Author Archives: Brian D. Butler

It was a strange time in America.

What are you going to do with 390 photographs of Christmas trees ? by Richard Brautigan I don’t know. But it seemed the thing to do in that first week in January 1964, and I got two other people to … Continue reading

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An Alternative Christmas Carol

Carol For Another Christmas was directed by Joseph L. Manckiewics for the United Nations and was written by the inimitable Rod Serling. The unusual 1964 television special was presented without commercial interruptions. It was the first of a series of … Continue reading

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“Twas the night before Christmas”

In 2006 Bob Dylan surprised the listeners to his satellite radio show, Theme Time Radio Hour, with a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The poem first appeared in print on December 23, 1823.  No author was cited for the work then called A … Continue reading

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Gift Algorithm

 

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Is this one of the most beautiful books ever published

Frequently cited as one of the most beautiful books ever published, the Kelmscott Chaucer is now available as an online resource allowing booklovers to digitally explore the iconic volume. Created by independent researcher, writer and educator Dr Michael John Goodman, … Continue reading

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Merry Christmas from the Underground

Regular visitors to Travel Between The Pages know that I’m a sucker for classic travel and transportation posters. So, I love this historic poster art from Transport for London. For over 100 years, London Transport has used posters to promote … Continue reading

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A Hazy Shade of Winter

When I look out of the window this time of the year, I am often reminded of the classic 60s song A Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon and Garfunkel. In my region of North America, December frequently brings dreary, damp … Continue reading

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The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Much like his supernatural hero counterpart Superman, Santa Claus was discovered as an abandoned infant. That is, according to The Life and Adventures Of Santa Claus by author of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum. With its elaborations and much added … Continue reading

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When Santa was truly Red

On this date in1974, an army of more than 100 men, women, and children, all dressed as Santa Claus, invaded central Copenhagen. They paraded through the city in a procession that included a gigantic “Trojan” goose, angels, Danish flags, and … Continue reading

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Take the Night Train

On December 11th at 8.18pm the night train to Paris left Berlin Hauptbahnhof. This was remarkable because it was the first Berlin-Paris night train in over 9 years. The new Nightjet service between the German and French capitals is more evidence … Continue reading

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