Focus on The Nation Magazine: Politics at the Center of the Storm

The popular Tuesday evening lecture series, Labor, Landmarks, and Literature, concludes on Tuesday, March 25th at 6pm at The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen in midtown Manhattan. This is the fourth and final lecture on the Literature component of the series, which this year is focusing on one of the country’s most highly regarded weekly magazines, The Nation. The lecture entitled “The Nation: Politics at the Center of the Storm,” will be given by John Nichols, Washington correspondent for The Nation.  

A pioneering political blogger with The Nation’s “Online Beat” and the magazine’s Washington correspondent, John Nichols is one of America’s most respected political writers and experts on impeachment and the Constitution. Mr. Nichols will share stories from the center of the political world, describing life as a Nation correspondent and offering his insights into the 2008 election.  John Nichols is the highly respected and oft-quoted Washington correspondent for The Nation. He began writing The Nation’s “Online Beat” in 1999, and his articles have appeared in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and dozens of other newspapers. Nichols is the author of The Genius of Impeachment, as well as a critically-acclaimed analysis of the Florida recount fight of 2000, Jews for Buchanan, and a best-selling biography of Vice President Dick Cheney, Dick: The Man Who is President. 

The Nation has engaged the mind of the American public for over 140 years through its coverage of such areas as politics, culture, books, and the arts. Today, The Nation occupies an important place within the political arena with its in-depth discussion of current events, enabling it to thrive online as well as in print.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended, as seating in The General Society Library is limited. Tickets are $15 for non-members, $10 for members, and $5 for students. To register, visit http://generalsociety.org/events/default.asp and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

All lectures will take place at The General Society Library, at 20 West 44th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. 

31 Cutting-Edge Authors from Indie Presses at The Bowery Poetry Club

March is Small Press Month, a month-long celebration of the books published by small independent presses with events taking place across the country. To kick things off, on March 6^th The Bowery Poetry Club in New York City will be hosting a not-to-be-missed marathon reading starting at 7 pm with top writers from the indie literary scene. Come hear readings by:

Eileen Myles (Wave Books), Noelle Kocot (Wave Books), Lynne Tillman (Soft Skull), Jen Benka (Soft Skull), Brenda Coultas (Coffee House Press), Ted Mathys (Coffee House Press), Alex Rose (Akashic Books), Camelia Entekhabifard (Seven Stories Press), Veronica Liu (Seven Stories Press), Martine Bellen (Belladonna Books), Lila Zemborain (Belladonna Books), Dan Machlin (Ugly Duckling Presse), Rachel Sherman (Open City Books), Leni Zumas (Open City Books), Sharon Mesmer (Hanging Loose Press), Marie Carter (Hanging Loose Press), Melissa Buzzeo (Leon Works), Tisa Bryant (Leon Works), Bob Holeman (Bowery Books), Paul Mills (Bowery Books), Radhiyah Ayobami (Bowery Books), Rachel Levitsky (Futurepoem Books), Erica Kaufman (Big Game Books), Corrine Fitzpatrick (Sona Books), Dedra Johnson (Ig Publishing), Grant Bailie (Ig Publishing), Camilla Trinchieri (Soho Press), Anne Landsman (Soho Press), Jason Schneiderman (Four Way Books), David Lawrence (Four Way Books), Tim Brown (Bronx River Press) 

Admission is $6 and The Bowery Poetry Club is located at 308 Bowery, New York, NY right across from CBGB’s.

For more information on Small Press Month and its other events go to the Small Press Month Website.

The popular Tuesday evening lecture series, Labor, Landmarks, and Literature, continues on Tuesday, February 26^th at 6pm at The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen in midtown Manhattan. This is the third of four lectures on the Literature component of the series, which this year is focusing on one of the country’s most highly regarded weekly magazines, The Nation. The lecture entitled “The Nation: Reflections from the Editor,” will be given by Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher of The Nation.  

Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher of The Nation, America’s oldest weekly magazine, will reflect on the magazine’s 142-year history and offer her views on the role of The Nation in the turbulent political waters of 2008. Ms. vanden Heuvel will share some of her plans for the growth of the magazine and discuss the challenges facing print media in the new electronic frontier. 

Katrina vanden Heuvel has been editor of The Nation since 1995 and publisher since 2005. She is the co-editor of Taking Back America–And Taking Down the Radical Right and editor of The Dictionary of Republicanisms and the collection A Just Response: The Nation on Terrorism, Democracy and September 11, 2001. She is also a frequent commentator on American and international politics on MSNBC, CNN and PBS, and her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and The Boston Globe. 

The Nation has engaged the mind of the American public for over 140 years through its coverage of such areas as politics, culture, books, and the arts. Today, The Nation occupies an important place within the political arena with its in-depth discussion of current events, enabling it to thrive online as well as in print. 

The final lecture in the Nation component entitled “The Nation: Politics at the Center of the Storm,” will be given by John Nichols, The Nation’s Washington correspondent, on March 25. 

Advance reservations are strongly recommended, as seating in The General Society Library is limited. Tickets are $15 for non-members, $10 for members, and $5 for students. To register, visit www.generalsociety.org. 

All lectures will take place at The General Society Library, at 20 West 44th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.  

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. 

Focus on The Nation Magazine: Diary of a Mad Law Professor

The popular Tuesday evening lecture series, Labor. Landmarks and Literature, continues on Tuesday, January 29^th at 6pm at The New York Center for Independent Publishing (NYCIP) and The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen. This is the second of four lectures on the Literature component of the series and will focus on different aspects of one of the country’s most highly regarded weekly magazines, The Nation.  The lecture entitled “The Nation: Diary of a Mad Law Professor,” will be given by Patricia J. Williams, a monthly contributor to The Nation.  

Patricia J. Williams, a professor of law at Columbia University and a MacArthur Fellow, astutely examines ongoing legal, political, moral, and cultural issues in her monthly column, “Diary of a Mad Law Professor,” in The Nation. She will talk about her lively and provocative column and the new genre of legal writing that she has introduced to America. She is the author of many articles and books, including her most recent work, Open House: On Family Food, Friends, Piano Lessons and the Search for a Room of My Own.

The Nation has engaged the mind of the American public for over 140 years through its coverage of such areas as politics, culture, books, and the arts. Today, The Nation occupies an important place within the political arena with its in-depth discussion of current events, enabling it to thrive online as well as in print.

The next lecture in the Nation component will be entitled “The Nation: Reflections from the Editor,” will be given by Katrina vanden Huevel, editor and publisher of The Nation, on February 26.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended, as seating in The General Society Library is limited. Tickets are $15 for non-members, $10 for members, and $5 for students. To register, visit www.generalsociety.org.

All lectures will take place at NYCIP, The General Society, at 20 West 44th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Please visit www.generalsociety.org for details of this and other lectures in the series.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. 

R&L Releases “The Endless Search for the HMS Hussar”

R&L Publishing Releases a New Book — “The Endless Search for the HMS Hussar”

New York — Dec. 20, 2007 — Today R&L announced its release “The Endless Search for the HMS Hussar”. The book’s author, Robert Apuzzo, uses the best historical sources available to document the British frigate shipwreck in New York’s East River in 1780. The author captures the imagination as he lays out the clues to the whereabouts of the payroll ship’s sunken treasure.

Amateur archaeologist Robert Apuzzo attempts to shed new light on the legends surrounding His Majesty’s Ship Hussar. During his years of research the author unearthed some lost and unknown material. He uses a compilation of well chosen newspaper articles, writings, maps, and photos from the time of the shipwreck to recent times.

