Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Nothing is more important than an unread library

“Collect books, even if you don’t plan on reading them right away. Nothing is more important than an unread library.” ― John Waters, director, author & national treasure  

Posted in Books, Film, Libraries, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Who doesn’t love the Wizard of Oz

Here we are at the final day of the annual Banned Books Week and I just discovered that the beloved American children’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was a banned book. In fact, for decades it was one of the most … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Freedom of Speech, History, Libraries, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Bookstore Tourism: NYC

I was recently asked by a TBTP reader who is planning a brief visit to New York City to suggest some independent bookstores that are located in Manhattan and are not the much touted Strand. My first pick is located … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Encyclopedia of a world that does not exist

Over the years, I have run across a number of versions of the weird and wonderful Codex Seraphinianus. Along with English and French edtions, I have also seen an original Italian version from 1981. It’s difficult to catagorize this fascinating surreal fictionalized … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, Film, Writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

House of Dreams

Over the years, I have visited dozens of museums in and around London, but I haven’t found my way to the wonderful House of Dreams yet. The next time that I’m in London I will certainly make time to see … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe, Museums, Tourism | Tagged , | 1 Comment

There is no telling where time is

This piece is from former British Poet Laureate Ted Hughes’s collection of poems Earth Dances, with original linocuts by British artist R. J. Lloyd and printed in 1994 in an edition of 250 copies signed by the poet and artist in 18 point Bembo and Bodoni on … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Foundation

I first read Isaac Asimov’s seminal science fiction Foundation trilogy as an adolescent. It was challenging and sometimes confusing, but worth the effort. So, I was excited to discover the new television series based on the iconic books that premiered last Friday. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Alice, Aldous, and Walt

I recently discovered that Walt Disney commissioned Aldous Huxley of all people to write a script for a Disney film of Alice in Wonderland. Although this may seem surprising, it turns out that Huxley wrote a number of screenplays for Hollywood films … Continue reading →

Posted in Animation, Europe, Film, movies, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Publication Day

 

Posted in Art, Books | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Always Return Your Library Books On Time

Conan the Librarian has zero tolerance for tardy returns.  

Posted in Books, Libraries | Tagged , | 1 Comment