Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

Collusion

Posted on June 4, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

So you read our post on Stuart Neville’s blistering thriller The Ghosts of Belfast last week and you ran out and bought the book. Well read-up because the sequel is set for release in August. In fact, here’s a little taste … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe | Leave a comment

Singapore Sling

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

This post was provided by Sharon Bloom. On the way back to the United States last month I had the chance to stop over in Singapore for three days. I wanted to share a couple of my “finds” there. First … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Eyeless (and lawless) In Gaza

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

“…Promise was that I Should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver; Ask for this great deliverer now and find him Eyeless in Gaza at the Mill with slaves…”                                                                                                    John Milton, Samson Agonistes The unrelentingly bleak news from the Middle … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Middle East | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

German Publisher Gives New Meaning To Poison Pen

Posted on June 2, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

 Hamburg publisher Hoffmann und Campe Verlag has issued an urgent recall for a promotional recipe card attached to its new book catalogue out of concern that it may kill-off potential book buyers. The card, which was designed to tie-in with mystery writer … Continue reading →

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

Paradise Lost & Found

Posted on June 1, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

Volunteer workers sorting donated books for this year’s Calgary, Canada Book Drive and Sale discovered a rare copy of John Milton’s Paradise Lost published in the early 18th century.The book was found in a box of otherwise unremarkable donations. Just who provided … Continue reading →

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

In Memorium

Posted on May 31, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” Emily Dickinson Photograph contributed by Bjarki Sigursveinsson.

Posted in Europe, Photography | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Toronto Noir (for free)

Posted on May 30, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

Okay, I admit it, I didn’t know jack about John McFetridge until this year. That’s not too surprising; he’s not all that well-known below the 49th parallel. But that’s easily remedied; run out and get one of his books today. Not sure … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Canada | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Django’s Paris Still Swings

Posted on May 29, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

“While this romantic picture of Paris is still part of the street and metro life on both banks of the river Seine, the City of Lights also attracts young musicians from all over the world. Many young artists spend their … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Photography, Travel Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

I Was All Set To Visit Belfast and Then…

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

I was all set to visit Belfast and then I had to go and follow Irish crime writer Declan Burke’s advice and read Stuart Neville’s astonishing debut novel The Ghosts of Belfast. This tautly constructed thriller, originally published in the … Continue reading →

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

Life in a Thai Monastery

Posted on May 27, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

      The following post has been contributed by William Mathew Ryland who currently lives and works in Bangkok, Thailand. This piece is an excerpt from his compelling, moving and humorous book, Sons of Isan, which chronicles Bill’s experiences … Continue reading →

Posted in Asia, Books, Travel Writing | Tagged , | 3 Comments