People who love lists! People who love books! People who love interesting things! Have I got the giveaway for you. Truly, this might be the most exciting giveaway I've ever orchestrated here. You could give it as a Christmas gift, but you might not be able to part with it. Behold:
One copy of Shaun Usher's absolutely beautiful Lists of Note, which isn't really available in the U.S. until June 2015. This first edition copy comes direct from the very unique (and generous) U.K.-based publisher (more on that in a minute).
I don't remember when I discovered Shaun Usher's blog Lists of Note or its companion blog Letters of Note, but I've been a subscriber for a couple of years, at least. He shares lists and letters (of course!) written by famous authors, artists, photographers, politicians, activists, musicians, and many more. I bought my dad a copy of Letters of Note for Father's Day this year and he has enjoyed it tremendously.
Here's a peek inside this 318 page book (click to enlarge images):
It opens with one of my favorite lists, written by Johnny Cash.
Integrated Bus Suggestions, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is included, which takes on all kinds of meaning this year for me of living in Montgomery.
This is a fun one, by President Harry S Truman written to his wife on the occasion of their anniversary.
YES. I don't know this author or the novel it comes from (If On a Winter's Night a Traveler by Italo Calvlino, 1979), but I'm going to have to read it now because just look at this, booklovers!
There are 125 lists in total; they come with a little explanation next to the original image, and all are translated (which makes sense for many that are not in English or are nearly illegible). It's a book to be devoured, savored, and revisited. It elevates the practice of list-making into an art form. It's truly a gorgeous book. And I have a copy to share! To enter, just leave me a comment about either a favorite book you read this year or a book you're excited to read. I will selfishly compile them into my own reading lists for 2015 : ) Winner will be announced in a few days. Enter now, because comments will remain open until...I close them!
This giveaway is sponsored by Unbound! You should check them out.
Unbound is revolutionary new way to get books published, founded by three authors, John Mitchinson, Justin Pollard and Dan Kieran. Using the www.unbound.co.uk publishing platform, authors pitch their book ideas directly to their readers. Readers choose the ideas that they like on the website and pledge their support. When an idea has enough supporters, the book is written and produced. All supporters get their name printed in every edition of the book and all pledge levels include the e-book and immediate access to the author's shed.
To date Unbound has published books from several well-known authors including Kate Mosse, Julie Burchill, Jonathan Meades, Chris Yates, Robert Llewellyn and ex-Python Terry Jones, as well as a first novel from comedian Katy Brand and the bestselling Letters of Note by Shaun Usher. The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth, published by Unbound, became the first crowdfunded novel to be long listed for the Man Booker prize this year.
Press
About Unbound's beginnings from TechCrunch
Lists of Note review from The Guardian
Lists of Note review from The Independent
Lists of Note review from The Telegraph
a great interview on NPR about Letters of Note
This post is part of a list-making project called Lists With Friends 2014, an effort to document the year in lists of all types. I love lists, and I love a good project.