London indies get on their bikes, bringing books to the people
What more can be said about this unknown territory? In the midst of a global pandemic, nothing feels certain or stable. On a daily basis, we are battered with unprecedented,… Read more »
Very old snack found in even older book
A while ago we reported on the various items that had been used as bookmarks and subsequently found by bemused (and often revulsed) librarians. In the past they’d found bacon,… Read more »
London Book Fair cancellation highlights need for IRL meetings
On Wednesday it was announced—after much speculation, and a raft of major publisher withdrawals—that the London Book Fair, scheduled for March 10th-12th, would not be going ahead. In an announcement… Read more »
Early verdicts heap praise on Hilary Mantel’s 900-page “masterpiece,” The Mirror and the Light
So now, get up to your local book store next week, for the release of The Mirror and the Light—the third in Hilary Mantel’s extraordinary trilogy chronicling the life of Thomas… Read more »
Big Green Bookshop sparks donations of Matt Haig book in the wake of Caroline Flack’s death
Last weekend brought the dreadful news that Love Island and X Factor presenter, and former Strictly Come Dancing winner, Caroline Flack, had taken her own life at the age of just 40. Flack, who was… Read more »
Sarah, Duchess of York to write seven more children’s books with Serenity Press
This week it was announced that Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has signed a seven-book children’s book deal with Serenity Press. According to a report in Tatler, Ferguson made the… Read more »
Patti Smith helps out Portland bookshop following burglary
A couple of weeks ago we brought you news that The Petersfield Bookshop in, er, Petersfield, UK, had been given a much-needed sales boost with a little help from Neil… Read more »
Newly-minted Brexit coin proving controversial, you’ll be surprised to hear
In “incredibly predictable news” news, the recently-announced fifty pence coin commemorating the UK’s exit from the European Union* has caused outrage and controversy. But not for the reasons you might… Read more »
I’m alright, Jack: Lee Child passes Reacher to his brother
Unusual news broke last week that Lee Child is retiring from writing—and passing the mantle of his all-action hero Jack Reacher on to his brother, Andrew Grant. The BBC and… Read more »
Petersfield Bookshop gets online boost after “tumbleweed” tweet
In January-is-frigging-awful-let’s-have-some-good-news news, The Guardian and others reported The Petersfield Bookshop’s welcome injection of online orders, following a singularly heartbreaking tweet. The shop, which specialises in antiquarian books, maps and other… Read more »