A Small Press Life: Books. Art. Writing. Life. Tea.

Not just a blog, a philosophy

Writers in Art: Mary Russell Mitford*

Posted on January 10, 2015 by maedez

Mary Russell Mitford

*Mary Russell Mitford died on 10 January 1855.

[Book Nerd Links] 30 Beautiful Vintage Dust Jackets

Posted on January 9, 2015 by maedez

30 Beautiful Vintage Dust Jackets [Abe Books]

Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout. 1934.

The Splendiferously Bearded Writers Social Club: Vincent van Gogh*

Posted on January 7, 2015 by maedez

Name: Vincent van Gogh
D/O/B: 3/30/1853
Member Since: 1886
Status: Active Member
Important Role: Giving art lessons to fellow members
Hobbies: Going on long walks through the countryside; living intensely; being misunderstood; transforming the art world

Van Gogh Painting Sunflowers by Paul Gauguin, 1888. His beard is splendiferous by virtue of its vibrant hue.

*Vincent van Gogh was an exceptionally talented letter writer, at a time when correspondence was an art form. His letters are vivid, intelligent, and beautiful word paintings.

Books in Art: Maiden Meditation by Charles West Cope

Posted on January 6, 2015 by maedez

Maiden Meditation by Charles West Cope, 1847

Daily Diversion #246: Beautiful Book Cover

Posted on January 3, 2015 by maedez

Darwin by Paul Johnson

So Long, Theo!

Posted on December 28, 2014 by maedez

“The most futile thing in this world is any attempt, perhaps, at exact definition of character. All individuals are a bundle of contradictions-none more so than the most capable.”-Theodore Dreiser

Theodore Dreiser by Frank Harris, 1919

Theodore Dreiser died on 28 December 1945.

[Book Nerd Links] Cool Reads for a Cold Monday

Posted on December 22, 2014 by maedez

The Year’s Best Cultural Criticism [Flavorwire]
The Year’s Worst Cultural Criticism [Flavorwire]
The Best Book Covers of 2014 [The New York Times]
Flaubert’s Past Lives [The Paris Review]
Norman Bridwell, ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ Creator, Dead at 86 [Huff Post Books]
Dash and Daring Never Go Out of Style [Huff Post Books]
7 Classic Books with Happy Endings Even Scrooges Will Love [Huff Post Books]

FOSSIL LAKE II

Posted on December 19, 2014 by maedez

The cover art for The Refossiling is truly amazing!

Fossil Lake

Feast your senses on Stephen Cooney’s fantastic cover art for The Refossiling!

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Writers in Art: Jane Austen*

Posted on December 16, 2014 by maedez

Here is our birthday girl as depicted by her sister, Cassandra:

Back-view watercolour of Jane Austen by Cassandra Austen, 1804

*Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775.

[A Holiday Shopping Spree for the Bookworm] It’s a Wrap!

Posted on December 15, 2014 by maedez

Let’s recap:

Happy shopping!

R.I.P. Norman Lloyd (1914-2021)

Norman Lloyd, long a personal favorite of mine, was a fascinating man and performer. Norman Lloyd Dead [THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER]

R.I.P. Geoffrey Scott

Geoffrey Scott was from a younger generation than the performers I normally write about, but his handsome presence was ubiquitous during my 1980s childhood. From Dynasty to The Love Boat, Night Court, and Battle of the Network Stars, his charisma and acting ability lit up the small screen for decades. He will be missed. Geoffrey […]

Kirk Douglas: 1916-2020

[2019 Reel Infatuation Blogathon] But Baby Think of Me Once in Awhile: On Andy Travis as Television’s Best (and Hunkiest) Boss

Welcome to the 2019 Reel Infatuation Blogathon! Baby, If You’ve Ever Wondered: It still seems like yesterday that the idea for RI popped in my head. It was actually in December 2015, while in a hotel room getting ready for a holiday party, when it occurred to me that there was a gap in the classic […]

Announcing the 2019 Reel Infatuation Blogathon!

This is one of my favorite events of the year, and not just because I’m the co-hostess. It’s simply that good. And fun. Oh, so much fun! Here’s my original announcement. ANNOUNCING THE 2019 REEL INFATUATION BLOGATHON I hope you’ll join us!