[Eric Chevlen]

In his book " Thoughts and Adventures," Winston Churchill describes his generation as being in its twelfth lustre. What is the meaning and origin of that expression?

[Gregory Dowling]

"Lustrum" - Latin for a five-year period. See this Wikipedia entry (and also see Robert Harris's novel of that title).

[Ann Drysdale]

Aha. "Lustrum" was called "Conspirata" in the States, so Eric had little chance of making the connection from that source.

By the way, when is the third book in Harris's proposed trilogy coming out? We all know who wins, but it'd be nice to get literary "closure".

[Eric Chevlen]

Ah, thanks, Gregory. I've been puzzling over that for several weeks. Just think, when Churchill wrote that, he expected most of his readers would understand him. Among the many well-educated people I asked, none could solve the riddle—until now.

[Janice D. Soderling]

Eric, just a word of caution. Your counter will say that you are now released to post because you have made 15 posts. Don't believe it. You have only made 9 crits. Questions like this don't count, nor do comments on the Bake-offs or question posts at the Deep End.

So six more substantial crits are required and I am only telling you this so you won't get your first thread locked. So embarrassing--I got mine locked so experience is speaking.

[Ann Drysdale]

In other words, Eric, you have not yet fulfilled your Eratospherical lustrum and are not yet ready to perform the suovetaurilia.

We'll meet on the Campus Martius when the time is right.