The instinct to collect books has always been strong for many of us. To those who understand, the knee-high to be read pile is a sign of devotion to the written word. That moment when a side trip leads to shelves or boxes of books waiting to be claimed and loved or purchased and given … Read more
When I wrote my own newsletter back in the dark ages, I interviewed many life time writers, established authors, newer published people, and what I liked to call “First Offenders” in BLANK I had the good fortune to talk to one first offender who is now a long time established author, and last night’s Edgar … Read more
Occasionally I enjoy sharing with others those odd offbeat oldies crime novels that have been forgotten my most, but treasured by few. This one is perfect for a lover of city crime and action. Murder For A Wanton , Whitman Chambers, Caxton House 1939 Ernie Hynes, former star reporter for the Sun-Telegram newspaper has taken up the … Read more
Right off the bat, I need to tell you that there is a spoiler alert on this article. I will not be holding any thing back when I discuss this harrowing read by Stephen Dobyns. I almost never divulge important plot points or the ending–but the subject of the book, it’s theme, deserves some delving … Read more
Who can afford to collect photoplays these days? I checked out a link that ABE sent me. It has a super page full of gorgeous dust jacketed books representing early cinema. Most novels made into films at the time were called photoplays, and published by Grosset and Dunlap, a company known for producing reprints of … Read more
Britannica has one T…Britannica has one T…Britannica has one T… and two Ns. >sigh< Yes, I am dyslexic. Really. Last week’s announcement that Encyclopedia Britannica would cease publication of its paper edition inspired a number of eulogies from book lovers. The cessation of their production affirms to many bibliophiles that the family bookshelf as an … Read more
I know I’ve said no one can have too many books. And I mean that, if you have enough space in your hemisphere. If, like me, that space has now run out, and the tottering stacks could fall and kill a ferret, it’s time to think up new solutions. Naturally, getting rid of books is … Read more
It happened again. I found a title with divine illustrations that I could afford, and ordered it from ABE or another seller on the bookfinder website. I eagerly mutilated the box tearing tape and cardboard in my haste to see the promised art. A Mother Goose naturally, this one illustrated by Edna Cooke, a new … Read more
