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Reposted by James Bailey

Ian Rankin @ianrankin1.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

@drjamesbailey.bsky.social I didn’t think I needed another biography of Muriel Spark. Turns out I was wrong. Kudos.

James Bailey @drjamesbailey.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Hello! Next Saturday (3rd October), I’ll be chatting to @chitgrrl.bsky.social all about LIKE A CAT LOVES A BIRD: THE NINE LIVES OF MURIEL SPARK at @wigtownbooktown.bsky.social. Tickets are available below: I think it’s going to be a lot of fun! 🐈‍⬛ tickets.wigtownbookfestival.com/sales/events...

A picture of me (white male with brown hair, wearing glasses and a red shirt over a striped t-shirt) accompanied by a badge which says: I’m appearing at Wigtown Book Festival 2026

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THE FUTURIST! @tfuturist.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

@drjamesbailey.bsky.social Like a golden leaf, it's time to gently drift into the 1st read of the Autumn season. On Chapter 3. Your writing is exquisite and the sensation is that of reading a novel. Love this sentence: "The word is a lid shut tight on a howl of despair.": referring to 'cope'.

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Till Raether @tillraether.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Dann habe ich eine Weile die neue Muriel-Spark-Biografie von James Bailey gesucht, in Hackney und Spitalsfield ausverkauft. Aber als meine Tochter bei Waterstones einen Kalender gesucht habe, stand sie da. Hurra! Ich lese gerade meinen letzten Spark-Roman und freue mich wie Bolle auf dieses Buch

Ein rot-lila Hardcover Buch vor weißem Hintergrund mit angeschnittenem Porzellan-Rind, auf dem Cover das Schwarzweißbild einer dunkelhaarigen Frau mit schwarzer Katze, Buchtitel: "Like a cat loves a Bird: The Nines Lives of Muriel Spark", James Bailey

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Michael Shallcross @michaelshallcross.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Fascinating 15min audio interview with Muriel Spark from 1993, done to promote her memoir, 𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑚 𝑉𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑒, discovered by scouring the endnotes of @drjamesbailey.bsky.social's excellent 𝐿𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝐶𝑎𝑡 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑎 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑑: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐿𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑙 𝑆𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑘.

freshairarchive.org

Spark, Muriel, 1918-2006

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James Bailey @drjamesbailey.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I went to see The Odyssey last weekend and the man sitting next to me filmed himself reacting to various scenes for his Instagram stories. After the cyclops scene he posted “cyclops summer!", and I lay in bed that night with "cyclops summer!" going around and around in my head.

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Jan Carson @jancarsonwrites.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

End of August. I read a lot of totally mediocre contemporary novels this month and a fair few absolutely cracking books. These were my favourites.

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Janet @bookwormjan.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

What an excellent biography. Muriel Spark could never be pinned down and the author accepts this but still manages to cover her life and novels in detail in such a way that you say "Oh yes, of course, what an amazing woman" and "Oh I thought the same about that book. Thank you". Highly recommend.

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Janet @bookwormjan.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Next book.

Hardback copy of Like a Cat Loves a Bird
The Nine Lives of Muriel Spark by James Bailey.

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Jan Carson @jancarsonwrites.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

This is a biography as quirky, brilliant and compelling as Muriel Spark herself. Huge kudos to @drjamesbailey.bsky.social Seriously considering 2027 Might be my year of reading Spark.

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James Bailey @drjamesbailey.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I’m a big fan of this photo of Madonna looking like a visiting lecturer who will absolutely not give you an extension on your modernist poetry essay just because you chipped your tooth on a Snickers bar.

Madonna, seated at a desk in front of a typewriter and a stack of books. Madonna is wearing trousers and a white shirt.

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James Bailey @drjamesbailey.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

I'm in The Times again this weekend! I reviewed Chloe Aridjis's Booker-longlisted THE SHADOW OF THE OBJECT, a book about loss, connection, and an alsatian being a right bloody nuisance. Link to read in the next post… 🐕‍🦺

A photo of me, wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. I’m holding a copy of The Times, which features my review of the Chloe Aridjis novel.

