Category Archives: Books

Notes on a native son

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

The unfolding events of recent weeks in the United States have fostered a long overdue interest in the writings of many Black American authors. Few African American writers have had the deep and lasting impact on our culture that James … Continue reading →

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How Dickensian

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

A big thanks and a tip of the hat to TBTP reader Lucy from the UK for sending me the marvelous Dickens cartoon (below) by the great Tom Gauld. If you follow this humble blog, you will be aware that … Continue reading →

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“From these garish lights I vanish now for evermore…”

Posted on June 10, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Yesterday marked the 150th anniversary of the death of Charles Dickens. Among the commemorations, there was this stunning sound and light installation which was projected onto Westminster Abbey’s iconic West Towers last weekend. The projection was created by light and … Continue reading →

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How You Can Help From Anywhere

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

If you would like to help the Black Lives Matter movement but don’t know how, or are not able to contribute financially, a group of thoughtful YouTubers have created monetized videos that directly support affiliated organizations — all you need … Continue reading →

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Types of Readers

Posted on June 7, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Pin the tail on the devil

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

“If My Enemy Is a Clown, a Natural Born Clown” by Ishmael Reed i tore down my thoughts roped in my nightmares remembered a thousand curses made blasphemous vows to demons choked on the blood of hosts ate my hat … Continue reading →

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How Book Lovers Can Help

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

If you are anything like me, these days you are searching for positive things that can be done. One simple, concrete action is to support indie bookstores, and especially those stores owned by people of color. Most of these valuable … Continue reading →

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More Whipt Syllabub

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue Anon [Francis Grose] London Printed for S Hooper 1785 First Edition Francis Grose’s ‘Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue’ was first published in 1785, and is a dictionary of slang words. Grose was … Continue reading →

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Good Companions

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Frank Morgan Good Companions  

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Meditate on This

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

My saving grace during this pandemic has been my long time meditation practice. Along with my personal practice, I have been able to engage in daily online group meditation with like minded folks around the world. Don’t worry, I’m not … Continue reading →

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