In the fall of 1780 the HMS Hussar, purportedly loaded with 14 chests of gold and silver, was swept onto Pot Rocks in New York’s East River. The damaged HMS Hussar then drifted toward the shore line of the Bronx. This book Attempts to fill the voids in knowledge. “The Endless Search for the HMS Hussar” presents 50 reference articles, many pertaining to the numerous searches to locate the Hussar and the elusive treasure. Mr. Apuzzo has arranged a journey that will delight and enlighten any treasure hunter.

“The Endless Search for the HMS Hussar” is the author’s third book. The soft cover book contains 152 pages with 32 photos and illustrations. It measures 6″ x 9″. ISBN 978-0-9629913-2-5. Library of Congress Control Number: 2007939695. Printed in the USA. Retails for $24.95. The publisher offers quantity discounts. The book may be purchased directly from R&L Publishing, 130 Church St. #259, New York, NY 10007.

SPLAT: The First Ever NYCIP Graphic Novel Symposium

The New York Center for Independent Publishing is venturing into a new medium with our first Annual Graphic Novel Symposium entitled SPLAT.  It will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2008. 

As graphic novels move further into the mainstream of popular culture, they are attracting more interest than ever before. 

Addressing this recent graphic novel resurgence into the public consciousness, the symposium will provide an opportunity where those interested in finding out more about graphic novels can share the experience;  and would-be creators can learn what it takes to be a graphic novelist.

There will be three different tracks, scheduled between 9am to 5pm, the first track will feature seminars on topics such as “Who Reads Graphic Novels” and “How to Get Published”. The second track will consist of workshops on subjects such as “Story Telling” and “Where to Start with Art”  and the final track will specifically accommodate librarians with panels on acquisition, shelving, censorship, manga, and graphic novels for adults and teens.

Cost will be $125, this will include lunch and the gala reception with the keynote speaker. Full information including registration details will be posted shortly.  

Matthias Kuentzel’s “Jihad and Jew-Hatred”

The 2007 London Book Festival has named Matthias Kuentzel’s Jihad and Jew-Hatred: Islamism, Nazism and the Roots of 9/11 as the grand prize winner of its annual competition honoring books worthy of greater attention from the international publishing community.

Kuentzel’s work, released through New York-based Telos Press Publishing, traces the alleged impact of European fascism on the Arab and Islamic world, drawing parallels between ancient prejudice and modern radicalism. Now translated to English and updated from its German publication in 2002, Kuentzel’s examination of the roots of the current strife between cultures and religions and its impact on world affairs has earned him considerable praise.

Look for the January 6th review in this Sunday’s New York Times.

Cup and Pen Reading Series Continues December 12!

WHAT: CUP & PEN PRESENTS CALAMARI PRESS
WHERE: THINK COFFEE, 248 MERCER AND 3RD ST.
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12TH, 2007 8pm-10pm
FREE AS A BIRD!

Cup and Pen puts Calamari Press back under the looking machine and pulls up the rorschachian images presented by their language-driven magazine sleepingfish. New Pages lit review claims “This is a journal where the swish of the cat’s tail might be appreciated for it metonymical qualities before the cat suddenly leaps off the balcony and into a cloud.”

Readings by Alexandra Chasin, Robert Lopez and Eva Talmadge are prescribed by those who care and want to see you reconnect with your inner beautymaker. Emceed by Rebecca Alvarez with as much love as is musterable.

Think Coffee is located at 248 Mercer Street and 3rd Street in New York City. BY SUBWAY: Take the BDFV to Broadway/Lafayette, the 6 to Bleecker, or the NRW to Prince Street

Wordbridge Fair Tomorrow!

On December 8th: the first WORDBRIDGE FAIR in Manhattan.

Plant consciousness crosses roads with speculative fiction and contemporary art show. All day program with authors and artists. Relaxed ambience and music for art viewing, book signings and chit chat between scheduled readings which will begin on time. Check the full program at www.wordbridgefair.org.

FREE OF CHARGE. All day from 3 to 9pm.
Saturday, December 8th 2007.
Salomon Arts Gallery, 83 Leonard Street, 4th Floor.

