50 years ago: Winnie Ille Pu, bestseller.

Veni, Vidi, Vici: A look at the PW bestseller list of 50 years ago (1961) reveals Winnie Ille Pu, the Latin translation of Milne's Winnie the Pooh by Alexander Lenard, in spot no. 7. It's still in print today. Read this interesting New York Times piece on its unexpected success.

Mysteries in the Trenches.

What did Britain's servicemen like to read during World War I? According to A.A. Milne, they devoured stories featuring private detective Sexton Blake (read more about it on George Simmers's Great War blog; go here for George Orwell's mention of Blake).

Blake, originally created by Harry Blyth, debuted in 1893, and more than 170 writers penned tales of his adventures over the course of some 70 years. All things Blake may be found here.