Indeed, as the gift-giving season approaches, consider how those you love might love to receive one of our books!
What’s that you say? “Shut up about the holidays; it’s too early for all that now,” you say. Well, with online ordering you have to think about shipping and potential delays, and we wouldn’t want anything to come between your loved ones and the Problematic Press title(s) they have their hearts set on!
So, no matter what you choose to celebrate or refuse to celebrate, Problematic Press has a special little something for your special little someone!
Subtle and charming, bright and playful, The True Story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff: The Troll’s Side of the Story reimagines the classic tale to reflect on the perspective of the kind troll who falls prey to the prejudice of the eldest goat Gruff. Illustrations by Myles Reichel give this tale life. Plus, this edition also includes Sir George Webbe Dasent‘s translation of the classic folktale. This book is best suited for adults reading to young children, for early readers, and for all of us children-at-heart.
Deep beneath the scarred and scorched surface of the Earth, the last of us remain.
The Cavern is deep, dark, and damp. The city is busy, expansive, industrious. Technology has been salvaged, scavenged from the surface, and repurposed to a new fashion. Survival comes in the form of the shunt, drilled deep into the skull. A device that takes all the pain away, and lays it on the shoulders of one poor soul.
The Sufferer. An old man, dying beneath the tree of tears. And when his heart breaks, it will spell doom for us all.
Nicholas Morine was born and raised in Gaspereau, Nova Scotia. Words are his livelihood. He has written many words on a range of subjects, from tech to fashion. Having returned to Nova Scotia, he continues to write non-fiction and fiction. Montag Press published his debut novel, Punish the Wicked: A Dystopian Horror. Problematic Press is proud to present Cavern: City in the Dark, his second novel.
Robert Hayman’s Quodlibets, Lately Come over from New Britaniola, Old Newfoundland is a collection of witty, poetic verses that were penned while he served as governor in colonial Harbour Grace, Newfoundland between 1618 and 1628. His is likely the first English poetry penned in North America.
And, his work is quite impressive. Containing original poetry as well as his translations of pieces by John Owen and Francois Rabelais, Quodlibets reflects on thieves and knaves, good wives and whores, as well as the untamed beauty of Newfoundland. Hayman’s poetry exposes his love for Newfoundland, inviting the adventurous and hopeful to settle this rock. The language for this edition has been updated by David Reynolds to facilitate reading for modern audiences yet preserve the poetic voice of the author.
While playing a silly game, four bored yachtsmen find a mysterious copper cylinder bobbing along the sea. They soon discover the briny cylinder contains a massive script, a journal of sorts, detailing the adventures of Adam More, a sailor lost at sea. Examining the script reveals More’s incredible story of drifting across the ocean, sailing to lost lands, encountering giant beasts, and meeting truly peculiar people. This satirical tale is sure to entertain!
De Mille was a Canadian scholar and author. He pioneered Canadian science fiction and fantasy with his masterpiece, A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder. De Mille had many lofty goals for his fantastic satire, and he struggled to accommodate all of them, leaving the denouement somewhat abrupt in his ultimate manuscript. Nevertheless, what remains is a thought-provoking tale of absurd wonder that seeks to challenge our most deeply held values. The story was first published posthumously as a serial by Harper’s Weekly in 1888, eight years after the author’s death.
The Problematic Press edition of James De Mille’s A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder features a Foreword and Annotations by David Reynolds. Reynolds briefly introduces the author and the novel while his end notes reflect on interesting elements of the text and reference scholarly works.
Vester Vade Mecum: A Collection of Short Fiction is a collection to delight educators and pupils alike. It contains a variety of important short works of English literature, featuring authors such as Mary Shelley, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe, Louisa May Alcott, Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, Pauline Hopkins, Stephen Leacock, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, and others. Edited by David Reynolds, the text contains contextual information about each author and story as well as questions to provoke critical reflection.
Vester Vade Mecum is a Latin phrase that means “you go with me.” As the title of this textbook, that phrase carries multiple meanings. It indicates that this is a manual that mindful students will carry with them in their studies. In relation to the enduring nature of great stories, the title alludes that these are tales we often recall in our own reflections. In relation to the nature of storytelling, it suggests how the author leads the reader along their journey.