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Michael Shallcross @michaelshallcross.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Holiday reading, picked up yesterday from York's new branch of Topping & Co., signed in style by @drjamesbailey.bsky.social

Hardback edition of 'Like a Cat Loves a Bird: the Nine Lives of Muriel Spark' by James Bailey

Title page of the same book, signed by the author, with an elegant cartoon of a cat tagged on

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James Bailey @drjamesbailey.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I’m in The Times today! I've written about Muriel Spark's The Driver's Seat, obeying your own 'queer dictatorial sense’, and scaring yourself to death while writing. Scarier still, I've just taken off my cap to find I’ve been left with a hairstyle reminiscent of Dido in her early-00s heyday.

Me, holding a copy of The Times, featuring an article with the headline ‘Rereading: The Driver’s Seat by Muriel Spark’. My hair is flicking out to the side.

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Stewart Parsons @libraryfiend.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

As a lifelong devotee of Ms Spark, it was incumbent of me to stock this fabulous volume, once my wife and I took ownership of our indie bookshop - good work James. Muriel was polite enough to reply to my eager teenaged letter back in my 'dole years'. Image pinned in bio.

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Stewart Parsons @libraryfiend.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

I have long enjoyed writing to my literary heroes. No more so than as a romantic book-mad 20year-old, pre library employment. Muriel Spark was quick to recommend the library as a source for her further reading faves to save me 'dipping into my dole'. How I treasure this letter #libraries

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Terri Windling @terriwindling.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

On my Reading List:

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Amber Elizabeth @amberelizabeth.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Been absolutely pinned to this for the past few days. THIS is the book to introduce anyone to my Muriel Spark, the author I have so long adored. Complex, compelling, challenging, and an utter joy - impossible to pin down to a single definition. @drjamesbailey.bsky.social understands her implicitly.

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Janet @bookwormjan.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

@drjamesbailey.bsky.social She hasn't been able to put it down. She's even bought it out with her. She days it's brilliant.

Daughter reading When a Cat Loves a Bird

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Megan All Hallows Eve @meganeve.eurosky.social · 16/07/2026

In other news I treated myself to a couple of new books 😊📚

Holding two books - like a cat loves a bird and a book about Marilyn Monroe

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Jacke Wilson @jackewilson.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

It was such a pleasure talking to @drjamesbailey.bsky.social for this - and such a fascinating book! Unputdownable!

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Patrick Kincaid @patrickkincaid.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Started listening to @drjamesbailey.bsky.social’s Muriel Spark autobiography Like a Cat Loves a Bird while on feeding and changing duty for the twins. I love how someone as precise with words as Spark was reduced to a microblogging style exclamatives in the face of Victoria Falls.

Like a Cat Loves a Bird
James Bailey

Cover image is Muriel Spark holding a cat

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Sarah Deaves @sarahdeaves.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

I’ve just been to this event - really interesting conversation about an uncompromising writer and her unconventional life. Looking forward to reading the book, which I *left the shop without paying for*. Will shamefacedly return tomorrow, pleading a heat-addled brain, and cough up. Sorry, James!

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Frank Cottrell-Boyce @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

The perfect match day build-up here from @drjamesbailey.bsky.social - six pack of aphorisms and a sharing bag of salt and vinegar epistemology

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Frances Evangelista @nonsuchbook.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Starting Like a Cat Loves a Bird: The Nine Lives of Muriel Spark by @drjamesbailey.bsky.social.

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David J Bauman @davidjbauman.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

I’m on the wrong continent for this, but if you’d can get to Liverpool, this sounds like a good time!

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Dash Silva @dashsilva.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

I did quite a lot of reading on holiday. (Not pictured, at least 300+ issues of various X-men comics). 4 wonderful Muriel Spark novels. 1 terrific biography of La Spark by @drjamesbailey.bsky.social 1 masterpiece adapted into another masterpiece of desperation actressing, THE HOURS!

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Department of English at the University of Liverpool @livunienglish.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

@livunienglish.bsky.social PhD graduate Jess White will be in conversation with James Bailey about his new biography of Muriel Spark, this Wednesday 15th July at Waterstones Liverpool. Discussion starts at 6:30pm and will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. Tickets here: tinyurl.com/4f6r33dw

eventbrite.co.uk

Waterstones Liverpool Welcomes James Bailey

James Bailey joins us to discuss his sparkling biography of Muriel Spark Like A Cat Loves A Bird - The Nine Lives of Muriel Spark

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Princeton University Press @princetonupress.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

