Category Archives: Books

Sacré bleu

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

The 1937 phrasebook Collins’ Pocket Interpreters: France paints an alarming picture of a typical visit to France: I cannot open my case. I have lost my keys. I did not know that I had to pay. I cannot find my porter. Excuse … Continue reading →

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Who knew that we are climate heroes

Posted on January 12, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I have always contended that secondhand and antiquarian booksellers were the epitome of recyclers, but now we’re getting awards for our efforts. One of the most popular antiquarian and secondhand bookshop in the North East of England has won the … Continue reading →

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Would you pay a fee to visit a bookstore

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Bunkitsu (文喫) in Tokyo’s Roppongi neighborhood is a bookstore that stocks more than 30,000 titles. It also features something else: an admission fee. It costs 1,650 yen (USD $10.50) on weekdays and 2,530 yen ($16) on weekends. There’s also a … Continue reading →

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We all want to be told stories

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“We exist for ourselves, perhaps, and at times we even have a glimmer of who we are, but in the end we can never be sure, and as our lives go on, we become more and more opaque to ourselves, … Continue reading →

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Waiting for the Barbarians

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

The great performance artist Laurie Anderson and company presented a concert of new works inspired by poet C. P. Cavafy. Filmed at the Saint Thomas Church in New York City, the performance is commissioned by the Onassis Foundation. About “Archive … Continue reading →

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“They’ve been going in and out of style”

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Continuing a tradition started in 2016, Chris the Barker has made another collage frequently updated and up to the last minute to eulogize Olivia Hussey and Jimmy Carter, in tribute to those passed away this year. The field more crowded than … Continue reading →

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There is no love of life without despair of life.

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Albert Camus died on this day in 1960. Many have wondered over the last 65 years at an odd bit of trivia about that day when he was killed in a car accident. Why did he have an unused train … Continue reading →

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What America has been reading

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I’m always curious to know what other folks are reading. One way to find out is to check-out some of the most checked-out books in public libraries across the country. In 2024 , titles included Kristin Hannah’s The Women, Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth … Continue reading →

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For what gives value to travel is fear.

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

“For what gives value to travel is fear. It breaks down a kind of inner structure we have. One can no longer cheat — hide behind the hours spent at the office or at the plant (those hours we protest … Continue reading →

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Time is being

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

hymn to time :: Ursula K. Le Guin Time says “Let there be” every moment and instantly there is space and the radiance of each bright galaxy. And eyes beholding radiance. And the gnats’ flickering dance. And the seas’ expanse. … Continue reading →

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