Benedict Anderson, "a hugely respected author and scholar" whose best-known book, Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism, was first published by Verso in 1983 and became "an instant classic," died December 12. He was 79.
In a tribute on Verso's blog, Tariq Ali wrote that Anderson was "one of our most respected and gifted authors whose works we have been proud to publish over the decades.... During the last few weeks we had been in regular communication with him, finalizing his memoir, A Life Beyond Boundaries, that was first published in Japan in response to insistent demands from Japanese scholars who wished to know more about his life and intellectual trajectory. Over the coming weeks, much will be written about him as the shock of his death reverberates in different parts of the globe. Our condolences to his family for whom, we know, the loss is immeasurable."
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Esta Freedman Burroughs, who worked at the Remarkable Bookshop, Westport, Conn., for more than 30 years, died last Friday. She was 102.
She was a friend of Esther and Sydney Kramer, who founded the bookstore, where she worked until its closing in 1994. In many ways, she was the heart and soul of the iconic store.
Local columnist and writer Dan Woog said that Burroughs "waited on Paul Newman, Liz Taylor, Bette Davis, Keir Dullea, Christopher Plummer and Patty Hearst. She also massaged the egos of many local authors, who visited constantly to check on sales of their books.
"An avid reader, Esta enjoyed meeting writers. The opportunity to read any title was a great perk--and a huge advantage for customers. They asked countless questions about books. She answered them all."