Superheroes: An Analysis of Popular Culture’s Modern Myths by David Reynolds is a semiotic and cultural anthropological interrogation of popular North American superhero narratives, such as those of Superman, Spider-Man, and Batman, that provides insight into how media’s messages influence the culture’s ethical values. Since emerging in the late 1930s, the superhero has become a pervasive figure in North American popular culture. As an extension of ideas presented by Friedrich Nietzsche, Joseph Campbell, and Umberto Eco, this dissertation argues that superhero tales must be regarded as modern mythology. It follows that people observe and learn social norms of justice from such narratives, since these ideals are intrinsic to the tales. In investigating the superhero’s role as a contemporary figure of myth, this project focuses primarily on three areas: an account of the history of the superhero from 1938 to present; an examination of the cultural functions of contemporary superhero narratives; and, an interrogation of vigilantism, responsibility, and justice in these narratives and how those concerns further relate to ideologies and practices in North American culture.
If you aren’t in the St. John’s region of Newfoundland and Labrador, then you can find print and Kindle copies of our titles online from the Problematic Press Shops (CAN and US). Otherwise, you might find us pushing books with a table at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market. We hope to see you there!
From all of us at Problematic Press to all of you, we hope your holiday season is full of joy and merriment… and reading!
This book and our others will be available for purchase at SFotR8, too, so you can pick up whichever titles tickle your fancy! We have a variety of titles in different genres. Besides this reinterpretation of a classic fairytale we have books that dabble with superhero scholarship, action-dystopia, Sterne scholarship, classic short fiction, early Canadian science fiction, early Newfoundland poetry, and more! See below for book descriptions and pricing.
Subtle and charming, bright and playful, The True Story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff: The Troll’s Side of the Story reimagines the classic tale to reflect on the perspective of the kind troll who falls prey to the prejudice of the eldest goat Gruff. Illustrations by Myles Reichel give this tale life. Plus, this edition also includes Sir George Webbe Dasent‘s translation of the classic folktale. This book is best suited for adults reading to young children, for early readers, and for all of us children-at-heart.
Copies of this book can be purchased from the Problematic Press table at SFotR8 for $15CAN.
While playing a silly game, four bored yachtsmen find a mysterious copper cylinder bobbing along the sea. They soon discover the briny cylinder contains a massive script, a journal of sorts, detailing the adventures of Adam More, a sailor lost at sea. Examining the script reveals More’s incredible story of drifting across the ocean, sailing to lost lands, encountering giant beasts, and meeting truly peculiar people. This satirical tale is sure to entertain!
De Mille was a Canadian scholar and author. He pioneered Canadian science fiction and fantasy with his masterpiece, A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder. De Mille had many lofty goals for his fantastic satire, and he struggled to accommodate all of them, leaving the denouement somewhat abrupt in his ultimate manuscript. Nevertheless, what remains is a thought-provoking tale of absurd wonder that seeks to challenge our most deeply held values. The story was first published posthumously as a serial by Harper’s Weekly in 1888, eight years after the author’s death.
The Problematic Press edition of James De Mille’s A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder features a Foreword and Annotations by David Reynolds. Reynolds briefly introduces the author and the novel while his end notes reflect on interesting elements of the text and reference scholarly works.
De Mille’s satirical tale of wonder has entertained readers for many years, yet the work has remained largely overlooked. For that very reason, Problematic Press is tremendously excited to add this work to our growing collection of titles!
Copies of this book can be purchased from the Problematic Press table at SFotR8 for $18CAN.
Deep beneath the scarred and scorched surface of the Earth, the last of us remain.
The Cavern is deep, dark, and damp. The city is busy, expansive, industrious. Technology has been salvaged, scavenged from the surface, and repurposed to a new fashion. Survival comes in the form of the shunt, drilled deep into the skull. A device that takes all the pain away, and lays it on the shoulders of one poor soul.
The Sufferer. An old man, dying beneath the tree of tears. And when his heart breaks, it will spell doom for us all.
Nicholas Morine was born and raised in Gaspereau, Nova Scotia. Words are his livelihood. He has written many words on a range of subjects, from tech to fashion. Having returned to Nova Scotia, he continues to write non-fiction and fiction. Montag Press published his debut novel, Punish the Wicked: A Dystopian Horror. Problematic Press is proud to present Cavern: City in the Dark, his second novel.
Copies can be purchased from the Problematic Press table at SFotR8 for $15CAN.
Copies can be purchased from the Problematic Press table at SFotR8 for $10CAN.
