The Best Poetry Books of 2011, Ten Legendary Literary Hangouts, and More

The Wall Street Journal and Adweek report both Amazon and Barnes & Noble have pulled the plug on selling e-books directly to consumers via their Apple apps.

Egypt's oldest research institute, the Institut d’Egypte, caught fire this weekend when clashes broke out between protesters and the Egyptian police, Galleycat reports. Activists alleged they were attacked by members of the military when they attempted to rescue some of the building’s 192,000 rare manuscripts, journals, and books.

Looking for Google Map directions to Tolkien’s Middle-earth? The New York Daily News Book Blog puts iPhone Siri’s literary knowledge to the test and presents the most entertaining results.

Flavorwire showcases ten legendary literary hangouts, including Hotel Chelsea and The Cedar Tavern in New York City.

Editors from the Boston Globe, Poetry magazine, and Salamander magazine share their lists for the best poetry books of 2011. 

Curious to know where the real money in publishing is? The Awl offers a guide to writing a satirical pop culture book destined for the shelves of Urban Outfitters. 

The Los Angeles Review of Books launches its first podcast series with a conversation between Misha Glouberman and Sheila Heti, authors of The Chairs Are Where the People Go.  Future podcasts will feature interviews with and conversations between authors.

To counterbalance books with sunny, likable female protagonists, NPR Books presents three titles featuring hell-raising antiheroines.