Members of the press and for press releases, contact Anjula Duggal of LevitatingMonkey at anj@levitatingmonkey.com

Visionary Plant Consciousness 3-4pm
J.P. Harpignies, the editor, will survey some first hand accounts of science’s attempts to understand these ancient and uncommon ways of knowing.

AUNT DISSY’S TRAVELING MEDICINE SHOW 5-6pm & 7-8pm
Sheree Renee Thomas, editor of the Dark Matter Series will host presenting authors: ihsan bracy, Jacqueline Johnson, Linda Addison, Gerard Houarner, Celeste Rita Baker, Jill Robinson and Terence Taylor.

GROUP ART SHOW throughout and viewing every other hour after a reading.

Art show featuring works by visual artists Adger Cowans, Jack White, Loren Standlee, Satyakam Saha, Rafael Leonardo Black, Bob K Hill, and Timujin.

Artist submissions and general inquiries: Celina Davis at celinaD007@gmail.com

Wordbridgefair.org is an initiative of Cool Grove Publishing Inc, and is produced with the kind sponsorship of LevitatingMonkey.com, Salomon Arts Gallery, Wanganegresse Press, East of Eighth, Freedom Academic Movement.

Cool Grove Press is a recipient of the 2007-2008 Jerome Foundation/CLMP (Council of Literary Magazines and Presses) Face Out Regrant.

Book Fair Program Details!

The NYCIP is located in the General Society Landmark Building at 20 West 44th Street (between 5th and 6th Aves) in Midtown Manhattan. All programs are FREE.

See below for a list of this year’s Book Fair sponsors!

Saturday, December 1st: 11am to 5pm 

10:30am-11:45am
Indie Press Author Read-A-Thon: Notable Indie Authors Read Their Work

Deborah Landau - Intima Press
Claude Clayton Smith - Pocahontas Press
Garth Risk Hallberg - Mark Batty Publishers
K.C. Washington - Harlem Writers Guild Press
Matthew Rohrer - Wave Books
Laura Marie Henion - Whiskey Creek Press
Veronica Paulina - Hague Clinton
Francine Trevens - GNYIPA
Perry Brass - Belhue Press
Toni Quest - P.R.A. Publishing

12:00pm-12:50pm
In the Flesh: Writing and Publishing Erotica

Learn how to break into the rapidly growing erotica genre, including short stories, novellas, and how to incorporate sex scenes into longer works of fiction. Learn what makes for quality erotica, where to submit your work, joining online critique groups and professional sites, and about the various subgenres of erotica, including erotic romance. Moderated by editor and writer Rachel Kramer Bussel, with authors Polly Frost, Tsaurah Litzky, and Sofia Quintero.

1:00pm-1:50pm
An Insider’s Look at Book Publicity: Essential Tips from Publishing’s Publicists

A discussion among book publicists from a variety of backgrounds about the book industry today. Topics include how a writer should interact with his or her publicist, how a typical publicity campaign works, outside vs. in-house publicists, and how technology has become an increasingly important factor in the book world. With Jean Anne Rose, Pocket Books, Moderator; Lauren Cerand, PR consultant; Sarah Reidy, Soho Press; Kristin Dwyer, Simon Spotlight Entertainment; and Terrie Ackers, Other Press.

2:00pm-2:50pm
Ian MacKaye on Independent Culture: Q&A with an Introduction by Ian Svenonius

A Q&A with Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi, The Evens and co-founder of Dischord Records). Bring your questions regarding the parallels between the worlds of independent music and book publishing, sustainable models for truly independent companies, and anything else that’s on your mind.

