Category: publishing

The Oxford English Dictionary was a long work in progress. “Thirty-one years ensued before the last of 414,825 words was cataloged. From its inception in 1857, the enterprise had consumed 71 years and witnessed the deaths of numerous employees (including the astonishing James Augustus Henry Murray, who was editor from March 1879 until his death in the summer of 1915). The dictionary would number among its contributors J.R.R. Tolkien and novelist Julian Barnes. And, of course, a murderer.”

Textbook piracy is rampant in much of the world, particularly in countries with expanding economies such as China. Governments aren’t exactly eager to crack down on pirates. “Countries say to us: ‘We really want education for our kids. You people [in the United States] are rich. Why do you want to stop us from copying textbooks?'”

A new installment of the “Left Behind” series is due out this week. “Over the last nine years, the ‘Left Behind’ series, which is based on Dr. Tim LaHaye’s literal, bloody interpretation of the Book of Revelation, has become one of the biggest surprise hits in American popular culture. The first 11 novels have sold more than 40 million copies. The authors have unseated John Grisham as the best-selling novelists for adults and, in some places where evangelical Christians are common, the books rival the Harry Potter series in sales.”

The Leipzig Book Fair opens with 1,200 readings. “Readings are what differentiate this booklover’s book fair from its big brother held in Frankfurt each year. Almost 2,000 publishers and editors from 28 countries are presenting their latest spring program. Because the fair’s literary readings are closely followed by literature fans and scouts from publishing houses on the lookout for new talent, authors will be seeking contact with publishers and the reading public.”

Disgraced journalists Jayson Blair and Stephen Glass have had a flood of publicity for their books. But despite the free promotion, neither one has sold very weel. Blair’s book had an “announced first printing of 250,000 but had sold only about 1,400 copies as of last week, according to Nielsen BookScan. Glass’s effort came out in May and had a first printing of 75,000. Nielsen BookScan has reported sales of 3,400 copies.

What is the enduring appeal of Dr. Seuss? “Seuss is Aristophanes with rhythm. For the reading adult, his stories have a pulsing speed that makes an easy and compulsive read. For all ages, there is a moral ferocity for which only a consummate satirist can be forgiven.”

When Penguin Books Canada went to India to find a new publisher, some wondered if David Davidar would understand the sensibilities of Canadian publishing. Turns out he does. “You have scintillating writers from all over the world, people with origins in Asia, Africa, Europe, which makes for diverse and interesting narratives. And the whole country seems to celebrate that. It seemed a great idea to be in the midst of that creative ferment. The big similarity between India and Canada is that for a long time it was difficult for writers to be published well at home. You had to go to London, and Canadians also went to New York to be published.”

What are the top ten Victorian novels? Philip Davis has made a list…

Canada needs a new national poet laureate. Yawn. So who doesn’t? These days, it seems like every city, county, province, state, and regional confederation of boroughs has its own poet tasked with… well, what exactly are poet laureates supposed to do, anyway? The requirement that an official poet spend her/his time composing odes to the glory/beauty/strength of whatever geographical area is providing the employment are long gone, but the old restrictions have never really been replaced with new ones. Consequently, Canada’s next poet laureate can more or less write her/his own rule book – that is, if anyone wants the job.

The first electronic paper is ready for the consumer market. “This ‘first ever’ Philips’ display utilizes E Ink’s revolutionary electronic ink technology which offers a truly paper-like reading experience with contrast that is the same as newsprint. The Electronic Paper Display is reflective and can be easily read in bright sunlight or dimly lit environments while being able to be seen at virtually any angle – just like paper. Its black and white ink-on-paper look.”