A Novel Idea!

At my day job, as editor of Booklist Online, I do all sorts of things to support the various spotlight issues of Booklist magazine — some of my activities are more serious than others. Two years ago, in the Mystery Showcase, I wrote “Reading Is My Business,” about a hard-boiled book reviewer tasked with finding a missing galley. Last year, as part of the Spotlight on SF/Fantasy, I wrote “The Read,” about a book reviewer who travels a road in a post-apocalyptic landscape.
This year, for our Spotlight on Historical Fiction, I wrote “A Novel Idea,” about a couple of key literary developments. One is the invention of the novel. The second one? You’ll have to read the story and find out!

At first glance, Mackay-Whyte and Boodles appeared to be gentlemen. Upon closer inspection, however, the threadbare quality of their clothing—Mackay-Whyte’s frayed waistcoat, Boodles’ laddered stockings—suggested that they were men of low birth wearing fancy dress. Or, perhaps, actors. But the truth was far worse—for they were men of letters.

Posted: Friday, April 9, 2010 - 07:44 am