America 2018

The Land of the Living Dead: a Narrative of the Perilous Sojourn therein of George Cowper, Mariner, in the Year 1835. Neal Fyne. London: Henry J. Drane, n.d. [1897]. Illustrations by E. A. Holloway. First edition.

Fantastic adventure fiction. Castaways on uncharted island fall under seemingly supernatural power of life and death held by the Mighty Justin, Lord of the Land of the Living Dead. In fact, the island is permeated by deadly volcanic gas for which Justin alone possesses an antidote that is administered only to loyal subjects.

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Reading Makes You Better

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Christmas 1966

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Here Comes Santa

 

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Intermission

Edward Hopper, Intermission (1963)

 

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It’s A Wonderful Banksy Life

Banksy has confirmed that a two-sided mural on an out of the way garage in Port Talbot, Wales is his newest work. From one angle it appears to feature a child happily catching snow flakes. However, viewed from a slightly different angle it reveals ash falling from a dumpster fire. Commentary on a Brexit Christmas ? Or maybe just his take on the world this holiday season.

 

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Je Me Souviens

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Bad Cartography

I love a good map, but a bad map, or a just plain silly map, can be hilarious. Terrible Maps is an anonymous online project that has been sharing some truly wacky and ridiculous examples for nearly three years. Here are a few of my favorites, but check out the rest on Facebook.

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Bookstore Tourism Paradox

I’ve seen copies of this sign for years, but just discovered where the bookshop is located. The poster has advertised this generous offer for more than three decades in Wheeling, West Virginia. Paradox Bookstore, which is owned and managed by author Tom Stobart, offers local booklovers an eclectic selection of secondhand titles at reasonable prices and a place to gather with like-minded bibliophiles.

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Every Minute Counts

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