Here is a round-up of some of the latest writing news in the world of journalism and publishing.
Red Poets’ Society: the Secret History of the Stasi’s Book Club for Spies
For seven years, the East German security service’s poetry group met in Berlin to discuss literature. But there was more to it than just learning about iambic pentameter. (Guardian)
American Humorist PJ O’Rourke Has Died
The American humorist PJ O’Rourke, who has died aged 74 of lung cancer, was a writer of sharp wit that ranged from dry to lusciously over the top, but was always leavened by a measure of self deprecation that stopped it from being cruel or harsh. (Guardian)
Asia Pacific Tops IFJ’s Killed List as Deadliest Region for Journalists
21 journalists and media workers lost their lives during 2021 in the Asia Pacific region, accounting for almost half of all journalist killings worldwide, the International Federation of Journalists’ annual Killed List has found. (IFJ)
Books Sales Rose in U.K., France and Germany in 2021
Book sales in the U.K. rose 3% last year, according to Nielsen BookScan, with more than 212 million print books sold, accounting for total sales of £1.82 billion, the highest figure ever recorded by BookScan. French booksellers were assisted in 2021 by several programs implemented by the French government. (Publishers Weekly)
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