Breaking news on authors, publishers, and book-related topics

Sony introduces new ebook readers and cuts ebook prices

Aug 05 2009: Sony is introducing two new electronic reading devices and cut prices for new and bestselling e-books. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Reader Pocket Edition and Reader Touch Edition "will sell for $199 and $299 respectively and will go on sale at the end of ...

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Ben & Jerry's considering a library-themed ice-cream flavor

Aug 03 2009: Ben & Jerry's is considering launching a library-themed ice-cream flavor, after a campaign by New Jersey librarian, Andy Woodworth, gathered over 4000 supporters in just a few days. Woodworth hopes this will raise awareness of libraries "in the face of stagnant or ...

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91 year-old woman believed to be UK most prolific library book borrower

Aug 03 2009: A 91-year-old woman from Stranraer in south-west Scotland is believed to be Britain's most prolific library book reader after staff at her local library realized she is on the brink of borrowing her 25,000th book - having borrowed her first in 1946.

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Library groups endorse Google settlement

Aug 03 2009: The American Library Association (ALA), the Association of College and Research Libraries, and the Association of Research Libraries have reiterated their support for the proposed Google Books settlement, while repeating concerns that the settlement live up to its ...

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Publishers Weekly & Library Journal up for sale - again

Jul 30 2009: Reed Business Information is putting Publishers Weekly and its affiliated publications, Library Journal and School Library Journal, up for sale. Last year, Reed Elsevier, parent company of RBI, tried to sell all of RBI but dropped the sale when it couldn’t get the price...

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The Booker Prize longlist

Jul 28 2009: The Booker Prize Longlist (13 titles known as the Man Booker Dozen) has been announced:

• The Children's Book, AS Byatt. (Chatto and Windus). Byatt won previously with Possession in 1990
• Summertime, JM Coetzee. (Harvill Secker). Coetzee has won twice for Life & ...

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Earliest Wodehouse satires discovered

Jul 28 2009: The discovery of four satirical "playlets" by PG Wodehouse, seen by the public for the first time in 100 years this weekend, prove that the humorist - who is often viewed as apolitical - had a strong interest in public affairs from his youth.

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E Lynn Harris dies aged 54

Jul 24 2009: E. Lynn Harris, the best-selling author of novels that addressed the subject of gay black culture has died. He was 54.

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