It was the third Pulp show I've attended. Held in Toronto in
the basement of a library, the Pulp show is a one-day
gathering of dealers and fans of pulp. While focussing mostly
on actual pulp magazines, there were still pockets of
original paperbacks, usually in boxes under the tables.
While perusing one such pocket, I found The Machine in Ward
Eleven by Charles Willeford. Under closer inspection, it was
way over my means at $65 Canadian. A voice over my shoulder
asked "Is that Willeford?" I looked up to see a bearded man
in fedora and trenchcoat.
We started talking about Willeford. He had already read The
Machine in Ward Eleven. It had been given to him as a gift.
After some more talk about writers, he let it slip that he
ran a list-server about Crime Fiction.
"Rara Avis?"
Yes, it was William Denton, the patron saint of our rare
bird.
I have to admit I expected an older man with fascistic
tendencies, based on some of the more stringent "reminder"
posts. Bill is a young man with a warm manner. He seemed
hesitant at first, probably making sure that I wasn't a
freak. I believe I pulled a fast one on him and we ended up
at a local watering hole ("Starbucks") discussing Rara Avis
and Crime Fiction.
He convinced me that the "reminders" are necessary to ensure
that the list doesn't stray too far. Many other lists have
lost their original bearings... He also reminded me that
there are lists devoted to discussions of film-noir and
literature.
I told him I discovered the list a few years ago after all my
search inquiries on the web ended up at the Rara Avis
archives. Bill said he enjoyed the fact that when certain HB
authors are entered into search engines, the only listings
are Rara Avis.
We parted after about an hour since I was late for a
wedding.
It was worth it.
Chong
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