Review: Hand "Entirely Too Little [Creepingness]"

Book review: The Hand of the Necromancer

Time Capsule: September 20, 1378

September 20, 1378: 630 years ago today Antipope Clement VII was elected by French cardinals as opposition to the Roman-elected Pope Urban VI; these proceedings lead to what Bellairs lovingly called the Grand Central Schism in Saint Fidgeta and Other Parodies [58-9].

To Think What Follows....

The Bookshelves of Doom notes the news of the sixth book in Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy, after Adams's widow sanctioned Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl) as the author. The site then notes:

I generally don't like it when people continue the work of much-beloved-but-sadly-deceased authors (see Anne of Green Gables, Harriet the Spy, John Bellairs, etc.).

The sixth Hitchhiker’s book, And Another Thing..., will be published in October 2009. 

Some Bellairs and Gorey Nostalgia

by Megan Noel (Sept 8, 2008)

(Originally published at megannoelart.blogspot.com)

More about the John Bellairs Mural

Here’s some more information about Team Haverhill’s Mural Project, including the location of the John Bellairs Mural:

Bellairs and Gorey, Scary Does it

Bellairs (and Gorey) fan Megan Noel shares some memories of reading of The Curse of the Blue Figurine in a slightly strange location, and makes a good point about Dial having copies of Edward Gorey's artwork  laying around.

Whistle and Hum

Brendan Adkins writes about finding new Bellairs books - albeit in a dream.  And he may be on to something because I may have had a similar dream.

I was adamant the new cover featured Johnny or Lewis riding a bicycle on an empty rural road and there was something shadowy watching from behind the only tree within miles.  Whistle and Hum sounds more interesting - unless it's a bad U2 cover album.

Then I glanced over and noticed a series of five John Bellairs books that I remembered enjoying in high school (including one called Whistle and Hum). I thought about finding them for a while after I woke up, until I realized they don’t exist.

Salisbury Cathedral, Cheer thy Spirit with this Comfort

The Cathedral of Saint Mary – better known as Salisbury Cathedral in Salisbury, England – is celebrating the 750th anniversary of its consecration.

A Visit to Edward Gorey's House

Edward Gorey's art is something you don't forget. Even if you can't remember his name, his style stands out.  Pam also thinks his former house stands out and she's remembered enough about her visit to share these thoughts online.

45th Annual Historic Home Tour

For 45 years the Marshall Historical Society has been showcasing eight private homes, one church, and one business as part of its Historic Home Tour. It has been called the Granddaddy of Midwest Home Tours and is famous all over the country for its traditions and heritage. Marshall's Home Tour was voted the Best Home Tour by the readers of AAA's Michigan Living magazine.

Of special interest to fans of John Bellairs is the inclusion in this year's tour of the Zaharion (née Cronin) House (407 North Madison), the landmark inspiration for The House with a Clock in its Walls.

When: September 6-7, 2008
Time: Saturday 9:00 to 5:00, Sunday 10:00 to 5:00

For more information, including cost, please contact the Marshall Historical Society.

Review: Sign "An Entertaining Middle School Historical Thriller"

Book review: The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer

About Widow's Walk Lake

One of the joys of Bellairsia over the years has been the response we get from fans. Some are new to the Bellairs-game and have questions about books, while others are long-time readers and appreciate the site memorializing John and his work. It’s also been nice to hear from John’s close friends and have them express their pleasure in us keeping John’s memory alive. And we’ve had fun doing it, too.

So we found it interesting a few weeks ago that another such fan surfaced to tell his story.

Prosperity Be Thy Page Count!

Over the past few months our inbox has had the fair share of questions about the new book: when is it going to be released, which character is the book about, what is the plot, and so on. Well, we know The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer is due out this October, it features Lewis Barnavelt, and that Amazon.com says the book is 176 pages.

The John Bellairs Mural

Team Haverhill, an independent citizen action group dedicated to bettering Haverhill, Massachusetts, began a Mural Project in 2007 consisting of outdoor murals of famous people from the city's past. A new series of murals are planned for 2008, bringing the total to 18, and among those will be one honoring author and former Haverhill resident John Bellairs.

An Edward Gorey Cover Bonanza

The Caustic Cover Critic combed through a cozy collection of covers created by celebrated ... oh, come on now, give it a break.  Part three of the site's Edward Gorey bonanza finally centers on covers (grr...) for the Bellairs series.  Judging from the crazy collection of comments a number of fans hoped Bellairs titles would be included in the cover critic's list this time around.

See ya.