The Errant Æsthete

“The Pioneer Valley [of western Massachusetts] is arguably the most author-saturated, book-cherishing, literature-celebrating place in the nation. Popular leisure outings here include browsing a dusty used bookstore, taking in an art book show, attending a workshop in bookbinding or letterpress printing, or chatting with an author (while buying a signed first edition of his work) at a public reading.”

An intriguing read and wonderful discovery out of the pages of the NY Times. Even in the age of Amazon, here is a place where “the art of the book” thrives. “There are many explanations for why the valley is so rich in bookstores and author readings, but two are paramount: many book lovers live in the valley, and so do an extraordinary number of writers.”