It happens every year, I get older, and a few books celebrate the occasion. Sometimes I’m amazed I’ve lived as long as I have. I hope I have a few more good years in me. Here’s the birthday Swag (the Tom Lovell book I bought for myself):
Tom Lovell Illustrator by Daniel Zimmer [The Illustrated Press, 2016 oversized hardcover] – art and illustration. Very limited printing by Illustrated Press of career and work of illustrator Tom Lovell, who worked in the pulps, slicks, advertising and did non-commercial paintings. A fine artist. I pre-ordered it from Illustrated Press in April.
These books have small print runs. If you want this one, you need to hurry, it was published just this month and is almost sold out.
The Summer Dragon by Todd Lockwoodinterior illustrations by the author. I wanted this because Lockwood is an artist whose work I admire (the cover is by him) and I wanted to see how he did at writing.
The Mammoth Book of the Adventures of Professor Moriarty edited by Maxim Jakubowsji [Skyhorse Publishing 2015 trade paper] – mystery. Thirty-seven short stories featuring the character who appeared in just two of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle. A nice surprise. It’s about the time of year I read Holmes stories and pastiches.
The Starlit Wood edited by Dominik Parisien and Navah Wolfe [Saga Press 2016 hardcover] – fantasy / science fiction. Eighteen new stories in the fairy tale style. Strong reviews induced me to put this on my “wish list”.
Tip the Wink 
Happy birthday, Rick!
Happy Birthday!
While none of those particularly appeal to me, books are definitely a #1 gift.
Thank you both, very much. Barbara often says she wishes I’d want something besides books, but as you say, Jeff, books are number one.
A pretty good haul for a youngster like you, Richard. Hope you had a great day and hope you’ll have an even greater year! (And tell Barbara that you don’t necessarily want books as gifts — gift certificates to bookstores are also welcome.)
Yep, that’s what my sister-in-law gave me, a gift cert. to Powell’s.
Nice Birthday score! It’s hard to top books as gifts.
Agree, George. Naturally, I consider a book the perfect gift. After all, a book is a gift you can open again and again.
Happy Birthday, Richard! Books (and comics) are the perfect gift on this day.
Thanks, Prashant. It’s been a while since I bought a comic.
Hope it was a great birthday, Richard. I like the look and sound of that fairy tale inspired book. You always manage to introduce me to some of the most intriguing of the new books being published. I may break down and buy myself a copy if the CPL doesn’t have one on their “New Book” shelves.
Thank you, John. I read some reviews, including on on the Black Gate blog, and decided to put it on the wish list.
Happy birthday. Good stuff. I’d particularly enjoy that Lovell work
Thanks, Charles, very much. I’m reading the Lovell book now, as there’s a good amount of biographical text at the beginning. The book is beautiful, thick glossy paper, very nice reproduction of the artwork. He did mostly western-themed artwork during the latter part of his career.
What lovely birthday gifts. My birthday is coming up soon, the perfect time of year for it. Hope you had a happy one all around.
I am now reading Superman for All Seasons, which I saw first here. And liking it a lot.
I’m really glad you’re liking Superman for All Seasons, since I was the one to recommend it. You are right, this is a good time of year for a birthday, I hope yours is delightful.
Happy Birthday! I hope you like The Starlit Wood. the table of contents is looooooong, so even if not every story is a winner, there are sure to be a bunch of winners in there. That Todd Lockwood looks amazing, he is such an incredible artist!
Thanks a bunch. I’m looking forward to them both as soon as I can get to them.
Hope you enjoyed your birthday, Richard, and the swag! I started drooling the instant I saw the word “Moriarty” on the cover of the one I will be looking for.
Belated Happy Birthday, Richard! Hope you had a grand day. And WOW, what interesting books – is there anything better than a book for a birthday present? Not much. I love the work of Tom Lowell too. I have 2 ‘boards’ on Pinterest which feature vintage illustration and/or vintage mystery covers – and Lowell is one of my favorites. You were fortunate to get your hands on the book.
Thank you, Yvette. I’ll have to check those illustrator boards. Yes, books are the best gift, as far as I’m concerned.