Mark D. White, editor of "Watchmen and Philosophy: A Rorschach Test" from John Wiley & Sons, has held what may have been the first virtual book signings via video calling with Skype.

The book introduces readers to philosophical ideas touched on in the Watchmen graphic novel, which has been on best-seller lists since it came out in the '80s. Watchmen, recently released as a movie, is based in an alternative world in which super-heroes actually lived.

White was pleased that his first stop was at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, where he attended graduate school. His image was projected on a screen in the author event space.

He said he could easily see the fans and they could see him as he called via Skype from the kitchen in his New Jersey home.

White, an associate professor in the Department of Political Science, Economics and Philosophy at the College of Staten Island/CUNY, said he had a good turnout. Pre-signed books were available at the signing.

"We were very happy with the event and the level of discourse between the author and the audience. While the event was in progress, curiosity got the better of people who stopped by to join in," said Michael Link, publisher relations and events manager for Joseph-Beth Booksellers.

White, who also had a virtual signing at Schuler Books & Music in Lansing, Mich., said virtual touring saves time for authors. "An actual in-person book tour would be a significant burden. I have young children and lots of responsibilities," he said. "This way I could tour--and sleep in my own bed."