Next month, Weldon Owen publishes The Curious Reader: A Literary Miscellany of Novels & Novelists. Written by Mental Floss editor Erin McCarthy, the book is full of surprising and interesting facts about the world’s most beloved novels and novelists. Harken to the official synopsis:
"The Curious Reader will delight bookworms everywhere. This illustrated literary compendium from Mental Floss reveals fascinating facts about the world’s most famous authors and their literary works. Readers will learn about George Orwell’s near-death experience during the writing of 1984; meet the real man who may have inspired Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Darcy; discover which famous author kept her husband’s heart after he passed away; and learn about the influence of psychedelics on Dune.In addition to tons of brand-new essays, The Curious Reader also contains the most-loved book-related articles from 20 years of Mental Floss, including “Cat-Loving Writers,” “Famous Authors’ Unfinished Manuscripts,” “Literary Characters Based on Real People,” and “Books You Didn’t Know Were Self-Published.”"
I can’t say I’m not curious to know what author kept their husband’s heart. Like, in a jar? Was it one of the Brontës? Also not surprised to hear that psychedelics influenced Dune.
Check out the section all about George R.R. Martin and A Song of Ice and Fire
Naturally, The Curious Reader covers George R.R. Martin and his Song of Ice and Fire series, and we’re fortunate enough to be able to show you a couple of exclusive pages. Check them out below, and click to blow up the images:
The Curious Reader: A Literary Miscellany of Novels & Novelists comes out on May 25.
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