A BBC Book to Read This Year @drjamesbailey.bsky.social's Like a Cat Loves a Bird: The Nine Lives of Muriel Spark is a spiky and delicious new literary portrait of the great twentieth-century British author. Out now! Order yours: press.princeton.edu/books/hardco... #MurielSpark #Biography

Like a Cat Loves a Bird: The Nine Lives of Muriel Spark by James Bailey. A spiky and delicious new literary portrait of the great twentieth-century British author of beloved novels such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Girls of Slender Means

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De Groene Amsterdammer @groene.nl · 10/07/2026

Redacteuren delen drie van hun huidige geheimtips en culturele obsessies. Deze week was redacteur Charlotte Remarque gegrepen door een thema: de dood. Ze tipt een biografie van Muriel Spark, het nieuwe aquarium van Artis en een tentoonstelling die een andere kant laat zien van Aat Veldhoen.

groene.nl

Drie cultuurtips over de absurditeit van de dood

Redacteuren van De Groene delen drie van hun huidige geheimtips en culturele obsessies. Deze week was redacteur Charlotte Remarque gegrepen door een thema: de dood. Ze tipt een biografie van Muriel…

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Aunticles @aunticles.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Look at this quality signature! You could get a signed book of your own by attending this event. Too far away for me sadly but if you're in or near Liverpool, check it out! 📚💙

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Frank Cottrell-Boyce @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

i've got my ticket. time to get yours.

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Tracy King @tracyking.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Liverpool peeps, get your Spark on

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Rememberist @rememberist.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

I've been following the progress of this book, and am excited that it's finally out in the world. I can't make it to Liverpool in time for the event. Please go if you can.

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Hesse Phillips @hessephillips.com · 08/07/2026

I can't go to this but everyone in Liverpool should not miss a chance to get to know this brilliant woman, who wrote razor-sharp, diabolically funny novels and gave one of my favourite BBC interviews *ever* in 1961: youtu.be/Zz-FfQ5SZ3c?...

youtu.be

1961: MURIEL SPARK at the BRONTË HOME CEMETERY | Bookstand | Writers & Wordsmiths | BBC Archive

YouTube video by BBC Archive

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Victoria Stewart @verbivorial.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Honestly, what better way to spend your Wednesday evening than listening to @drjamesbailey.bsky.social talk about his fab new book?!

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Jeffrey Ricker (he/him) @jeffreyricker.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Liverpool #BookSky folks, here’s an event to check out.

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Maylin @blithespirit4.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Enjoyed his talk in Chester last month, so this will be a fun event. And send you down the Muriel rabbit hole. . .

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Adam Farrer @adamjfarrer.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

I went to the Manchester launch of this book and not only is it wonderful but James is a smart, funny and engaging writer. If you're in the area, you owe this to yourself.

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Sarah Matthews @sarahmatthews.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Like a Cat Loves a Bird is an excellent read so if you’re in the area get along to this event! #BookSky 💙📚

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Kaye McElle @kayemcelle.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Proxy needed! To anyone in or near Liverpool who likes cats, Muriel Spark, good books, the postwar British literary scene or any of the above - don't miss this! Great, great book. (I'd go myself but it's a bit of a trek from Connecticut so I need a proxy.)

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James Bailey @drjamesbailey.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Hello, I’ve an event for my Muriel Spark biography next Weds (15th) at Waterstones Liverpool. We’ve sold barely any tickets, however, and it might be cancelled as a result. Please get a ticket if you’re nearby - it’ll be a lot of fun, and I’ll bring badges! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/waterstone...

A picture of me, accompanied by the text: JAMES BAILEY
IN CONVERSATION WITH JESS WHITE AT WATERSTONES LIVERPOOL
WEDNESDAY 15 JULY 6.30PM
The Nine Lives of Muriel Spork

5 cat-shaped badges, with text reading Muriel Spark Fan Club, pinned to a shirt

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same old ghost 🌿🪻 @sameoldghost.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

From across the pond! 🐈‍⬛️ @drjamesbailey.bsky.so's book "Like A Cat Loves a Bird" is out in the US now (but you'll have to find your own copy, since this one is mine)

A copy of James Bailey's Like a Cat Loves a Bird

Me holding a copy of Like a Cat Loves a Bird

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Peigi MacKillop @peigibheag.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

I'm 1/2 way through 'Like a cat loves a bird' by @drjamesbailey.bsky.social and it's bloody brilliant.

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