True to the Letter: 800 Years of Remarkable Correspondence, Documents and Autographs

By Pedro Correa do Lago

In True to the Letter, Pedro Correa do Lago has put together an impressive collection of letters spanning 800 years.  The book flows together seamlessly, showcasing the letters of artists, scientists, royalty, actors, poets, musicians, writers, soldiers, philosophers and clergymen.

The letters are shown in their entirety, some are handwritten, some typed, some illustrated, and some even feature musical scores. Lago also includes a summary of the circumstance in which the letter was written providing a personal glimpse into the letter writer’s world.

Illustrated Letters: Artists and Writers Correspond

Edited by Roselyne de Ayala and Jean-Pierre Gueno

What makes this book so special is the incredible art work that adorns the letters’ pages; from simple doodles to miniature water color paintings, these letters are stunning and inspiring.

Both books are fabulous; one will make you want to write a letter, the other will make you want to illustrate it.

- Karen

The Other Typist

By Suzanne Rindell

The Other Typist is the most original book that I have read this spring, the plot twists and turns and you think you know who is good and who is bad….and who is ultimately going to die…..but you don’t… right up until the last page there is one surprise after another.

Fans of Robert Goolrick’s books will enjoy this highly atmospheric novel that plays on the human condition with characters that use cool, calculated manipulations and possess charm that masks their true intent.   The Other Typist is author Suzanne Rindell’s first novel.

The Other Typist will make you question if anyone is ever quite who you think they are.

- Karen

Scratch My Back by Peter Gabriel

This is an excellent 2010 project that features Peter Gabriel – his voice at its  alternately measured and dramatic best – offering interpretations of a dozen great songs.  He’s backed on many tunes by the London Scratch Orchestra – heavy on strings and very clear bass.  Trust me – it works.  Others are mainly piano and voice – like the terrific take of  Randy Newman’s  “I think it’s Going To Rain Today.”

I like all the songs, from the opening  “Heroes”‘ and Paul Simon’s “Boy in a Bubble” (very unique version here) to the ending Radiohead instrumental fade out but I think it peaks for me with an emotionally involving trio of songs – “The Power of the Heart” by Lou Reed followed by “My Body is a Cage” (which makes Arcade Fire’s version seem tepid in comparison) to “The Book of Love.”    This is the centerpiece of this CD for me and is a great sequence.

I must admit I began listening to this CD on my way to a funeral of a dear friend and of course it resonates with me all the deeper for the associations these three songs have.  But I’ve listened to this work several times and really appreciate the way it builds  with the well thought out sequence of very good songs done with care and passion.

He has done these artists justice and I imagine having Peter Gabriel cover one of your songs is really a feather in your cap and very satisfying.  At some point, they are collectively supposed to return the favor so we’ll have to stay tuned. (There are certainly many gems to choose from on his first three solo releases alone…) But this half of the arrangement is really good and is hard to forget.

-Phil

Selected and with an essay by Terence Pepper

Horst P. Horst was considered to be one of the “great classic photographers of the twentieth century.” During his 60 year career, he photographed actors, models, designers and socialites for French, American and British Vogue.

Horst Portraits: 60 Years of Style features unseen and unpublished works from the Horst archives as well his published iconic works. His compositions were masterpieces. His subjects cool, elegant, sleek and strong.

This gorgeous book would be of interest to anyone who loves fashion or cinema history.

- Karen

If you’ve ever embarked on TV adventures with Xena, Hercules, Richard and Kahlan, the Charmed ones, or Brisco County Jr., Merlin is the show for you.

Loosely (and I do mean loosely) based on Arthurian legend, Merlin, as you’d expect from the title, focuses on the mythical character Merlin, only he’s  an awkward teen who’s coming of age, honing his magical talents, and discovering the destiny that ties him to Arthur Pendragon.  In each episode of Merlin you can expect comic relief, romance, sword fights, sorcery, dragons, and plot lines resolved at the end of almost every episode.  Merlin features a great cast, including John Hurt as the dragon, and Anthony Head as Uther Pendragon.  Let me put it to you truly, Merlin is perfect for when you want to be  easily entertained – it’s pretty much just straight forward fun.  Merlin lasted five seasons, and NPL has all of them!