Monthly Archives: September 2019

Every Man Dies Alone

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Until ten years ago Hans Fallada was a forgotten German novelist who had a moderately successful career until the rise of the Nazis. When he died in a sanatorium in 1947, Fallada was struggling with a long term addiction to … Continue reading →

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Bugging Out

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

This summer the media in North America has been crawling with stories about bedbug infestations. The creepy little buggers have been making the news for turning up every where from the New York Times headquarters in Manhattan to tangerine Mussolini’s … Continue reading →

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Paris: Word on the Street

Posted on September 8, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

h/t Philipe Bouvier  

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It’s That Day Again

Posted on September 7, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

“The National Buy a Book Day Foundation’s primary activity is educating the American people on the importance of books to our culture and community by encouraging citizens to go to any bookstore on September 7th of each year, which we … Continue reading →

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Why Islandia

Posted on September 6, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I was recently asked (again) why I still encourage folks to visit Iceland even in this era of overtourism. I could reiterate all of the reasons to go, but this amazing short film by Moscow-based videographer Vadim Sherbakov explains it … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Film, Tourism | Tagged | 5 Comments

Under the Martians

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

As a child, I was a big science fiction fan. I particularly enjoyed illustrated editions such as this great version from the short lived Looking Glass Library imprint. In 1960 artist Edward Gorey created the cover and pen and ink … Continue reading →

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This is the month

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and … Continue reading →

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Reading to Insomniacs

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Brian D. Butler
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Fantastical Traveler

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

On August 22nd the Waukegan Public Library in Waukegan, Illinois, unveiled a 12-foot statue of Ray Bradbury on what would have been the late author’s 99th birthday. The stainless steel sculpture, titled “Fantastical Traveler,” features Bradbury riding a rocket ship … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Libraries, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

September 1, 1939

Posted on September 1, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

September 1, 1939 W.H. Auden I sit in one of the dives On Fifty-second Street Uncertain and afraid As the clever hopes expire Of a low dishonest decade: Waves of anger and fear Circulate over the bright And darkened lands … Continue reading →

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