Category Archives: Travel Writing

there is no happy ending

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since we lost one of its most entertaining, likable, and exasperating cultural personalities. Anthony Bourdain was one of those special people who found a way to engage folks from all walks … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, movies, Restaurants, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Living in the Wild West (of Iceland)

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

At some point during every trip that I take to Iceland I entertain the fantasy of moving to a small coastal town and opening a little bookshop. But reality always wins out when I remember what Icelandic winters are like. … Continue reading →

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Wild in Scotland

Posted on January 4, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Way back around the turn of the century I had the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time in Scotland. While I have great affection for Edinburgh and Glasgow, the true treasure of the country is to be found … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Film, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Poison Book Project

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Just in case you needed another reason to wash your hands these days… The bright emerald green cloth on the books (above & below) gets its intense color from copper acetoarsenite, more commonly known as arsenic. The inorganic pigment was … Continue reading →

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The Narrow Road to the Deep North

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

As some readers know, much of my time is generally occupied finding and selling antiquarian travel books. Although I focus mostly on 19th and early 20th century travel guidebooks, I am interested in other travel literature and unrelated genres, as … Continue reading →

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We All Have a Touch of Fernweh These Days

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

It’s highly likely that you know Teju Cole for his innovative novels and essays, but he is also a dedicated photographer. This spring he release a photobook called Fernweh. The word in German translates literally to “farsickness”, the opposite of … Continue reading →

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I ❤ NY

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

You may not have known his name, but there is no doubt you’ve seen his work. Milton Glaser, one of the world’s most influential and pioneering graphic designers, died on June 26th, which was also his 91st birthday. The design … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Museums, Tourism, Travel Writing, Uncategorized, USA | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Anthony Bourdain : World Travel

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

Before his untimely death, Anthony Bourdain was working on a travel guide with his long-time assistant and coauthor Laurie Woolever. The guide was designed  to distill what he learned from his travels as a TV personality and celebrity chef. Based … Continue reading →

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No Need To Fly

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Europeans seem to be taking the lead in the creation of new travel paradigms. In Germany, DB, the German Railway Operator, has taken advantage of new attitudes towards responsible travel by promoting their discounted train tickets. Still, 72% of Germans … Continue reading →

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A Bolder Boulder Travel Guide

Posted on December 14, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

The popular American outdoor clothing company Patagonia commissioned the local design studio Cast Iron to create a city guide to its home town of Boulder, Colorado. The neat little travel guide covers the highlights of America’s “happiest city” from local … Continue reading →

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