture. Literature can't operate alone. To appreciate it, we have to read about it, as well. As a bonus, it can provide great pleasure and insight, and Frank Kermode provided as much of both as anyone.

I'd also like to mention the happy news regarding the announcement of the return of the great announcer Vin Scully to the Los Angeles Dodgers' broadcasts for a 62nd (!) season. He's 82, by the way, and over the years he's been frequently described as a poet. I would definitely agree. Like Shakespeare, he doesn't settle for stale ways of saying things. (I still remember his description of Kirk Gibson: "He looks as if he just got off a raft.") Even if you've never listened to a baseball game, or are not a baseball fan, you should listen to at least one game called by Vin Scully.