Strange Reading: 01/06/10

Strange Reading by Grant Uden is mentioned lovingly in The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee. On the merits of my complete enjoyment of Buzbee's book I went online to find a copy of this older book. I had to order a copy from England and it was my last international purchase before losing my job in July 2009. I'm glad the book snuck in.

Strange Reading is a book about books. It's akin to Queer Books by Edmund Pearso, So Many Books So Little Time by Sara Nelson and of course The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop.

This thin volume has chapters on dedications, book size, and many other bookish aspects that if you're like me probably never think about but are fascinated to read about when given the opportunity.

One of my favorite essays in Strange Reading is on the lives of books. In a very BookCrossing spirit he writes: " 'Books are the world's greatest adventurers.'"  (p. 102). He goes on to describe some of the more remarkable journeys through history that famous books have had. Think for example of the most recently discovered first edition of Darwin's Origin of the Species that was found on a shelf in the family toilet.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Saturday, January, 9, 2010 at 10:46:23

Laura

I enjoyed The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop, and this one sounds good, too. I love to find books mentioned in books - you certainly did a good job finding this one!

Comment #2: Saturday, January 9, 2009 at 22:27:14

Pussreboots

Used Strange Reading are easiest to find in Great Britain. I ordered mine via Amazon.co.uk. I've yet to find a copy for sale from an American used book seller. It is worth the effort to track down and a good follow up to The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop.