The Smart Set is a weekly feature, compiled and posted by Lauren Cerand, that usually appears Mondays at 12:30 pm, and highlights the best of the week to come. Special favor is given to New York’s independent booksellers and venues, and low-cost and free events. Please send details to Ms. Cerand at lauren [at] maudnewton.com by the Thursday prior to . . .
In 1842, Edgar Allan Poe got so drunk on mint juleps while visiting New York that he sent a letter apologizing to publishers J. and H.G. Langley. Will you be so kind enough to put the best possible interpretation upon my behavior while in N-York? You must have conceived a queer idea of me — but the simple truth is . . .
The Tournament of Books gets underway today, as Powell’s Brockman decides between Steer Toward Rock and 2666.
“[P]ure avoidance of sentimentality is impossible for him and he often leaves it lying about in small shards.” — Lorrie Moore on Donald Barthelme.
I’ve never before seen Walker Percy speak and am posting this clip, in which he analyzes the diminishing publication prospects for young writers, in case you haven’t either. For some reason his pronounced southern-aristocratic accent surprised me. I’m also in the midst of watching a longer video in which the author accepts a medal from Notre Dame although he says . . .