Since I’ve only been reading books by David Mitchell, that means I’ve only been blogging about books by David Mitchell, and I think three blogs in a row about him might be too much. I do want to say quickly, though, that the other night I finished Black Swan Green and loved it. I have never been so enchanted by a narrator and it was one of those books I was a little bit sad to finish. Anyway, I’ve passed the David Mitchell baton along to John P now; job done.
Tidying up the First Editions room a few months ago – and trying to maintain some semblance of order in there ever since – has been interesting for me because I’ve gotten to look at every single book IN there, and there are lots of books and authors I wouldn’t have really known much about if I hadn’t done that. For example: Barry Moser. I knew of him, but I don’t think I realized the extent of his work until I shelved his books in the FE room. They’re all so amazing – also, for those who ever get a chance to come into the store and look around, be sure to look at the Moser prints we have hanging up in Oz – all from, appropriately!, his beautifully illustrated take on the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
What’s remarkable to me about Moser is the scope of his work – he’s illustrated so much STUFF, all so distinctive and original and beautiful: Dracula, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, The Bible, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, and – a personal favorite - Moby Dick. Happily, we have lovely signed editions of many of these books in the First Editions room, and lots more listed online too.
Susie
Written by Misc
1 response so far ↓
1 Books You Don’t Read // Jan 8, 2011 at 11:06 am
[...] Susie has mentioned Barry Moser’s artwork before, but I thought it was worth revisiting the subject to mention this new collection of portraits. There are so many great books that feature Barry’s illustrations on the cover or interspersed throughout, but not many that allow you to enjoy his artwork uninterrupted, page after page. I took this book home on Thursday evening to have nearby while I wrote this post. I walked into the kitchen where my wife was preparing our dinner, with the intention of showing her one portrait I found particularly compelling. We stood there and flipped slowly backward through the entire book, pausing to comment on the expression on the face of Flanner O’Connor or note the dramatic stare from Edgar Allen Poe. [...]
Leave a Comment