“Not a likeable man”: “Four Stations in His Circle” by Austin Clarke
Clarke’s story – nominally a comic work – is a piercing examination of the way Canadian capitalism disfavours those who are not white.
Cover treatment: Dan Mogford’s design for Filthy English
If you can get a person to pick up a book in a store, half your job is done.
Newly published poem by Vladimir Nabokov delves into the personal life of the Man of Steel
“The Man of To-morrow’s Lament” imagines Superman’s angst at not being able to live a normal life after marrying Lois Lane.
Critiquing the critics: Parul Sehgal on 125 years of the New York Times Book Review
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.
Opposition grows to proposed Penguin Random House merger with Simon & Schuster
The potential combined market clout of two major multinationals provides potential negative results for independent publishers, authors, and readers alike.
Situation critical: a justification for robust literary criticism
The dearth of serious literary critique in contemporary society is concerning, because a robust literature depends on robust criticism.
Brief Encounters: “Where the Door Is Always Open and the Welcome Mat Is Out” by Patricia Highsmith
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.
Open letter signed by 500 authors, publishers, and industry stakeholders opposes book contracts for those who worked in the Trump administration
Barry Lyga’s letter, titled “No Book Deals for Traitors” says that “no one should be enriched for their contributions to evil.”
The anxiety of influence: Victor LaValle rewrites H.P. Lovecraft
The Ballad of Black Tom asks who the real monsters are.
Independent bookstores in U.K., Ireland expanded in 2020
It is worthwhile to focus on the positive outcomes from a year that was incredibly challenging on numerous fronts.