Vester Vade Mecum: A Collection of Short Fiction is a collection to delight educators and pupils alike. It contains a variety of important short works of English literature, featuring authors such as Mary Shelley, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe, Louisa May Alcott, Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, Pauline Hopkins, Stephen Leacock, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, and others. Edited by David Reynolds, the text contains contextual information about each author and story as well as questions to provoke critical reflection.
Vester Vade Mecum is a Latin phrase that means “you go with me.” As the title of this textbook, that phrase carries multiple meanings. It indicates that this is a manual that mindful students will carry with them in their studies. In relation to the enduring nature of great stories, the title alludes that these are tales we often recall in our own reflections. In relation to the nature of storytelling, it suggests how the author leads the reader along their journey.
Copies can be purchased from the Problematic Press table at SFotR8 for $30CAN.
Robert Hayman’s Quodlibets, Lately Come over from New Britaniola, Old Newfoundland is a collection of witty, poetic verses that were penned while he served as governor in colonial Harbour Grace, Newfoundland between 1618 and 1628. His is likely the first English poetry penned in North America.
And, his work is quite impressive. Containing original poetry as well as his translations of pieces by John Owen and Francois Rabelais, Quodlibets reflects on thieves and knaves, good wives and whores, as well as the untamed beauty of Newfoundland. Hayman’s poetry exposes his love for Newfoundland, inviting the adventurous and hopeful to settle this rock. The language for this edition has been updated by David Reynolds to facilitate reading for modern audiences yet preserve the poetic voice of the author.
Copies of this book may be purchased from the Problematic Press table at SFotR8 for $10CAN.
Copies of this book may be purchased from the Problematic Press table at SFotR8 for $8CAN.
Superheroes: An Analysis of Popular Culture’s Modern Myths by David Reynolds is a semiotic and cultural anthropological interrogation of popular North American superhero narratives, such as those of Superman, Spider-Man, and Batman, that provides insight into how media’s messages influence the culture’s ethical values. Since emerging in the late 1930s, the superhero has become a pervasive figure in North American popular culture. As an extension of ideas presented by Friedrich Nietzsche, Joseph Campbell, and Umberto Eco, this dissertation argues that superhero tales must be regarded as modern mythology. It follows that people observe and learn social norms of justice from such narratives, since these ideals are intrinsic to the tales. In investigating the superhero’s role as a contemporary figure of myth, this project focuses primarily on three areas: an account of the history of the superhero from 1938 to present; an examination of the cultural functions of contemporary superhero narratives; and, an interrogation of vigilantism, responsibility, and justice in these narratives and how those concerns further relate to ideologies and practices in North American culture.
Copies of this book may be purchased from the Problematic Press table at SFotR8 for $10CAN.
If you can’t make it out to SFotR8, don’t worry – copies can also be purchased online from the Problematic Press Shops (CAN and US). Additionally, wholesale purchases of Problematic Press titles can be made through CreateSpace Direct, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor. Feel free to contact us if you have difficulty ordering (send email to problematicpress@gmail.com).
While you’re attending the convention, be sure to take in all of the other great attractions! There are special guests, film screenings, workshops, and more to entertain the whole family!
Direct all media inquiries to problematicpress@gmail.com. Thank you.
ABOUT PROBLEMATIC PRESS
Problematic Press is a small, independent book publishing endeavour founded by David Reynolds and based in St. John’s, NL. Problematic Press has a mission with a broad scope, aiming to entertain and educate readers of all ages. Perhaps that’s problematic. Problems make us think.
Regardless, Problematic Press will produce original works as well as popular classics, with an emphasis on texts that challenge readers’ notions and the status quo. Special attention is given to Newfoundland literature, Canadian literature, and other imaginative works from such genres as speculative fiction, fantasy, science fiction, pulp fiction, non-fiction, comics, and children’s books. Problematic Press will also release selected anthologies of poetry and short fiction, some of which will be formatted as textbooks suitable for high school and post-secondary education.
The attention span of the collective consciousness is too short. Problematic Press aims to challenge readers while revitalizing interest in important narratives from the past that remain relevant today.
This little nugget from the past is lovingly illustrated by Myles Reichel. Yes, the same Myles Reichel of Uneeda fame. You might also find him at Von Stytch Tattoo & Art Studio/Gallery. This work showcases the gentler side of the punker tattooist, and his work here looks fantastic!
