Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

More than Nordic Noir

Posted on November 8, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

In recent years, there has been an amazing interest around the world in Nordic Noir literature. But long before it became trendy, Iceland  was producing compelling books. I first became interested in Icelandic writers way back in the 7th grade. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

How to be at home

Posted on November 7, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Director Andrea Dorfman and poet Tanya Davis teamed-up to create this wonderful short film that is very timely. Must of us need this right about now.  

Posted in Animation, Books, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Is nostalgia a coping mechanism

Posted on November 6, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

As I was attempting to deal with the overwhelming political anxiety of this fraught time in the United States, I chose to fall back on my go to method of diversion: travel nostalgia. It’s hard to believe that I haven’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Maps, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

November for beginners

Posted on November 5, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

“November for Beginners” by Rita Dove Snow would be the easy way out—that softening sky like a sigh of relief at finally being allowed to yield. No dice. We stack twigs for burning in glistening patches but the rain won’t … Continue reading →

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

When book-lovers dream of luxury…

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Drifting into dreamland after the ultimate reading experience… When book-lovers dream of luxury, they dream of Detroit’s Book-Cadillac Hotel–at least according to this fabulous ad copy from 1928. The curtains flutter, the readers snuggle, and service is swift and silent. … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Books, History, Hotels, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Writers Against Authoritarians

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Writers Against Trump is an association of American authors and writers working together to oppose Mango Mussolini’s regime and re-election, and to encourage voter turnout. They are planning a series of post-election events on November 5, in partnership with several independent … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Freedom of Speech, History, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Help Save a Paris Landmark

Posted on November 2, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

I have had the pleasure of visiting Paris many times over the last 40 years. And ever time that I’m in Paris the iconic bookstore Shakespeare and Company is one of my first stops. Even if you have never been … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe, History, Libraries | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

You can judge these books by their covers

Posted on November 1, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

California-based artist Seth Bogart is a painter, designer, musician, and ceramic artist. TBTP reader Will tipped me to these very clever ceramic books and book covers from a recent series by Bogart. You can see more of these “hardcover” volumes … Continue reading →

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

Halloween Travel Haunts

Posted on October 31, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

I have to admit that I was surprised to discover that Larnach Castle in Otago, New Zealand was on a list of 45 haunted travel destinations in a Condé Nast Traveler article on the spine-tingling subject. When I visited the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Asia, Canada, Europe, Tourism, Uncategorized, USA | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

I shared a vagrant optimism

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Hunter S. Thompson —”I shared a vagrant optimism that some of us were making real progress, that we had taken an honest road, and that the best of us would inevitably make it over the top. At the same time, … Continue reading →

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