*A Collection of
Antiquarian Curios & Relics*
"Many of the
people who came to us were of the kind
who would be a
nuisance anywhere but have special opportunities in a bookshop . . ."
--George Orwell, former bookstore
employee
Dearest Mick--
Chip, my loyal manservant, and I
had dressed up in our Wild West railroad costumes and were preparing to play a
round of 'holding up the iron horse' when your package arrived via the parcel
post. Chip turned off the Lionel train, pulled his kerchief down from his
mouth, and cracked open your box. You may not know that I have been a
lifelong train enthuasist and was a founding member of 'Railways Illustrated'
magazine. You should see the centerfold from the August issue, the funnel
on the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 is enormous.
At any rate, I removed my train
conductor hat, Chip opened the aluminium chest containing a bottle of
Hennessey Beaute du Siecle, and he poured me a glass of my favourite
Cognac. Finally, we were ready to settle in and delve into your treasure
trove of fine literature.
I was aghast at your first
selection. There is nothing I find more loathsome and irritating than
those who call themselves bloggers or bloggesses. They are the
pickpockets and knaves of the writing world. However, the title of Hannah
Hart's new book, My Drunk Kitchen (9780062293039) 22.99, did intrigue
me. You may not know this but the original title for Dylan Thomas'
Portrait of a Young Artist as a Dog was 'My Drunk Kitchen', which I was fond
of, but try as I might, Dylan was steadfast in his resolve to parody the title
of James Joyce's Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man (9780142437346)
9.00. I will promise you, if I am ever able to recall any more of those
stories, I will be sure to share them with you.
I do love a good cozy. And
I suppose Louise Penny's latest offering, The Long Way Home (9781250022066)
27.99 would almost qualify. Of course this title reminded me of the old
'Supertramp' song. Yes, Mick, I am familiar with some of that noise that
you call Rock 'n Roll.
Which brings us to your next
title. I understand the copy of Glyn John's Sound Man
(9780399163876) 27.95 is what they call in 'the business' an ARC (or advanced
readers copy), so it will not be available until November 13, but I cannot wait
to sink my dentures into it. Glynny and I worked together on Neil Young's
'Harvest' when I was briefly Mr. Young's manager. He was a class act. He said
several friends urged him to write his autobiography, which many years ago, my
dear dear friend Winston had insisted I do the same. I suppose if Chip
and I ever get bored with our model trains, I just might take him up on that
suggestion. Thank you for the presents.
Warmest Regards,
Sir Charles Edmund Wilson III
Odds
& Sods
Gary and Jan
Bower's I'm a Michigan Kid!: Official Passport (9780970462145) 3.95 is
finally back in time for the holiday weekend. This is a great,
inexpensive souvenir that sells like crazy. Just say Yes to Michigan!
Speaking of
upper Michigan favourites, we should be getting a big slurp of Ken Scott's The
Ice Caves of Leelanau (9780974206851) 25.00 in tomorrow. This will be
another fan favourite for the holiday weekend.
GOP policy wonk
Paul Ryan's The Way Forward (9781455557561) 27.95 has been selling well
nationally, but especially in Wisconsin. We should have more stock
by Friday . . .
Happy Labor Day!
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