Category Archives: Writing

Dystopian Literature Sells Bigly

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Since the election of the bloated, orange pustule, dystopian fiction has become so popular that George Orwell’s iconic novel 1984 has jumped to the top of bestseller lists around the world. Penguin publishing has announced that it is rushing another … Continue reading →

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Alternative Reality

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Since the depressing events of January 20th, I have been thinking of Philip Roth’s alternative history novel The Plot Against America. Our would be dictator’s references to “America First” reminded me of the anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, fascist movement championed by Nazi-loving Charles Lindbergh. … Continue reading →

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Kafka : On The Cheap

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

During the summer of 1911, Franz Kafka and his friend Max Brod took a railway journey through Switzerland and France. While they were hanging out in Lugano, Switzerland, Kafka hit on a novel notion for “reforming” the traditional staid travel … Continue reading →

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Intellectual Raves

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Beginning tonight and running through the early hours of Monday morning, the Institut Français will be hosting a series of all-night marathon “intellectual raves” in dozens of cities around the world. The 2017 La Nuit des Idées or Night of Philosophy and … Continue reading →

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Down With Big Brother

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

As millions of enraged U.S. citizens and supporters around the world take to the streets today—including me—to protest the ascension to the Presidency of the illegitimately elected tumefied, orange klepocrat, we are also ironically noting the anniversary of the death … Continue reading →

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A 3D Time Machine

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

British illustrator Steven Wilson has created some mindblowing cover art for Knopf Doubleday’s Vintage Books imprint’s new H.G. Wells series. The Time Machine reissue even comes with a set of 3D glasses.

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In a galaxy far, far away…

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Last year, I shared a post on Penguin’s reissue of a series of hardcover science fiction titles with stunning cover designs by Spanish artist Alex Trochut. Now the publisher has released a limited edition box set called “Galaxy”. The book … Continue reading →

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Inquiring Minds Want To Know

Posted on January 2, 2017 by Brian D. Butler
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Advice from a Caterpillar Redux

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Faithful reader, and occasionally contributor, Evan Smythe has sent these images of an amazing Alice-inspired calendar from the brilliant book designer and illustrator John Coulthart. I love the Victorian Psychedelia vibe of the eye-popping art work. Apparently the calendar is … Continue reading →

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Why Books

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

10 reasons why books make the best gifts Books are easier to wrap than footballs or fruit baskets. Books don’t break. Once you finish with a book, it’s not empty. In fact it’s still full. No batteries or assembly needed. … Continue reading →

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