A little over year ago Brian Cassidy took over the Cannery Row Old Book Co. in Monterey, California and set up shop.His recent blog post 18 Things I've Learned This Year (Or: 2007, A Bookseller’s Year in Review) is packed with little nuggets of bookselling wisdom and is a must read (and comprehend) for anyone who thinks that the bookselling life might be for them.The Cassidy 18:1) I will never run out of books. Never. There are always more books to be bought.2) A corollary: There are always more GOOD books to be bought. If I feel like I’m not...
Earliest Recording of Ginsberg’s Howl Uncovered in Portland
The box was labeled "Snyder Ginsberg 1956" and it had been at the Hauser Library at Reed College for over 50 years waiting for someone to open it.Finally, while at Reed researching his upcoming biography of Gary Snyder John Suiter opened the box.What did he find in it?A tape containing the earliest known recording of Allen Ginsberg reading Howl!The reading took place in February 1956 predating Ginsberg's legendary, and until now presumed first recording of Howl, which occurred at the Town Hall Theater in Berkeley on March 18, 1956.Gary Snyder, a Reed alumni (class of 1951), and Ginsberg were on...
Book Swapping for Profit
Altered Romance: Valentine’s Day with Mark Longmire
"It's All About the Love Baby, The Love" is the tagline for graphic designer Mark Longmire's hilarious look at the world of Romance novels.Longmire went down to the used bookstore bought some romance novels and went to work. "The artwork almost writes its own jokes" says Longmire.Here is the full gallery of Longmire's "re-imagined" romance covers.
It’s Library Lovers’ Day Down Under
"For centuries February 14 has been known as Valentine's Day, a time beloved of romantics. Now a new era has begun with Library Lovers everywhere claiming the day for the objects of their special affection""Forget Valentines' Day, February 14 has been re-named 'library lovers' day'!"That's the pitch from The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) who have come up with a plethora of ways to spread a little love in the library this Valentine's Day.Some of the 'love' themed programming highlights include:-Build on the concept of speed dating and host a "read" dating event where singles can meet others who...