Well, I got the first day cover that commemorates the 35th anniversary of the establishment diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia that I mentioned a couple of posts ago. Except that it's not a first day cover, it's a commemorative cover, which is a slightly different beast. I guess I should read the news article properly next time! The difference between the two is that first day covers are specially-designed envelopes stuck on with specially-designed stamps, and marked with a specially-designed postmark. A commemorative cover is a specially-designed envelope... and that's it. All in all, it's an unremarkable affair, especially if you're used to well-designed first day covers (not that Malaysian first day covers are well-designed... but I digress). Oh sure, a commemorative cover has a stamp printed right on to it but that's just like an overglorified aerogramme. Lame. On the whole, what a disappointment. I haven't been collecting first day cover...
Science Fiction. Fantasy. Malapropisms.
i love the b/w photos on the covers of some of his novels.
ReplyDeleteYeah, those would be the UK editions, which would be my preference too. The US hardcover for Wind-up Bird Chronicles was bee-yootiful though.
ReplyDeleteLove the UK cover here, but what's with the red square in the top-left-hand corner?
ReplyDeleteBit of trivia: Seems "After Dark" is a real popular book title. Best book I've read so far with this title is G.K.Chesterton's collection of short stories, all narrated by a temporarily blinded painter to his wife, after dark, of course...
Right, speaking of Murakami, this really lengthy interview posted on my blog might interest you.
ReplyDeleteLots of stuff about underread authors in the literary world, not just Japanese.
I was wondering when you'd pop up!
ReplyDeleteThanks Swifty, but I've actually already read the interview. I've got you on my RSS list, so don't worry, I won't miss any of your musings or Japanese babes.
Ooh, that's great.
ReplyDeleteSorry about my absence lately, been too busy gaming, ah, I mean, working on my film, Girl Disconnected, to submit to places.