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That Shakespearean Rag

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Critiquing the critics: Parul Sehgal on 125 years of the New York Times Book Review

Steven Beattie March 3, 2021March 3, 2021 Criticism

The New York Times literary critic surveys the history of the newspaper’s book review to discover what has, and what hasn’t, changed in the last century.

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Opposition grows to proposed Penguin Random House merger with Simon & Schuster

Steven Beattie March 2, 2021March 2, 2021 Publishing

The potential combined market clout of two major multinationals provides potential negative results for independent publishers, authors, and readers alike.

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Situation critical: a justification for robust literary criticism

Steven Beattie March 1, 2021March 1, 2021 Criticism

The dearth of serious literary critique in contemporary society is concerning, because a robust literature depends on robust criticism.

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Brief Encounters: “Where the Door Is Always Open and the Welcome Mat Is Out” by Patricia Highsmith

Steven Beattie January 25, 2021January 26, 2021 International Literature, Short Fiction

The American author’s fiction is too frequently placed in a generic box; her output was much more wide ranging, including pieces like this atypical story.

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Open letter signed by 500 authors, publishers, and industry stakeholders opposes book contracts for those who worked in the Trump administration

Steven Beattie January 19, 2021January 19, 2021 Writers and Writing

Barry Lyga’s letter, titled “No Book Deals for Traitors” says that “no one should be enriched for their contributions to evil.”

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The Horror Show: Victor LaValle rewrites H.P. Lovecraft

Steven Beattie January 13, 2021January 13, 2021 International Literature, Short Fiction

The Ballad of Black Tom asks who the real monsters are.

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Independent bookstores in U.K., Ireland expanded in 2020

Steven Beattie January 9, 2021January 9, 2021 Bookselling No Comments

It is worthwhile to focus on the positive outcomes from a year that was incredibly challenging on numerous fronts.

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On beginning the year with cautious optimism

Steven Beattie January 8, 2021January 9, 2021 Publishing, Reading

Notwithstanding the real challenges last year presented, there is good reason to be hopeful about the robust longevity of the literary ecosystem.

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Simon & Schuster cancels book by Senator Josh Hawley after “dangerous insurrection” in Washington, D.C.

Steven Beattie January 7, 2021January 18, 2021 International Literature, Politics

One of America’s largest publishers has decided to step away from publishing a forthcoming work by the pugilistic Misouri senator.

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Luciana Ricciutelli, groundbreaking feminist publisher and small-press advocate, dead at 62

Steven Beattie December 17, 2020January 4, 2021 CanLit, Publishing

The longtime editor-in-chief of Inanna Publications is remembered as much for her dedication to publishing debut and marginalized authors as her commitment to small presses in Canada.

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  • Critiquing the critics: Parul Sehgal on 125 years of the New York Times Book Review
  • Opposition grows to proposed Penguin Random House merger with Simon & Schuster
  • Situation critical: a justification for robust literary criticism
  • Brief Encounters: “Where the Door Is Always Open and the Welcome Mat Is Out” by Patricia Highsmith
  • Open letter signed by 500 authors, publishers, and industry stakeholders opposes book contracts for those who worked in the Trump administration

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