Category Archives: Books

How Meta

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I ran across the gif above on a book blog and was skeptical when it was described as a clip of Humphrey Bogart on the set of Howard Hawks’ 1946 film noir classic The Big Sleep. With just a little sleuthing, I … Continue reading →

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Manhattan Cowcatcher

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I recently read Kim Stanley Robinson’s outstanding—but way too long—climate change, post-apocalyptic, science fiction novel “New York 2140.” Although much of the plot takes place in Manhattan’s Met Life Building, the characters frequently comment on the neighboring Flatiron Building. It … Continue reading →

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Look to the Skies

Posted on August 16, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

With the solar eclipse less than a week away, much of North America is looking to the skies.

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Cover Art

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Two years ago I shared a story about German designer Henning M. Lederer’s clever animated book covers. Now he’s back with another set of intriguing 20th century abstract cover design animations.

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Is It Mold ?

Posted on August 12, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

One of the hazards in collecting and/or selling antiquarian and secondhand books is the frequent presence of mold. Active book mold is usually identifiable, as it is typically damp and fuzzy, but inactive mold can often be confused with dirt, … Continue reading →

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Bookstore Tourism : Paris

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

When I’m in Paris, I sometimes find myself paralyzed by the bookstore choices. On my last visit, I counted twelve bookshops on a ten minute bus ride. And while I usually spend a day or two just browsing the fantastic … Continue reading →

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It was a dark and stormy night

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Each year, the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest receives hundreds of entrants all competing to craft the worst opening sentence for an imaginary novel. The annual event celebrates English author and politician Edward Bulwer-Lytton, who once penned the infamous line “It was … Continue reading →

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No Pulp Fictions

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

TBTP followers already know that I’m a sucker for art installations that incorporate books. So, an artwork that includes rescued discarded books from the last century is right up my alley. Enclosed Content Chatting Away in the Colour Invisibility by Amsterdam-based … Continue reading →

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Beach Read

Posted on August 5, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

 

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Listen to the dark voices

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Karel Capek  

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