Book Alert: The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer

It's summer again in New Zebedee and Lewis Barnavelt is back in another hair-raising adventure! What sort of shadowy figure does Lewis see and why has our timid hero immersed himself in understanding the mystical and magical number three? Fates? Wise men? Blind mice?

Review: Sign "A Children's Mystery In The Most Classic Sense"

Book review: The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer

Review: Mummy "Written In Bellairs' Inimitable Style With Wit And Humor"

Book review: The Mummy, the Will, and the Crypt

Time Capsule: October 3, 1958

October 3, 1958: 50 years ago today John Bellairs debuted in the pages of the University of Notre Dame student magazine, the Scholastic. Now a senior level English major, Bellairs and friend Charles Bowen were tapped to share their humorous observations about life in South Bend by alternating each week as the author of "Escape".

2008 Living History Portrayal Walk

Oakridge Cemetery, one of the oldest continuously operated cemeteries in Michigan, is home again this year to the 8th Annual "If These Stones Could Talk..." Living History Portrayal Walk. This guided walking tour will feature actors portraying significant persons from Marshall's past at each of those individual's gravesites.

This year’s famous Marshallnites include Anne Ells (no relation Myra, that we know of), Samuel Burpee, Mary Coleman, Deville Hubbard, Calvin Clark, Rev. Christopher Heidenreich, and Adam Crosswhite. The event will take place rain or shine so participants are encouraged to bring flashlights, wear comfortable walking shoes, and carry an umbrella.

When: October 11, 2008
Time: 7:00 pm

To learn more, please contact the Marshall Chamber of Commerce.

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.