Category Archives: Books

Classically Alice

Posted on October 18, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

This is one of the first non-Tenniel illustrated Alices issued when British copyright expired in 1907. Pictured in a white pinafore decorated with pale pink roses and grey tights, Rackham’s Alice appears both thinner and taller than Tenniel’s heroine. Muted colors, … Continue reading →

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Geography is just travel when it’s at home

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

This is a surprisingly nice copy of Pomponii Melae De Situ Orbis Libri III, by Abraham Gronovius.  Printed in 1722, the book is about ancient geography and includes some wonderful illustrations and fold out maps to help you learn all … Continue reading →

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Intellectual Wallpaper

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

 

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I’m an open book

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Paul Éluard, Le Livre Ouvert III, Editions des Cahiers d’art, Paris, ca. 1944  

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American Voyageur

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Few American writers have achieved the cultural impact of Herman Melville, author of the eternal classic Moby-Dick, yet he died unrecognized by his contemporaries for his genius. To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Melville’s birth, Philadelphia’s Rosenbach Museum and Library has … Continue reading →

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Shakespeare and Company Paris

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

If you love books, and if you have ever been to Paris, it’s likely that you have also visited the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookshop. The legendary Paris bookseller recently shared a video exploring  artist Karine Diot’s book sculpture The Shakespeare … Continue reading →

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If on a winter’s night a traveler

Posted on October 6, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I have been an evangelist for the novels of the Italian author Italo Calvino since my university days. Sadly, he is underappreciated and seldom read here in North America. Over the years, I have had many copies of his better … Continue reading →

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Book Nerd Travel Nightmare

Posted on October 5, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

h/t to cartoonist Laura Pacheco

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Golden Age for Audio Books

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

While I am a voracious reader, I am not a regular user of audio books. Other than long road trips, I rarely listen to recorded books. But it appears that I am a member of a shrinking population of hold … Continue reading →

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Soon to be available in paperback

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

16th century “assassin’s cabinet” disguised as a book

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