Type in Titles

Posted by trav in On the Web, Type      2 comments

Jan
31

I enjoy looking at type. I really enjoy looking at the typography used in logos (too much Papyrus out there) and book covers.

But when I need a quick fix and want to bask in the glow of cool creative type treatments I click over to Forget the film, Watch the titles. It’s a growing collection of title sequences from the big screen.

I won’t share how much time I burn on this site.

Great find!

Posted by trav in Book Talk, Publishers      No comments

Jan
29

The theorist over at fade theory mentioned a great blog. Conversations in the Book Trade the three-month old blog is the latest creation of a screen-writer in South Korea and features lengthy interviews with a bunch of small-publishers.

I hope they can keep it up. It will be a fun one to see who else turns up in the months ahead.

Book Art Exhibit

Posted by trav in Birmingham, Book Design, Events      2 comments

Jan
29

I finally made it over to the Birmingham Library for the Book Arts Exhibit and I wasn’t disappointed. Lots of neat bindings and materials. But my faves, as usual, was the letterpress work. Most impressive. And a bunch of it is for sale too.

I posted pics after the jump. The name under each picture is the bookartist’s name.
Don’t forget to check out the book artist podcasts too!

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Two places at once

Posted by trav in Authors, On the Web      1 comment

Jan
29

I read Nick Toshes book In the Hand of Dante a couple of years ago and have just run across his writing twice today in two different places. Here he’s reviewing a Dante bio (Bookforum link via fade theory) and here he’s participating in Esquire‘s Napkin Project.
I have to say that his napkin my favorite thing he’s written.

The Napkin Project is pretty cool and I killed too much time there today. Some of the writing is good, but what I’ve enjoyed is looking how all of the authors used the space of the napkin. There’s even an entry from Bama-boy Rick Moody, who took up both sides of his napkin.

Bookartist Podcasts

Posted by trav in Book Design, Book Talk, On the Web      No comments

Jan
27

The Books Arts Program over in Tuscaloosa posts podcasts of interviews with book artists from around the country. I wish I had discovered this sooner. It’s great listening and amazing to compare the thoughts and processes of such an eclectic and talented group.

I hope they keep it up for years to come. Imagine having an archive full of these colorful folks 20 years down the road…

Pass the munchies

Posted by trav in Authors, Birmingham      No comments

Jan
25

Chong, of Cheech and Chong fame, will light up the ‘ham this weekend. He’s signing at the Brookwood Books-A-Million. I missed this little calendar event until I checked in over at McGrew’s Musings, whose thoughts and music rec’s I enjoy. Now if I could just get him to blog more about books and bookstores…

A ying to that yang

Posted by trav in Authors, Upcoming Titles      No comments

Jan
19

Now, after that last post ranting on the state of new books, I have to say I am most excited about Michael Chabon’s 2007 release! It’s titled The Yiddish Policeman’s Union and is set to hit bookshelves on May 1st. Being a cover-guy, I usually wait until Amazon has covers posted before linking. But I feel as if I need some balance after that last post.
Chabon’s new story has and “alternate reality” twist to it as it takes place in Israel which is in Alaska…

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I kind of agree…

Posted by trav in Book Talk      No comments

Jan
19

I read some thoughts over at Reading Matters. Basically the guy goes off on Updike’s new book Terrorist. I have not read Updike’s latest, but I do have to nod in agreement to his general view of the books big houses are cranking out these days.

I am in no way a “serious lit” reader. I wish I could get into a lot of the classics and put forth  thoughts on liteary theory. But all that takes the fun out of books, for me. I like a good read. Period. That means good writing too.

I give every novel 100 pages before I give up…

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Don’t forget…

Posted by trav in Book Talk, On the TV      No comments

Jan
19

to check out this weekend’s BookTV schedule.

The most interesting segment I see would have to be Kantor’s Guide on Politically Incorrect English and American Literature. She seems to make some pretty bold statements. It’s fun to talk to your tv! Maybe even argue! DVR’s are go!

Is this a good idea?

Posted by trav in Book Talk, Media, On the Web      No comments

Jan
12

Simon & Schuster is producing a new online “get published” site. It’s called First Chapters and is being touted as a web-based “American Idol for books”. Basically, unpublished authors submit works, then everyone votes, etc., etc. After weeks of narrowing the field a panel of judges awards the winner $5,000 and a publishing contract.

Here’s the NY Times full article.

I guess any publicity for the publishing industry is good. But this just seems like a convoluted way of arriving at a book with mass appeal via the “lowest common denominator”.

I’ll check in once the field has been cut to the finalists. The whole point of relying on publishers and editors is so they cut through all the crap for me and I don’t have to waste time wading through stuff that’s not any good.