Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

It’s A Big World After All

Posted on July 4, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

In 1587, Italian cartographer Urbano Monte created the largest known map of Earth. His map consists of 60 panels that were designed to be assembled into a single planisphere —a circular map that rotates about a central axis— measuring 10 … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, History, Libraries, Maps | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Book Rescue

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

As a bookseller, one of the frequent calls that I receive is about rescuing wet books. This helpful video tutorial from the Syracuse University Libraries demonstrates one method for intervening to save a book that has been exposed to moisture. … Continue reading →

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50 Years of Memories

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The NY Times has compiled a list of the best memoirs published since 1969. I’m not much of a memoir or autobiography reader, but there are a few compelling books on the list that I actually read. Generally, I only read … Continue reading →

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Fear and Loathing

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Most thoughtful folks here in North America are approaching the upcoming national election debacle with some degree of fear and loathing. So, it’s quite timely that the Speed Museum in Louisville, Kentucky is launching a special exhibition on their finest … Continue reading →

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Coffee and Inspiration

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

h/t Tom Gauld

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The Everlasting Self

Posted on June 29, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

THE EVERLASTING SELF Comes in from a downpour Shaking water in every direction — A collaborative condition: Gathered, shed, spread, then Forgotten, reabsorbed. Like love From a lifetime ago, and mud A dog has tracked across the floor. Tracy K. … Continue reading →

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Jean Paul Sartre Stand-up Comic

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

h/t to Corey Mohler you can see more of this clever stuff at Existential Comics  

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Whence Italics

Posted on June 27, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

These two books were printed at the historic Aldine Press in Venice. Founded by Aldus Manutius in 1495, it was among the most prominent and successful printing houses of the time. These works date from the early 1500s and feature … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, History | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Thanks, but no thanks

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

If you are a writer, you have likely grown accustomed to the polite, or even insulting, rejections from publishers or editors. My personal favorite rejection came a few years ago when my agent at the time was told by an … Continue reading →

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where nothing is bought or sold

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

To the Central Library

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