Brian Phillips celebrates 40... (years in the NZ book trade)

Report by Jillian Ewart

Publisher, antiquarian bookseller and well connected man of all things book trade, Brian Phillips assembled a gathering of book industry veterans to celebrate the anniversary in Christchurch in late July.

The night began with drinks in the University Bookshop on Ilam campus, and moved to dinner in an elegantly set up student cafeteria. Guests were asked to dress 70’s style, with the outright winner Nationwide’s Tony Tizzard – flares and fitting patterned shirt! Overseas guests included Juliet Rogers and local guests were the who’s who of the industry from Peter Emanuel, David Elworthy and Ros Henry, Jeff and Ros Grigor, Fergus Barrowman and Elizabeth Knox, Jane Connor, Bookman Beattie and Annie, Bob Ross and Helen Benton , Jane Connor, David &Wendy Ault, Quentin Wilson, Gillian Newman, Ruth Todd and many, many others too.

David White sent his own best wishes and reminiscences, noting he’d completed the bookseller/ publisher’s rep trilogy with becoming an author this year.

After the dinner, Brian went round the room and individually talked about and presented 30 of the most influential people in his life with mint editions of James Siers’ 70’s title The New Zealanders published by Millwood Press.

Philip King then delivered a Sam Hunt-type poetic tribute followed by Bob Ross who contributed the following nostalgic verse, accompanied by his ukulele and crooned to the tune of They Call the Wind Mariah.

We went to lunch the day we met and he ordered Steak Hawaiian

And we sat and drank a chardonnay while the chips were fryin’

At half past six we still sat there drinking port and fine red wine

The waiter came and kicked us out and that was lunch with Brian

Brian, oh Brian, There is no denyin’

Brian, oh Brian, You have been so inspirin’

We all know that publishing can be very tryin’

You work so hard to create books and Whitcoulls just aren’t buyin’

But you have helped our trade survive working and advisin

We’re not sure where our trade would be without your input Brian

Brian, oh Brian, There is no denyin’

Brian, oh Brian, You prevented us from cryin’

Now you’ve been here for forty years And you’re still bright and shinin’

From Hodders to Collins, through Random and Pan Now you’re selling books on line

You’ve done so much for our trade when we’ve been sitting sighin

There are few of us in this room who can match the skills of Brian

Photos below showing some of the guests were taken by Sarah Lovell-Smith:

 Bottom photo shows winner of Best 70's outfit Tony Tizzard.