Saturday, November 28, 2009

57 Books from the University Book Sale: Book 21

Title: Too Late the Phalarope (Signet S1290, 1956)
Author: Alan Paton
Cover artist: uncredited

Yours for: Whatever


  • The "phalarope" is a wading bird, and not, as it sounds, a rope made out of penis.
  • The background of this cover is an abstract horror show. Total fail.
  • Well, N.Y. Herald Tribune, you were half right.
  • Publishing imperative: do not, under any circumstances, mention "race" on the cover. "Instead of 'white,' why not try 'most respected'? And for 'black,' consider some version of 'forbidden.'"

Page 123~

And he would not eat in the sun, but in the house; and he would not eat at all, but drank many cups of coffee, and smoked the cigarettes. And again he said, what's the talk amongst the black people, Johannes? But the boy could tell him nothing of account.

~RP

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7 comments:

DemetriosX said...

Not only is the background an abstract horror show, but the inset illo looks as though the couple are clinging together one last time as Great Cthulhu prepares to devour them.

Raven's Angel said...

I like the author photo! It's like he's thinking, "Okay, okay, if you INSIST on taking an author photo, just go ahead & get it over with already!"

Tulse said...

DemetriosX, I too immediately thought "Lovecraft" when I saw that cover and title.

"Too late the Phalarope lifted its eldritch tentacle toward to unnameable cyclopean horror..."

Deb said...

I'm sure he chose this title because a title like "Too Late the Blue Jay" would be incomprehensible.

Jamie said...

That excerpt reminds me of the Talking Heads for some reason...

Alix said...

Diepkloof Reformatory for African Delinquents? I'm speechless.

Frank said...

I feel there should be a comma between "Late" and "The." Why, I don't know, but I FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT THIS!