A picture held us captive. And we could not get outside it, for it lay in our language and language seemed to repeat it to us inexorably.
(Philosophical Investigations, Ludwig Wittgenstein).
(Philosophical Investigations, Ludwig Wittgenstein).
One of the most notable characteristics of Brian Howell’s fluid and thought-provoking prose is its visual quality. His plots, such as the now-classic The Curious Case of Jan Torrentius (which we republished in 2022), are imaginative historical narratives where visual elements and political conspiracies intertwine to create a rich narrative tapestry. In his new book from Raphus Press, The Study of Sleep and Other Stories, Howell continues to explore his visual approach to storytelling, transcending mere description to evoke a cinematic experience, as if we were watching a film or a magic lantern projection. The Study of Sleep and Other Stories, particularly in the titular novella and the accompanying short stories, vividly illustrates this dynamic visuality within the realm of written narrative.
The Study of Sleep and Other Stories, numbered and limited hardcover edition, only 50 copies, 110 pages, 120 x 250 mm (or 4.7 × 9.6 in.), would be available for shipment in 30 days more or less, payment via PayPal, and in 40 days it would be available at our partner Ziesings.
The Study of Sleep and Other Stories, numbered and limited hardcover edition, only 50 copies, 110 pages, 120 x 250 mm (or 4.7 × 9.6 in.), would be available for shipment in 30 days more or less, payment via PayPal, and in 40 days it would be available at our partner Ziesings.
The Study of Sleep and Other Stories + Mail expenses for all the world (Normal price USD 45.00; pre-order price USD 40.00)
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The opinion of our readers
Golden Age of Clairvoyance
"Well I have received the books today and I had certain high expectations and I must say such high expectations were well exceeded. The selectivity of the authors as I may have mentioned before (both individually and in combination) and translations are impeccable. The book design is exquisite and enhances the holistic reading experience (by way of comparison, on first seeing the books I had the same sense of elation when I had received my first Sylph Edition Cahiers a few years ago)."
(Andrew Condous)
(Andrew Condous)
"The books look really nice - I'm especially liking the full-color images inside. Very good design."
(Damian Murphy)
(Damian Murphy)
"The chapbooks are beautiful. Well done! Equally engaging for the eye and mind."
(Rachel Kinbar)
(Rachel Kinbar)
"The initial print-run of all three is, of course, low, so any interested readers should make a quick decision; because I do hope Raphus continue on their path of intriguing little translations of the recovered uncanny and esoteric."
(Mark Andresen at Pan Review)
(Mark Andresen at Pan Review)
The great weird and fantastic connoisseur, Des Lewis, made an insightful review of Black Mirror, the second chapbook in the series, available in this link.
Spiritual Meaning of the Massacres
"Many thanks for sending me a copy of The Mendicant. It really looks rather good – a bit like one of the books you read about in short stories that start off ‘Beware if you read these words... too late!"
(Stephen Cashmore)
(Stephen Cashmore)
"It's a marvelous production, and it's great that you have resurrected the remarkable title piece. I also enjoyed the pamphlet (...). Long may Raphus Press reign!"
(Chris Mikul)
(Chris Mikul)
"I am absolutely delighted with them [The Mendicant of the Books and The Sacred Abysmal Perspective]! They are both true examples of true and original creative philosophical ingenuity, originality and also design. They are fantastickal chapbooks and it is an equal delight to have been able to contribute and to assist in other ways. Although I saw the proofed editions when you e-mailed them to me, now that they are in my hands, they veritably glow and crackle and weep with their malign embers.
I shall take myself off on a sacred journey this weekend, like the early priests going to Tibet, and will immerse myself in the deep folds and ravines these chapbooks open up."
(Jonathan Wood)
I shall take myself off on a sacred journey this weekend, like the early priests going to Tibet, and will immerse myself in the deep folds and ravines these chapbooks open up."
(Jonathan Wood)