Escaping the London rain to go book hunting in the Italian lakes. What could be better? Oh.

I have created a Starter Pack. I tried to design it to appeal to general used and independent bookstores, but with a leaning towards rare and collectible books. Book collectors in general may find it inviting, though. So, please do send it to anyone who fits those criteria: go.bsky.app/DLyksnY

I've just published a new list of 15 books from the 1690s to the 1820s, on subjects ranging from Napoleon to lifesaving. Most are French, but this paper (covering a treatise on architecture) is distinctly Italian. Link in bio.

Found in a folder of family magazine clippings: if you've never had a pizza, do!

Putting the final touches to a little list of newly catalogued books and was reminded of this excellent ownership label, in a pre-revolutionary Parisian satire.

I thought it seemed busier around here...

My phone knows what's up in the rare book world.

Discovering just how wonderful the Remarkable tablet is for editing catalogues. Wish I had known about them years ago. (And don't get me started on handwriting recognition, which is clearly just witchcraft.)

After being in Sicily for a fortnight, I have a phone full of pictures. But the one most worth sharing is that of this Modica kitten, very curious but also trying to hiss, with limited success, while its mother peered out from a doorway.

Italy thinks of everything.