3:00pm-3:50pm
Keep Your Eyes Open: Ian Svenonius Interviews Photographer Glen E. Friedman, with Slide Show Presentation

Glen E. Friedman, considered one of the most important photographers of his generation, became well known for working with such rebellious artists as Black Flag, Ice-T, Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat, Misfits, Bad Brains, Beastie Boys, Run-D.M.C., KRS-1, and Public Enemy. Many of his photographs are recognized as the subjects’ definitive portraits. His most recent book, centered around the band Fugazi, is titled Keep Your Eyes Open (2007). Ian Svenonius has been the singer and spokesman for various music groups, including Nation of Ulysses, The Make-Up, and currently Weird War. Svenonius is also the author of The Psychic Soviet.

4:00pm-4:50pm
Celebrate 20 Years of the Independent and Small Press Book Fair with Tama Janowitz & Arthur Nersesian

In celebration of the New York Center for Independent Publishing’s 1987 inception, this program offers readings from classic works of the 1980s. Tama Janowitz will read from her seminal novel, Slaves of New York, and Arthur Nersesian will read from his cult classic, The F*ck-Up.

5:00pm-5:50pm
Katha Pollitt: Learning to Drive

Katha Pollitt is known as a good old-fashioned feminist and leftist columnist for The Nation, as well as a prize-winning poet. Her most recent collection of essays, Learning to Drive, establishes her as an affecting memoirist as well. Katha will read from her collection of witty essays and and reflect on recent political happenings.

Sunday, December 2nd: 11am to 5pm

11:15am-11:45am
Indie Press Author Read-A-Thon: Notable Indie Authors Read Their Work

Mankh (Walter E. Harris III) - Allbook Books
Richard Willis - Greenpoint Press
Ihsan Bracy - Cool Grove Press
Doug Snelson - Petalous Publishing

12:00pm-12:50pm
Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent’s Eye

Literary agent Katharine Sands offers an eye-opening, nuts-and-bolts introduction to pitching fiction and nonfiction book proposals to agents.

1:00pm-1:50pm
Authorpreneurship: Achieving Success with Self-Publishing and Other Publishing Options, With Richard Ridley and Stephanie Gunning

Richard Ridley, award-winning self-published author and publishing consultant for BookSurge, is intimate with the complexities of the publishing industry. Maverick publishing consultant Stephanie Gunning teaches her clients how to partner with their publishers and how not to feel @#%*ed when their books come out.

2:00pm-2:50pm
Qu’est-ce Que C’est Sex and Violence: Permissibility in Translation with Panelists Amy Scholder, Chad Post, Slava Mogutin, and Sinan Antoon

Sex and violence are universal traits but are different cultures ready to share and experience each other’s transgressive writings through the bridge of translation? A panel with Bruce Benderson, Slava Mogutin, Sinan Antoon and Amy Scholder moderated by Tom Roberge, Managing editor of A Public Space.

3:00pm-3:50pm
Rugged and Raw: Cutting-Edge Urban Readings from Amiri Baraka, Hattie Gossett, and Aaron Petrovich

It is rare to find exceptional authors whose verbal presentation is as captivating as their written word. This program presents three of those rarities. For anyone who equates readings with boredom, this will be a welcome blast of literary caffeine.

4:00pm-4:50pm
The Literary Trivia Quiz Smackdown: A Public Space vs. The New York Review of Books

A lighthearted face-off between two notable literary publications, A Public Space and The New York Review of Books, with emcee Tim W. Brown and adjucator Dr. Mark J. Noonan, Dept. of English, New York City College of Technology, and Executive Editor, Columbia Journal of American Studies. The New York Review of Books team will be represented by Catherine Tice, Associate Publisher, Michael Shae, Senior Editor and Edwin Frank, Editor, NYRB Classics. They will battle writers and editors from A Public Space.

The New York Center for Independent Publishing gratefully acknowledges the support of amNew York, BOMB Magazine, BookExpo America, Pen American Center, BookSurge, The Brooklyn Rail, Copyright Clearance Center, mediabistro.com, The Nation, The New York Review of Books, Thomson-Shore, Ingram Publishing Services, Inc., Whitehurst & Clark Book Fulfillment, and WBAI. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), a state agency.