Category Archives: Europe

How big was it

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Growing up in and around New York City I have always been fascinated by the process of urbanization. So the animation (below) by Ollie Bye intrigued me. The examination of the growth of the world’s largest cities from 3000 BCE … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Asia, Europe, Film, History, Maps, Middle East, South America, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Bookstore Tourism : Paris

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

The Anti Public Library is a blend of record shop and book store combined with a bar set in Paris’ always hip Le Marais district. Created by artist Henri Levy, founder and creative director of the avant-garde brand Enfants Riches … Continue reading →

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Random but not ephemeral

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I have had the good fortune to have visited Iceland many times over the years, but I still get flummoxed sometimes by the country’s strict naming system.  The Mystery of the Icelandic Naming Committee. The Amsterdam-based artist Frankey brings a playful twist … Continue reading →

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Atlas of Antiquity

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I don’t know how I missed the amazing site vici.org which offers an excellent interactive map of archeological sites. It’s easy to spend hours down the rabbit hole exploring the thousands of locations with significant ancient buildings or ruins. Most … Continue reading →

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Paris: the joy of reading

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

The famous Parisian department store Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche is hosting two gigantic figures that celebrate the joy of reading and books. The celebrated editor Sarah Andelman, of Just an Idea Books, and artist Jean Jullien teamed up to create the … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Bookstore Tourism, Europe | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Strip Atlas

Posted on February 19, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

British cartographer John Ogilby created an amazing project in 1675: a road atlas of 17th-century Britain, featuring strip maps of most of the major routes in England and Wales. He wrote to Charles II: I have Attempted to Improve Our … Continue reading →

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The Expressionist As Flâneur

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled on the charming video below which led me to the story of the marvelous exhibition MAX GOES FOR A WALK . “A hand-drawn Max Beckmann walks through his collection of postcards, occasionally changing outfits or morphing into … Continue reading →

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Petit Livre d’Amour

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Your Valentine’s Day gift will have to be extraordinary to top  the Petit Livre d’Amour (Little Book of Love). This very elaborate handmade book was given by the 16th-century French poet Pierre Salas to his then lover and future wife … Continue reading →

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The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Regular visitors to Travel Between The Pages are well aware of my appreciation for the fantastical books of Lewis Carroll. I certainly have posted enough different editions of his fabulous work over the years. But have you ever stopped to … Continue reading →

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Morality tales and semiotics in space

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Lately, I have been binge watching a fascinating alternate history sci-fi TV series on the space race. If you get the chance, check out For All Mankind . The first season takes a bit long in establishing the characters and premise, … Continue reading →

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