“Books Do Furnish A Room, For James Laughlin”

We’re proud to announce our new permanent installation, “Books Do Furnish A Room, For James Laughlin”, which consists of The Promises of Glass by Michael Palmer, one shelf, two screws, and some glue.  Here’s an image:

Here’s another, more recent:

Here’s a brief backstory: when I first visited Marfa, ten years ago, I also visited the Marfa Book Company.  Upon entering, I did what I normally do in bookstores:  I walked directly to the poetry section, curious to see, and probably also to judge, the selection.  I don’t remember most of what I saw, naturally, but I do remember seeing The Promises of Glass by Michael Palmer.  How could such a book appear in a town of 2000 people?  I was immediately and deeply impressed.  And, at that moment, I thought, “This is a great place,” or something similar.

Ten years later, it’s still a great book, a great bookstore, and thanks to the knowledge I have as the store’s owner, I can also say, no one ever bought the book.  Now no one ever will.

*

Postscript:

As many of you will know, James Laughlin founded New Directions Press, the publisher for Palmer’s book, in 1936. And to this day, at the bottom of the colophon of every book they’ve printed, you’ll find the line, “New Directions Books are published for James Laughlin”.

-Tim Johnson

Advertisement