Category Archives: Writing

Analysis of the Memoir

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

h/t Tom Gauld

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Read More Books

Posted on November 4, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

“A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic,” the cosmologist Carl Sagan once said. “It’s a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at … Continue reading →

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Bram Stoker: Library Miscreant

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

I have been a fan of Bram Stoker’s creepy classic Dracula ever since my first reading as a child. Here in Philadelphia, we are fortunate to have a fascinating collection of Stoker’s notes for the book at the wonderful Rosenbach Museum and … Continue reading →

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Bram Stoker’s Dublin

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

The last weekend in October has become the best time to visit Dublin each year since the advent of the Bram Stoker Festival and Halloween Parade seven years ago. The festivities always include a spectacular costumed parade, theatrical performances, musical … Continue reading →

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The Writer’s Map

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Just published, The Writer’s Map is a marvelous atlas of literary journeys made by authors. The book explores maps that inspired literary works as well as examples of cartography from famous works of fiction and film. Daniel Reeve recounts his creation of … Continue reading →

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And the winner is…

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird was chosen by voters as America’s #1 best-loved novel in  “The Great American Read.” The viewers’ voting results were revealed Tuesday night on PBS during the final episode of the eight-part television series and nationwide campaign, … Continue reading →

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Now that autumn is upon us

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

You may have noticed that I am a huge fan of Tom Gauld’s brilliant comics. This week, he released a brand new book of fifty postcards of his best literary cartoons titled The Snooty Bookshop.

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Choosing the Booker Prize Winner

Posted on October 23, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

h/t Tom Gauld  

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There be monsters

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Just in time for Halloween, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library in Toronto has opened De Monstris, an exhibition exploring the long cultural tradition of frightening monsters that inflamed imaginations and triggered irrational fears throughout history. De Monstris examines scary illustrations and writings from … Continue reading →

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Prepare for All Hallow’s Read

Posted on October 20, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Eight years ago, author Neil Gaiman suggested a new holiday tradition to celebrate Halloween and All Hallow’s Read was born. The concept is simple: The week leading up to Halloween, or on October 31st, give someone a scary book. You can also … Continue reading →

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