I was putting some paperbacks from storage on their new bookshelf 'home' when it occurred to me that some people might wonder why I've arranged them in the way that I have. Then I thought, "Wonder how other writers' bookshelves look as they organize their most prized worldly possessions." A couple of days later, I was corresponding with Garnett Elliott and asked him if he didn't mind sharing. Ask and ye shall receive:
Here's the "prized books" section of my bookcase, with all the hardboiled authors who have had the most influence of my writing. Though it's hard to see, from left to right is: Himes, Higgins ('The Friends of Eddie Coyle,' natch), Thompson, Goodis, Williams (Charles Williams--'The Hot Spot'), Chandler, Hammett, MacDonald (I've got McDonald, too, but on another shelf), Crumley, Willeford, Cain, Peter Rabe, and of course, Mojo Storyteller, Joe R. Lansdale.
13 comments:
Damn. No wonder the guy writes good.
My thoughts exactly, Evan.
I recognize a lot of those spines. I don't have all these collected in the same place but I've got quite a few of em!
I've had a number of those at one time or other, but tend not to hang onto them. Frankly, I don't even know what I still even HAVE at this point, because the only ones I have shelved since moving are all the ones I haven't read yet. An insurmountable pile, to be sure….
Very familiar titles, Charles. I just need to read more Himes and Rabe. Behind the 8-ball on those.
Chris, I've been scattered my whole life when it comes to my books. Storage or wherever I'm staying at the moment. And, honestly, could do to give some away to charity or sell on eBay.
You have to clear 'em out occasionally! The Hell of it is, I forget which ones I've read.
Oscar, I'm that way on series that run past twenty titles.
As Mrs. Abigail Adams said, "Don't forget the ladies."
That's not a bookshelf. It's a shrine. Makes my bookcases look like a sorry mess.
@Patti--The gender disparity isn't as bad on my Kindle. One shelf up I've got Faust, Highsmith, and a certain Abbott you're pretty familiar with . . .
Patti, Garn's answer follows. And. for the record, Abigail is my top pick for first lady.
I doubt that, Ron. Send me a pic and I will post. Bet you are better stocked than the rest of us.
Garnett, After reading Patti's comment I quickly scanned my shelf to find Abbott, Highsmith, Daphne du Maurier, Hilary Davidson etc. *wipes brow*
Love this post. How do writers organise their books? I've always thought that there's an element of randomness about book spines "chez un auteur", but maybe it's simpler than that. :-)
Greetings from London.
I tend to prefer books-tallest-left to right in descending order.
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