I think it's alive and well! I used to receive this catalog and always loved it, although I used it as a library TBR guide rather than purchasing the books. Great gift items, too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bas Bleu

Siobhan, thanks for the info. I remember they used to solicit book reviews and would pay $25 if accepted. I will call and request a catalog.

thanks, this looks like a great place to find something unusual.

I have the latest Bas Bleu catalog right next to me. For those who haven't seen the catalog for a while, there is a new section called "Mysteries from Felony and Mayhem", which has this description : "Bas Bleu is proud to offer seven novels published by Felony and Mayhem, specialists in saving classic, plot-driven mysteries from extinction! Publisher Maggie Topkis has selected has selected these titles especially for Bas Bleu's readers."
Of course, there is a whole range of books to page through, and fun gifts, also.

I still get it. I don't order much from it but use it to make requests from the library for books that sound interesting. It is where I discovered Elizabeth Ironside, who turns out to be the wife of a British ambassador to the U.S.

I am looking at the Spring 2008 catalog, and the editors have a note in their section that several customers mentioned to them that they use the catalog for the reviews. It is funny that I read this thread, and then their note from the editor. There is also a gentle reminder in there about ordering. I have used it for my TBR also, but I do try to order once in a while. I haven't recently so it is probably a good excuse to browse the catalog and find something.

I also use it for library and PBS or Bookmooching...but do try to order at least once a year to "pay" for the catalog!

I always liked the Bas Bleu catalog, but I used it for library requests, I don't think I ever actually ordered from it. I'll have to ask my mother if she still receives it, I may just *have* to order something to assuage the guilt and get back on the mailing list.

I read an article somewhere about the survival of independent catalog/booksellers like Bas Bleu (actually the article quoted someone from Chinaberry, another very worthy merchant) - anyway, apparently the gift items in the catalog are very important revenue generators. So if you want to support these enterprises, you might do a bit of holiday or birthday shopping there, and maybe throw in a book or two occasionally, even if you can get it cheaper from Amazon.

If you look at Chinaberry's website, be sure to look under the Books & Audio section - Good Reads for Adults. I am pretty sure someone here will see something to add to their TBR list.

Here is a link that might be useful: Chinaberry

Before the internet (yes boys and girls, there was such a time), I used Blas Bleu and Common Reader for reading ideas that I couldn't find elsewhere. I still get the former (the latter closed up, unfortunately), but I find I can get the same books without shipping charges from my indie bookstore.
I did get the Spring catalogue and haven't even looked through it yet.

I also have the latest catalog right here. I'm ordering a set of "cute kitty" bookmarks. I do order small things once or twice a year, since I basically use the catalog for my TBR list, as do others here. Every so often I'll order a book that I wouldn't have heard about from any other source, as a way of saying thank-you.

Good to hear it's still going strong. I still miss the Cahill catalogs. Does anyone know if they were put out by the Thomas Cahill, author of "How the Irish Saved Civilization", et al.?

I just placed an order at Bas Bleu. I had a 25% off coupon, and in their sale bin I found a surprise package of $100 worth of books for $40. With the coupon, that is only $30, plus shipping. I can't wait to see what I get. It is supposed to be a mix of fiction and non-fiction. I wonder how many books will be in the package. I think there should be at least four. I will let you know what arrives!

I still get Bas Bleu catalogs even though all I ever order from them is an occasional gift for somebody.

woodnymph-yes. He and his wife started the company.