The Bookshelf ~ July 2024

lectori salutem

Beth Brower is the author of twelve books, including The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, The Q, the Books of Imirillia, and The Beast of Ten. She also writes here on Beth Brower Scribbles Away.

DEAR READERS,

July—it often comes splashing in a day or two before I’m ready to let go of June. This is rarely a bad thing, as summer has sovereignty over such unexpected looseness. A summer of childhood is rife with the give, take, run, run, bake on the sidewalk then into the cold sprinkler sort of arc.

If a summer is done properly, it takes a softer shape. Some moments fleeting fast-footed like Douglas in his new shoes (see my mention of Dandelion Wine last July!). Some moments floating like ovals which have removed themselves from the clock. Time will not bind every summer moment. If you try to make it so, the glory will shrink from you. You will only be left with the heat.

UPCOMING EVENT - BEAVERTON, OREGON

SATURDAY, August 3rd, 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. @ Jan’s Paperbacks (12320 SW, 1st Street.)

I will be in Beaverton, Oregon for an event at Jan’s Paperbacks! The event is adjacent to a farmer’s market, so it should be a lively atmosphere. The bookstore sets up a shade canopy and a number of chairs on the side of their building, but they also encourage readers to bring their own comfortable camp chairs. (Please do if you can. I don’t think they will have enough seating.) Also, as it will be a part-shade/part-sun location, remember your sunglasses, hats, a bottle of water, and a good sense of humor. We will bask together.

The event will start with a Q&A at 11:00, where we have a rollicking time with my answering your questions, and then I will sign books. I am going to ship some paperbacks of my books to Oregon to sell at the event, but quantities will be limited. Please send an email to contact@rhysdonpress.com if you would like to reserve some books to purchase. Or you can order the books ahead of time and bring them with you.

It’s going to be a delight. So many of you have been readers for years now and I can’t wait to see you in person. Thank you, thank you, for all of your support! And I’ll see you in a month, Oregon (and Washington, and Idaho, and wherever else you’re coming from!). Leave a comment if you know you’re coming!

EARLY TIDBIT FROM EMMA M. LION, VOL. 8

The Medieval Devereux Coat of Arms

The Devereux family, Islington’s contrarian tribe, has a deep history. Many stories, many layers. I thought—to help you all in the wait for Emma 8—I would release the medieval coat of arms.

This is not the one Islington currently uses—his grandfather having commissioned an update in the 1820s that is still used in 1884. (Don’t worry, that coat of arms will be released soon after Vol. 8.) Below are two of the variations first used in the 1300s. The difference between them is a single vs. triple oak leaf. (Yes, there is a story there.)

I hope you enjoy this peek into Islington’s ancestry.

The artist behind both the medieval and the 1820s Devereux coat of arms is the heraldic artist Will Thompson. He has done beautiful heraldic work, including some for European nobility.

May you all find glory in the round warmth of these July days.

x Beth