Category Archives: Europe

But I am a blasted tree

During my youthful days discontent never visited my mind; and if I was ever overcome by ennui, the sight of what is beautiful in nature, or the study of what is excellent and sublime in the productions of man, could … Continue reading

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“We are all living in Orwell’s world now”

“We are all living in Orwell’s world now” – The New York Times, 29 March The Orwell Festival is returning to Bloomsbury, London, this month with an interesting line-up of events exploring some of the urgent themes and questions arising from … Continue reading

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The Boat

“The Boat” by Robert Walser translated by Tom Whalen I think I’ve written this scene before, but I’ll write it once again. In a boat, midway upon the lake, sit a man and woman. High above in the dark sky … Continue reading

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Little Free Penguins

The UK’s largest book publisher has announced plans to install dozens of mini-libraries across the country as part of its 90th birthday celebrations. The project from Penguin Books will see 90 ‘Little Book Stops’ installed across the UK, with online … Continue reading

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More Indie Bookstore Celebrations

Canadian independent booksellers are celebrating Independent Bookstore Day, a tradition that began in 2018 with the first Canadian Independent Bookstore Day that has aligned with the U.S. version since then. CIBD developed from Authors for Indies Day, which began in … Continue reading

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Tout le monde aime la Tour Eiffel

I’m always chuffed to run across a copy book that I sold many years ago in a random blog post. in this case, the book in question is Les Tours Eiffel de Robert Delaunay : poèmes inédits / [Guillaume] Apollinaire. … Continue reading

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New York’s Secret Gem

Today marks the official re-opening of one of New York City’s finest art museums after a nearly five year closure for renovation. While the Frick Collection may not be a secret to the city’s art lovers, most visitors to NYC … Continue reading

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OK Go Budapest

I have to admit that I think the LA-based band OK Go’s music is just okay. However, they consistently created clever, quirky music videos that are irresistible. Their newest release was filmed in Budapest’s iconic Keleti Station and is a … Continue reading

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What could be better than a hotel/library

I’ve visited Amsterdam more often than any other city outside of North America and I only just discovered the Hotel Library. Situated in a beautiful 18th century canal house in the heart of the city on Prins Hendrikkade, the hotel … Continue reading

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“A Grief Observed”

No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing. At other times … Continue reading

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