Category Archives: Writing

What’s In a Cover

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The self-described “goons’ at the comedy website Something Awful periodically post a series of humorous re-imagined bookcovers from classic titles. While they range from cringe-worthy to hilarious, they’re worth a peek. Here’s a sample, but check-out the site for more … Continue reading →

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Real Books vs Ebooks

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

London antiquarian booksellers Adrian Harrington and Jonathan Kearnes are not ebook hating Luddites. They simply see new literary technologies as complements rather than replacements for real books. In their thoughtful 15 minute video, the booksellers focus on why bibliophiles are … Continue reading →

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Why Indies Matter

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Why Indies Matter is a brand new promotional video campaign from the folks at the American Booksellers Association that will be officially launched at BookExpo America in New York City next week. The ABA promotion aims to gather personal testimonials … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday, Strand Book Store

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Today New York City’s renowned Strand Book Store is celebrating its 85th anniversary. Founded in 1927 by Ben Bass,and still owned by his son Fred Bass, the Strand is one of NYC’s last iconic 20th century bookshops in business. To … Continue reading →

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The Russians Are Coming !

Posted on May 26, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The Russians are Coming! Read Russia (readrussia2012.com), a new initiative celebrating contemporary Russian literature and book culture, will host more than 50 Russian writers, publishers, librarians, journalists, and historians in events around New York City, June 2-7. These events will … Continue reading →

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Neil Gaiman Never Went to College

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Neil Gaiman never attended university, but this past weekend he received an honorary degree from the nearby University of the Arts in Philadelphia and spoke at the commencement. The bestselling author of American Gods, Coraline, Stardust, Neverwhere and many more … Continue reading →

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It’s Towel Day

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Don’t panic ! Towel Day is actually tomorrow May 25th. Fans of the late, great Douglas Adams, author ofThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,have already chosen that special towel to carry on Towel Day. When Adams died of a heart … Continue reading →

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Travel For Enlightenment

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Lavinia Spalding, editor of The Best Women’s Travel Writing 2011 (Travelers’ Tales) and the author of Writing Away: A Creative Guide to Awakening the Journal-Writing Traveler, recently spoke at a TEDx conference in Park City, Utah on the existential power … Continue reading →

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Ten Most Read Books in the World

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

British business writer James Chapman compiled a list of the Top 10 Most Read Books in the World based on the number of copies of each title sold during the last 50 years. Utilizing Chapman’s list, Chicago designer Jared Fanning … Continue reading →

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Salman Rushdie Hates The Plan

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Author Salman Rushdie, along with more than 700 writers, scholars, publishers and artists, has sent a scathing letter to the President of the New York Public Library (see below) protesting the city’s $300 million restructuring plan for the flagship 42nd Street … Continue reading →

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