Category Archives: Books

Life While You Wait

Posted on November 21, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

LIFE WHILE-YOU-WAIT by Wisława Szymborska Life While-You-Wait. Performance without rehearsal. Body without alterations. Head without premeditation. I know nothing of the role I play. I only know it’s mine. I can’t exchange it. I have to guess on the spot … Continue reading →

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Life in Mesoamerica

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I have been fortunate enough to visit some amazing archeological sites in Mexico, but know very little about life in pre-Colonial Mesoamerica. A recently released digital version of an early Spanish codex from 16th century Mexico offers a window into … Continue reading →

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Signs and Portents

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

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“In the End, Everything Gives”

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Earlier this year, the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. held a symposium titled “Poetry is a country.” The symposium brought poets together to premiere original poetry inspired by works in the Gallery’s collection—including U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, who wrote “In the … Continue reading →

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Wonder is where it starts

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

“Wonder is where it starts, and though wonder is also where it ends, this is no futile path. Whether admiring a patch of moss, a crystal, flower, or golden beetle, a sky full of clouds, a sea with the serene, … Continue reading →

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omnium-gatherum

Posted on November 11, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

Using survey data, responses from community boards & city council members, and over 37,000 responses from NYC residents, a team at the NY Times has made a detailed map of the 350+ distinct neighborhoods in NYC. This map shows the 50 … Continue reading →

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Books for Cooks

Posted on November 10, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

We have dozens of cookbooks collected over the years, but rarely open them these days. Instead we just Google recipes like Philistines. Still, I’d love to stop in at Books for Cooks the next time that I’m in London. In … Continue reading →

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Everybody loves a booktree

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

London’s St. Pancras Station has inaugurated the 2023 holiday season with a wonderful Christmas booktree. Created in collaboration with Hatchards  the 12 meter tall installation is not just a festive centrepiece; it’s a literary wonderland inspired by British authors. The … Continue reading →

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All Parts Matter

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon this excellent infographic from TheBookDesigner.com. As a collector and bookseller, it can be problematic at times describing the contents of a book. This is particularly the case when it comes to antiquarian titles. It’s essential to … Continue reading →

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The Final Caturday of the Year

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Brian D. Butler

 

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