The True Story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff: The Troll’s Side of the Story also includes Sir George Webbe Dasent’s translation of the Norwegian classic. This is the popular tale of the Gruffs’ encounter with a terrible troll, but here, read together with Reynolds’ reinterpretation, it reinforces the message that there are often two sides to a story.
There’s quite a bit happening at Problematic Press right now, although I know things have seemed quiet over the winter months. And, we’ve had five months of winter in Newfoundland this season.
But, things are happening, so let me tease a little of that now.
First of all, we’re bringing you Nicholas Morine‘s Cavern: City in the Dark. This is Morine’s second novel. His first novel, Punish the Wicked: A Dystopian Horror, was just released by Montag Press. Cavern also features an illustration by Jesse H. Walker. The novel is full of action and sure to thrill!
Next, we’re presenting a children’s story written by David Reynolds when he was 11 years old. The True Story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff: The Troll’s Side of the Story is currently being illustrated by Myles Reichel of Uneeda fame, and it looks fantastic! The teaser pic here does not do his work justice.
Finally, work continues on our annotated edition of James De Mille’s A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder.
And, the best news of all is that each of these titles will be available in the coming weeks! Stay tuned here for updates, and look for the Problematic Press table at Sci-Fi on the Rock 8!
Well, last week was certainly a week of firsts for Problematic Press, including David Reynolds‘ first CBC Radio interview and first public reading of fiction! Sexy times, indeed!
Let’s begin this recap with CBC’s WAM. The amazing Angela Antle invited Reynolds to the Weekend Arts Magazine to discuss his adaptation of Robert Hayman’s Quodlibets. This collection of over 300 short poems was penned by Hayman as he served as governor of the English colony in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland from 1618 to 1628. When it was first published upon his return to England, the book was intended to encourage other Europeans to to take up the task of settling this newly found land. In a sense, Quodlibets can be seen as one of the first works to promote Newfoundland tourism.
So, in case you missed the original broadcast, let me include one of the random poems Reynolds read on the air from Hayman’s Quodlibets:
Book 1, Number 70. To a fair Whore.
When we do see a woman sweetly fair,
We say that God had done his part in her,
Thou passing fair, but passing wicked art,
In thee therefore Satan hath play’d his part.
Now, Reynolds said a lot of craziness in front of the mic for this interview, so who knows what, if any, will be included in the podcast of the show. Nevertheless, additional excerpts from Hayman’s Quodlibets can be found on past Problematic Press blog posts here and here.
Hanging out at the CBC was a lot of fun, but taking part in Myles Reichel’s fundraiser at The Ship for A Ninja Story was really exciting, too!
Reichel, who is also the bassist for Uneeda, has just begun the year-long launch of his comic book, A Ninja Story. The plan is to raise money for the comic book by releasing the first issue on t-shirts, with a new page/shirt becoming available biweekly over the next year. The first shirt features the cover art for the first issue of the comic, and it looks wicked! To score a shirt, head to Downtown Comics or a Uneeda show. Problematic Press has been privileged enough to gain a sneak peek at some of the later pages of the comic, and it promises to please!
And, to kick off the epic journey of A Ninja Story, the fundraiser was a load of fun! There was a lively array of music, comics, art, and words as Reichel’s friends came out to show their support for his comic venture. The show began with the soulful sounds of Laura Murray and Joanne Bennett, then Danielle Bailey kicked out the jams. The ladies sounded great from our seats at the merch table.
The merch table was almost like a second stage for this gig. This was Reichel’s base of operations for the event, where all the patrons’ questions about A Ninja Story could be answered. Reichel had also invited Problematic Press and artist Asuka Lilith to share in the festivities, so we showcased our works alongside his t-shirts. It was a great opportunity, and Problematic Press is certainly grateful!
The bar was set high when David Reynolds took the stage to read an excerpt from his short story “Showdown at the Cactus’s Prick.” Reading to a bar full of people juiced up on awesome music might seem like a daunting task, but the crowd was attentive and more than patient. Reynolds was quite pleased that he heard no audible heckling and he even heard a few laughs at the funny bits.
After the reading, Paul Brake played a great set, followed by Mike McDonald, who was hilarious. This built up to the epic finale …ToShredsYouSay?!? Indeed! And, they were tight. Problematic Press really appreciates ending the evening with a bit of thrash.
Problematic Press would like to thank all those who came out to The Ship for the show last Friday and all those who listened to CBC’s WAM at 7:30am the following Saturday. Tremendous thanks for all your support!
