Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

They Promised Me Ponies

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I am not the least bit embarrassed to admit that I am a devoted fan of the Simpsons. The show often offers unparalleled insights into American culture and frequently functions as a guide to moral philosophy. From the first season, … Continue reading →

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Literary Dioramas

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Spanish artist Malena Valcarcel transforms abdondoned books into fanciful, poetic dioramas and book sculptures. You can see more of her lovely work, and even purchase a piece, on her Etsy site.

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There is a crack in everything

Posted on November 11, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

It’s hard to believe that Leonard Cohen has been gone for a year, but this week his hometown of Montreal marked his passing with a wonderful mural portrait in the heart of downtown. Created by LA-based artist El Mac, the … Continue reading →

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Art of the Cover

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

As a book collector and a book seller, I have often purchased a book just because the dust jacket art caught my eye. In this terrific new book, The Illustrated Dust Jacket 1920-1970, author Martin Salisbury explores the transition from plain paper … Continue reading →

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At The Bookstore

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

“ I like to loiter around the city looking for interesting things,” the artist Jenny Kroik says. Her painting for this week’s New Yorker cover depicts a serious browser at the Strand Bookstore, the cherished bookshop in lower Manhattan. “I have … Continue reading →

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America 2017

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Sometimes a work of street art perfectly sums up the pathetic state of life in these United States. This week, BK Foxx nailed our national shame with this mural in New York City.

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Have a literary coffee

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I love this wonderful illustration by Italian artist and designer Gianluca Biscalchin.

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What The Font

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Monotype’s MyFonts font service has created a neat new app for both iOS and Android smartphones which use AI tech to allow users to identify random fonts. The app, which is called WhatTheFont, matches typefaces to an enormous database. There’s also a … Continue reading →

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It Takes A Train To Cry

Posted on November 5, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German rail operator, recently decided to name twenty-five new high-speed trains after historic figures. They crowdsourced suggestions and received more than 19,000 proposals. A jury then selected the final names, including one that has some folks scratching their heads: Anne … Continue reading →

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Wherein I Eat My Words

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I recently posted a story about an amazing, futuristic-looking library that opened in Tianjin, China. In doing so, I also bemoaned the sorry state of library support in the United States and the lack of commitment to public libraries in … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Books, Libraries, USA | Tagged , | 1 Comment