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The article discusses the writing, publication, and reception of the 1972 book "Death on the Ice: The Great Newfoundland Sealing Disaster of 1914" by Cassie Brown with Harold Horwood, an account of the deaths from exposure of dozens of sealers seen as stemming from corporate indifference to their welfare. The book, an international bestseller written by and about Newfoundlanders, is seen as a landmark in Newfoundland print culture and cultural identity. Topics discussed include sealing in Newfoundland literature, Brown's early career and development as an author, and the life cycle of her book.

The article briefly discusses the author's monograph on Canadian poet Phebe Florence Miller (1889-1979), from the small town of Topsail, Newfoundland. Miller's life as an unmarried postmistress who kept voluminous diaries and published poetry is discussed, with a focus on her autobiographical writing. Also discussed is her contribution to local literary culture by her hosting of a salon called The Blue Castle, where local writers gathered for games, musical recitals, poetry readings, and general discussion.