First, I want to say congrats to Tara who won the ARC of An Incomplete Revenge! I wish I had one for everyone but I will try and share future ARCs so stay tuned.
In other bookish news today I got a wonderful book catalog. I don’t know if I had signed up for this or how my name was added to their mailing list but I’m so glad I got it. David R. Godine Publisher offers quite an eclectic selection of books from original fiction and non-fiction to rediscovered masterworks and books in translation.
I’ve looked through the catalog a couple of times and keep adding new books to my wishlist. Here are just some of the titles that caught me eye:
- Bilbliotopia – What is the origin of the word “book”? What is the oldest working library still in existence? How many trees must sacrifice their lives to produce a thousand copies of a 96-page volume of verse? These are some of the questions posed (and answered) in this fascinating farrago of literary trivia, a treasure trove of obscure and irresistible facts, definitions, lists, and quotations that touch on every aspect of books, including their authors, publishers, printers, collectors, critics, readers, and enemies.
- Night Shadows – The fifteen stories that make up this macabre collection straddle the thin line between ordinary anxiety and existential nightmare – written by masters of the genre: M.R. James, Truman Capote, Elizabeth Bowen, Ray Bradbury.
- Reading in Bed – The essays in this book are not so much about books as about reading. Most of the pieces speak of the writers’ personal experience as readers. Just sample treasures like Nabokov’s “Good Readers, Good Writers,” Calvino’s “Why Read the Classics?” Proust’s “On Reading Ruskin,” or Brodkey’s “Reading, the Most Dangerous Game.”
I also found some books on the craft of bookmaking and for my husband, some books on typography and design. Good stuff so take a peek, I bet you’ll find something you’ll like.
YUM! These all sound fantastic. I’ve never heard about this publisher, and I’m looking forward to taking a gander.
I’m so thrilled and have sent you an email Iliana. This catalog sounds promising; I will check it out.
I couldn’t find anywhere on the Godine site to get a catalog…am I missing it? I really want one…I love book catalogs.:)
Andi – There are such quirky titles in this catalog. It’s great.
Tara – Yay. I got your email so the book will be out to you soon 🙂
Brianna – Ok, that took me a while to find too but if you go to the “contact us” page, at the bottom it says for catalog info write to us at… I believe you can email as well. Hope that helps!
Those books sound really good! Congrats to Tara. 🙂
Sounds good! Thanks for sharing, Iliana! And congrats to Tara! 🙂
I am very interested in that Reading in Bed! I love the title!
I’m not sure I want to even glance at a catalog. My reach exceeds my grasp (paraphrased), and I can’t even get through my current stack much less the list of books I think I must have! I read fast, but never fast enough to read all I want. I’ve had Reading in Bed for several years and have read several of the essays (it wasn’t as good as I had hoped), but Bibliotopia sounds really good!
I love the sound of ‘Reading in Bed’, Do you know if it’s going to be published in the UK?
Another temptation for you!
You really need to win the lotto or find a rich relative.
Very nice selections in this catalog.
Those all sound great. I’ll have to check out their website!
I’ve met David Godine a few times and he’s as eccentric as his books are. Their offices are small and disheveled, but in the best way. There are books and manuscripts everywhere and the few employees are always on the go. It’s a publishing office out of an old book. (I work in Boston and David Godine is just up the street by the State House)
What great selections in this catalog. I really must add it to my list! Although, I am not allowed to add anything else to my piles until after we move! 🙂
I do like the sound of “Reading In Bed”. Sounds like something I’m very familiar with. Haha! I’ve been collecting titles of books on books/reading and this will fit perfectly in there. 🙂
Eva – There are some very interesting titles. And, even children’s books!
Melody – You bet. Anything to further fuel our book madness 🙂
Kristen – That is a great title isn’t it?
jenclair – I know, there is just not enough time for all the books we want to read. I think Bibliotopia would be a hoot to read through. I don’t know if I can hold out on that one.
Ann Darnton – That book looks like it’s actually been out for quite a while and I just checked Amazon UK and you can get it on there.
Isabel – You are too funny (and right!).
Danielle – Have fun. You’ll have to let us know if you end up with any goodies 🙂
Mike B. – First, are you blogging again? I hope so – missed your posts! And, oh I’m jealous. The Godine office sounds like my kind of place. So do they also have a storefront or just sell by catalog?
Christine – I know, I really should curb my book buying too but I’m a hopeless case 🙂
Kisane – Ha,ha.. I think that’s why it appealed to me too! I do most of my reading in bed.
Those do sound good, Iliana!
Literary Feline – I am trying to be good but I don’t think I can hold back. Maybe I’ll just get at least one book 🙂
I am blogging again. I’ve noticed that everyone has refined their blogging skills and mine still read like a teenager writing in their journal hoping that someone would break courtesy and read it, but knowing that no one ever would.
And about Godine, no, they don’t have a shop, only on-line. The entire company is about 7 or 8 people and they produce great looking books and some interesting titles.
Mike B. – What are you talking about — Your blog is great and was very much missed. I’m glad you are blogging again! I’m on a book budget right now but I’m saving up for a little spree at Godine 🙂