IN THE BEGINNING

8 Of The Best Incipits Of All-Time Literature

Published on December 28, 2023

Image: Chris Lawton

Embarking on a literary journey is akin to stepping into a parallel universe. The first few lines of a book, known as the incipit, serve as a gateway into an author's world, setting the tone for the entire narrative. If you happen to be browsing through a bookstore, these powerful first words might actually sell the book faster than any back cover blurb can.

From captivating openings to iconic first sentences, these incipits have left an indelible mark on literature. Join us as we explore some of the best incipits of all time, each a masterclass in the art of literary enticement.

1

"Call me Ishmael."

Image: Ray Harrington

Book: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (1851)

In the vast ocean of literature, few incipits are as instantly recognizable as the opening line of Moby-Dick. Melville's choice of a first-person, informal address invites readers to forge a personal connection with the narrator, Ishmael. This simple yet enigmatic introduction sets the stage for the epic voyage that unfolds.

2

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…"

Image: Constant Loubier

Book: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859)

Dickens' masterful dichotomy in the opening of A Tale of Two Cities captures the essence of the turbulent historical backdrop against which the novel is set. This iconic incipit not only mirrors the societal upheavals of the French Revolution but also foreshadows the contrasting fates that await the characters.

3

"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."

Image: Jaunt and Joy

Book: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878)

Tolstoy's incipit in Anna Karenina acts as a profound reflection on the diversity of human suffering. Contrasting the consistency of happiness with the individual qualities of pain and misfortunes, the author encapsulates the intricate web of conflicting emotions that are explored in the novel.

4

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Image: Calvin Craig

Book: Book of Genesis (debated authorship and date)

Arguably, the opening line of the Book of Genesis is one of the most influential incipits in human history. Its apparent simplicity holds deep significance, marking the dawn of many different religious interpretations and inspiring countless literary and artistic works. Regardless of one's beliefs, this incipit's impact on literature, philosophy, and art cannot be overstated, making it an essential inclusion in our list.

5

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

Image: Y Park

Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

Austen's brilliance shines in the opening line of her most celebrated novel of manners, which playfully satirizes societal expectations regarding marriage and wealth. It immediately immerses readers in the world of manners, relationships, and class differences of the early 19th century.

6

"The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there."

Image: Peter Herrmann

Book: The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley (1953)

Hartley's incipit in his novel The Go-Between is like a piercing arrow that forces us to reflect on the very nature of time and memory. The opening line hints at the novel's exploration of nostalgia, regret, and the consequences of revisiting the past through the eyes of a naive character, just like a foreigner might see a new country.

7

"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."

Image: Parker Coffman

Book: 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

1984's chilling opening line immediately transports readers to a dystopian world where even something as mundane as a clock can give an impossible hour, signaling that something is deeply wrong. The novel’s protagonist, Winston Smith, sets out from that point on to navigate an unsettling and oppressive world where everything - and everyone - is in plain view, yet the truth is always hidden.

8

"It was a pleasure to burn."

Image: Yaoqi

Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)

To end this list, a personal favorite. The provocative opening line of Bradbury's masterful novel ignites the imagination immediately. Before learning what is being burned—that is, books—readers are already immersed in the psychological perspective of the protagonist, a fireman who does not fight fires but rather causes them. An incisive commentary on censorship, knowledge, and conformity begins with this fiery and memorable incipit, inviting readers into a thought-provoking exploration of intellectual freedom.

SOUNDTRACK OF A GENERATION

10 Legendary Albums And Their Secret Backstories

Published on December 28, 2023

Image: blocks

Embark on a journey through the corridors of music history as we unveil the captivating tales behind some of the most iconic albums of the past decades. From legendary bands to solo ventures, each of these albums has a secret story that, in one way or another, contributed to their legacy in the annals of music.

Join us as we explore the lesser-known struggles behind these 10 timeless classics.

1

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles

Image: Kreepin Deth, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Beatles' groundbreaking album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was born out of their desire to reinvent themselves at a point in their career where being The Beatles was becoming an increasingly dangerous (and tiresome) job.

Band members were in fear of their own fans, to the point where the lyrics of "With A Little Help From My Friends" originally said "What would you do if I sang out of tune? / Would you stand up and throw tomatoes at me?" but was changed because Ringo believed that would just be asking for tomatoes to the face.

