Category Archives: Writing

Happy Public Domain Day

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

On January 1, 2020, works from 1924 will enter the US public domain, where they will be free for all to use and build upon, without permission or fee. These works include George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, silent films by … Continue reading →

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Peter Pan was a meanie

Posted on December 30, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

A much darker side to the beloved character Peter Pan has been revealed with the publication this month of J. M. Barrie’s original manuscript, Peter Pan and Wendy. I never much liked the book growing up, but fans will be … Continue reading →

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Ho.Ho.Ho.

Posted on December 24, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Beijing-based graphics studio 39 degrees north created this animated version of author Neil Gaiman’s dark Christmas poem Nicholas Was. I never was that into the holiday any way. Ho.Ho.Ho.

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George RR Martin’s Beastly Books

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

On November 30th, the legendary author George R.R. Martin officially launched his own bricks and mortar bookshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Beastly Books—named for Beauty and the Beast—is located nextdoor to the cinema that Martin purchased and rehabilitated in 2013. … Continue reading →

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“Thanx 4 Nothing”

Posted on December 15, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

I just discovered that the artist and Beat poet John Giorno died in October. You can be forgiven if you are not familiar with him, but in the 60s and 70s he was a prominent figure in the New York … Continue reading →

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Charles Dickens and the Marketing of Christmas

Posted on December 13, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Charles Dickens and his iconic story A Christmas Carol have become synonymous with Christmas celebrations, however a special holiday exhibition at  the Charles Dickens Museum in London demonstrates that his connection to the holiday season is not all candy canes … Continue reading →

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When Great Trees Fall

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Maya Angelou wrote the poem “When Great Trees Fall” when James Baldwin died in December of 1987, and read the poem at his funeral… “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder, … Continue reading →

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Alice Redux

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Lewis Carroll – illustration by Sir John Tenniel London Macmillan and Co., Limited 1927

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The Lost Art of Paste Up

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

This month the London Review of Books celebrates its 40th anniversary. Over the years, the publication has been a cultural touchstone for literary thought and criticism. To recognize the milestone, the LRB released this wonderful video which demonstrates how the whole thing … Continue reading →

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the books were waiting

Posted on November 17, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

 

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