Now that was quite something. Well done, Robert Galbraith. Phenomenal debut novel with an interesting start...except Robert Galbraith isn't a new novelist, but rather the pseudonym of legendary author J.K. Rowling.
Today marks Canada Day, a holiday commemorating the unification of three colonies into the single country of Canada under British rule under the British North America Act enacted on July 1, 1867. Originally called Dominion Day, the holiday's name was changed in 1982. Today, Canadians all over the world celebrate Canada Day, and it's the perfect time to recognize Canadian authors' tremendous contributions to the art of the printed word.
HIS golden locks Time hath to silver turnd;
O Time too swift, O swiftness never ceasing!
His youth gainst time and age hath ever spurnd,
But spurnd in vain; youth waneth by increasing:
Beauty, strength, youth, are flowers but fading seen;
Duty, faith, love, are roots, and ever green.
Summers the season of beaches, swimming, and leisurely drives. Whether youre headed out on an adventure of your own, or traveling through the pages of a book from the comfort of your armchair, youll love these classic books that capture the spirit of the Road Trip.
Charles Dickens began writing Great Expectations in 1860. According to his friend and biographer John Forster, Dickens indicated in a letter around October 12, 1860, that he intended the new novel to be "humorous and droll."*
Clearly the book took a different turn--including a final one after Dickens had already submitted the final chapters to the printer in June 1861. At the advice of a trusted friend, Dickens changed the ending to Great Expectations, a decision that has intrigued critics and collectors ever since.
On June 3, 1936, Larry McMurtry was born in Archer City, Texas. Famous for his novels about the American West, McMurtry has had a rich career as a writer--and as a bookseller. Though he's since retired from both careers, McMurtry has made an indelible mark on the book collecting world.
This week Rudyard Kipling--or rather his letter--made the news. It seems that Kipling may have borrowed rather generously from other sources when he wrote parts of his classic The Jungle Book. He makes the confession in a letter to an unknown correspondent, who had apparently inquired about "The Law of the Jungle."
Next month in the US, we'll celebrate dads and all they do for us. Though Fathers Day isn't until June 16, many of us are already looking for the perfect Father's Day gift. If your dad is a lover of rare books, these items may be just the ticket.
Today "The Great Gatsby" premiers in the United States. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby and Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan, the movie has been long awaited in circles of moviegoers and readers alike. The film brings a classic novel to a new audience, giving us a fresh perspective on the book that's often considered Fitzgerald's magnum opus. Fitzgerald, a member of "the Lost Generation" and a contemporary of legendary authors, thinkers, and artists like Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and Pablo Picasso, held a peculiar place among his peers. He continues to captivate us--sometimes in surprising ways.
Last night's White House Correspondents' Dinner was truly a star studded affair. The event recognized recipients of the White House Correspondents' Association scholarships--and provided an opportunity for framing American politics in a more entertaining light. Since its inception, the correspondents' dinner has offered us a different look at the president and other key figures.