2

The Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd

Image: Stephen Harlan

Pink Floyd's magnum opus, "The Dark Side of the Moon," was initially conceived as an exploration of the pressures musicians had to face within the industry. A series of interviews with the staff that worked at Abbey Road Studios were recorded - they even interviewed Paul McCartney! However, the thematic scope was ultimately expanded to delve into the more universal themes of madness, mortality, and the human condition.

The album was a huge success, and interestingly 10% of the proceeds from it were donated by the band to help fund British comedy troupe Monty Python.

3

Thriller - Michael Jackson

Image: Call Me Fred

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying his status as the King of Pop. However, making the legendary album was no walk in the park.

When the nine songs that would be released in the final version were finished, both Jackson and his producer were still dissatisfied with the results. They decided to go back to the studio and remix each song again until everything was perfect, a process that took over two months of intense work. But the effort was certainly worth it because the album not only shattered records but also helped transcend racial and cultural barriers in the music industry.

4

Rumours - Fleetwood Mac

Image: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0

Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" is a testament to the power of music amidst personal turmoil. Despite a number of soap opera-level internal conflicts and romantic entanglements within the band, they managed to stay focused and channel their emotions into a timeless masterpiece. Given the conditions, the entire album could have easily been a trainwreck, but the result was a piece so raw and powerful that it quickly became one of their most beloved releases.

5

Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen

Image: Chen

Before "Born to Run," Springsteen was an up-and-coming troubadour of the American Dream, still a long way from becoming "The Boss." Drawing from his blue-collar spirit and folk influences, his 1975 release was acclaimed by fans and critics alike, positioning alongside the rock greats, such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Bob Dylan.

The album, filled with anthemic songs and cinematic storytelling, resonated deeply with a generation that grew up longing for escape and redemption. In fact, the legend of Springsteen’s perfectionism was likely born during the recording of the album, as the title song alone took more than six months to finish!

6

Abbey Road - The Beatles

Image: Michael Heise

The Beatles' swan song, "Abbey Road," marked the culmination of their musical evolution. Although the tensions between band members were almost to the point of no return - for the promotional video, each Beatle was filmed separately - they managed to set aside their differences and create a collective masterpiece. Allegedly, the band’s longtime producer, George Martin, initially refused to participate in the album but was ultimately coaxed by the band into working with them one more time.

7

Hotel California - Eagles

Image: Julian Myles

Eagles' "Hotel California" epitomizes the excesses and lingering disillusionment of the 1970s California rock scene. With its haunting lyrics and mesmerizing guitar solos, the album captured the zeitgeist of its era, earning it a place in rock music history. Amusingly, lead guitarist Don Felder almost forgot the chords for the titular song, as more than a year had passed since he first recorded it, and the band had to call his housekeeper in Malibu to blast the original cassette recording through the phone until they could reconstruct it.

8

Purple Rain - Prince

Image: Gary Leonard

Prince's "Purple Rain" was more than just an album, it was an ambitious crossover between cinema, music, and real life. Blending genres and exploring cultural taboos, Purple Rain served to showcase Prince’s virtuosity as a musician and enigmatic persona. Proof of the intense commitment that the project demanded, all band members were forced to take dancing classes before filming, and one of the lead actresses came perilously close to hospitalization due to hypothermia after shooting a scene on an ice-cold lake in Minnesota.

9

Sticky Fingers - The Rolling Stones

Image: Jim Pietryga, CC BY-SA 4.0

A gritty and raw portrayal of life on the edge, and despite receiving mostly lukewarm reviews from the critics, The Rolling Stones’ "Sticky Fingers" was a huge commercial success - and proved that the band could still push forward and reinvent itself after the tragic events of the 1969 Altamont concert. From Andy Warhol’s provocative cover to the bluesy riffs, the whole album was a celebration of the rock and roll culture of excess and defiance.

10

Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys

Image: Stephen Harlan

When The Beach Boys - a band mostly known for their sunny and carefree lyrics - released "Pet Sounds," an album filled with intricate arrangements and introspective lyrics, few could contain their surprise. The label was convinced it was going to flop, and wanted the songs to go in a different, more easygoing, direction. The change in trajectory, however, was quite deliberate on the part of the band, as they even hired a copywriter to help give the album’s lyrics more depth. Luckily, Brian Wilson’s genius prevailed and the release went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time.

Looking for an extra scoop of literary fun?

Learn more with our Word of the day

alacritous

/əˈlækrədəs/