Ashbel Green, vice president and senior editor at Alfred A. Knopf, passed away on Tuesday, September 18th, in Westerly, R.I. Mr. Green was both a Friend and colleague of Chip Kidd. He was 84.

Chip Kidd, respectfully, wanted to share this statement:

“I would like to recognize the death of Ash Green, a beloved colleague at Knopf and one of the best editors in publishing history. I will miss him terribly, as will we all at Alfred A. Knopf. Ash, you were one of the greats, it was an honor to know and work with you. C”

In this Author History Lecture Video, recorded at the 92nd Street Y back in November, 2009, Martin Amis, Brian Boyd and Chip Kidd pay tribute to Vladimir Nabokov and read from his posthumous work, “The Original of Laura”. Biographer Brian Boyd begins with a presentation on the novel's place within Nabokov's canon; Martin Amis discusses Nabokov in relation to tragedy and the Holocaust; Chip Kidd discusses the design history of Nabokov's book covers from the past in reference to his own design of “The Original of Laura” Book Jacket ( shown up above ). A reading from Laura follows. Also, for more 92Y event information please visit: 92Y.org

This is a limited edition, archival, facsimile print of the cover painting used for issue no.18 of the comic Eightball by Daniel Clowes. It has been reproduced at a 1:1 scale to match the size of the original painting that is currently on display as a key part of the "Modern Cartoonist: The Art of Daniel Clowes" touring museum exhibition.

This gicl e print was created to the highest standards of production under supervision of the artist. The finest quality materials were used including an eleven color, high dynamic range, process inkset on conservation grade 100% cotton acid and lignin free paper and tested by the Fine Arts Trade Guild and guaranteed to resist fading and discoloration in excess of seventy five-years. Each print is signed and numbered by the artist and includes a registered certificate of authenticity. Don't miss out on this chance to have a museum quality piece of art for your very own. For more information please be sure to visit DANIELCLOWES.COM

Here’s some good news! Over at the TINKER’S PACKS Website they have finally made their next “Lee Moyer’s Literary Pin-Up” Calendar available. For this new Calendar for 2013 they have teamed up with some of the best Authors in the fantasy book genre: Peter S. Beagle, Ray Bradbury, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Jacqueline Carey, Neil Gaiman, Charlaine Harris, Robin Hobb, N.K. Jemisin, George R. R. Martin, Terry Pratchett, and Patrick Rothfuss.

Each month of the calendar will feature a pin-up based on a different author’s works and/or characters. Illustrated by Lee Moyer, all proceeds will go to Worldbuilders in support of Heifer International. For more info on how to order just CLICK HERE!

Here’s a quick post to share some hilarious comic strips & a photo that all revolve around a love of reading books. The one with Dr. Seuss’ “Horton” character totally cracks me up!

To celebrate the release of Chris Ware’s brand-new Graphic Novel Book published by Pantheon, BUILDING STORIES, Chris Ware will have two separate Art Gallery Openings that, together, will exhibit 126 drawings used to create the new story. The events will be held at Adam Baumgold Gallery (New York) and Carl Hammer Gallery (Chicago). The Art Shows open on September 8th, 2012 and run until October 27th. Hey, that’s going on right now, you better hurry!

Yes! This week’s latest issue of THE NEW YORKER Magazine features a beautiful cover with artwork by Chris Ware. It’s main theme is “Back To School” and, like a lot of his art, it is filled with a sense of Melancholy. So, please be sure to hit your local newsstand soon. We also want to mention that THE NEW YORKER did a short Interview and Story about about Chris Ware where they talk about this cover design and his new Graphic Novel book from Pantheon titled, BUILDING STORIES. You can read that interesting article by clicking RIGHT HERE!

As a side note:

To celebrate the release of BUILDING STORIES, Chris Ware will have two separate Art Gallery Openings that together will exhibit 126 drawings used to create the new book. The events will be held at Adam Baumgold Gallery (New York) and Carl Hammer Gallery (Chicago). The Art Shows open on September 8th, 2012 and run until October 27th.

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. OK, Who has not heard of this extremely successful book series? It’s taking the Publishing & Book Reading World by storm! It was written by British Author E. L. James in 2011 and has quickly become THE major hit of the season. In fact, this book has topped best-seller lists around the world, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The series has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and set the record as the fastest-selling paperback of all time, even surpassing the Harry Potter Series. We should also note it was published by Vintage Books ( Random House ).

So, who is E. L. James? Well, ABC News 20/20 Reporter, Elizabeth Vargas, gets this early interview:

While mindlessly surfing the internet this morning I came across this very interesting profile/interview on Camilla Zhang at the AA LIMELIGHT website. Camilla works at DC Comics, as the Executive Assistant to the VP of Art & Design, Mark Chiarello. She was the Assistant Editor for BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN, by Chip Kidd and Dave Taylor. She also edited BATMAN: NOEL, by Lee Bermejo and she is currently working on all the BEFORE WATCHMEN titles. the interview is pretty interesting so I thought I’d post a LINK here for others to enjoy. ( Plus, dare I say it? I think she’s HOT! )

Design Camp has been an annual event since 1980 & usually appears in late September/early October at a lodge in northern Minnesota. Design Camp sets the standard for regional design conferences. Its atypical three-day structure mixes indoor and outdoor activities with both educational and social events.

Featured keynote speakers set the tone for camp, and small-group workshops and creative sessions follow these presentations. Attendees (referred to as "campers") stay in lakefront cabins and condos, then meet in the main lodge for events and meals. For more information click here to visit the main AIGA MINNESOTA DESIGN CAMP 2012 Website, DESIGN CAMP FACEBOOK Event Page and the Official DESIGN CAMP FACEBOOK Page.

This year’s line-up of all star speakers include:

Chip Kidd
The Heads of State
Paula Scher
Eric Madsen
Simon Collison