Posts filed under 'gift ideas'
When Pope Gelasius established Saint Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, he certainly had no idea that the holiday would persist for centuries. The holiday was first associated with romance and love during the High Middle Ages, thanks to the burgeoning tradition of courtly love in Geoffrey Chaucer’s day. And nothing says “love” like giving the perfect book! Here’s a look at some favorite Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the bibliophile and rare book collector.
Classic Tales of Love
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to embrace classic tales of romance and love.
Everyone Loves a Little Fine Press
Fine press books are exceptionally beautiful and created in small numbers, making them an original and special gift.
- The works of Charles van Sandwyk, such as Affairs of the Heart, are impeccably illustrated.
- Samuel M Johnson’s “Two Lovers on a Bench,” an excerpt from the opera Einstein on the Beach, is available in limited editions from the renowned Heavenly Monkey press.
- Lovers of John Updike will appreciate the fine press edition of “Couples,” by the Halty Ferguson press, of which only 250 copies were printed.
February 1st, 2012
Christmas is fast approaching, and you still have plenty of gifts to buy. What to do? Find just the right book for every name on that list! The right book gives a lifetime of joy and pleasure. Walter Rodgers, of the Christian Science Monitor, reminds us that books have incredible power because “they are our bulwarks against time, ignorance, and barbarity.”
Christmas Classics
People of all ages have fond memories of classic Christmas tales. Perennial favorites include Clement Clarke Moore’s Night before Christmas and Chris Van Allsburg’s Polar Express, along with works by legendary illustrator Charles Van Sandwyk. First editions of these books make lovely additions to any personal library, and are also a wonderful way to introduce youngsters to the world of rare books.
But not all Christmas-themed books are illustrated; numerous authors have focused on the holiday season as backdrops for their works. Saul Bellow’s Dean’s December, for instance takes place during the holiday season. And Nancy Atherton breathes a little Yuletide cheer into her famous series with Aunt Dimity’s Christmas.
Legendary Authors
Certain authors have remained popular throughout the ages, and some modern authors have emerged as true literary emissaries of our age. From Umberto Eco and Doris Lessing, to Philip Roth and JRR Tolkien, these legendary authors represent some of the greatest artists and thinkers of our century.
First editions of works by these authors make excellent gifts. Their universal appeal and perennial popularity among collectors mean that they’ll generally continue to hold value over time.
Hobbies and Interests
A fantastic way to select gift books is to consider the recipient’s hobbies and interests. Books about a favorite subject are always welcome, and they make lovely complements to the hobbyist’s library:
If you’d like help selecting the right books for everyone on your holiday list, or if you have questions about shipping options, please feel free to contact us.
December 14th, 2011
The holidays have arrived, and with the season come hectic schedules. It can be easy to lose sight of the joy and celebration that also accompany this time of year. Our favorite children’s Christmas books beautifully capture those themes.
A Classic Christmas Tale
When Clement Moore penned A Visit from St. Nicholas in 1822, he had no idea that the poem would endure for over a century. In fact, the piece was first published anonymously. It was only later that Moore acknowledged authorship. We now know the poem as Twas the Night before Christmas, and many families now read it every Christmas Eve.
Children’s illustrators are frequently inspired by this beloved tale. Tasha Tudor’s rendition is particularly lovely. Renowned pop-up artist Robert Sabuda also created a wonderful limited edition of the book that people of all ages will cherish.
Modern Favorites
Modern authors and illustrators have followed in Moore’s footsteps, including many Caldecott winners. They’ve introduced new stories to our Christmas traditions:
Which children’s Christmas books are favorites in your family?
December 7th, 2011
What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Perhaps it’s the golden brown turkey, or Grandma’s green bean casserole. But we know it’s probably the pumpkin pie…Whatever your Thanksgiving Day favorites may be, find some inspiration to shake things up this year.
Take a Cue from Culinary Visionaries
Whether you’re an amateur foodie, a serious cookbook collector, or a true blue epicurean, you’ll find inspiration in the words and work of great chefs.
- Thanksgiving is all about comfort food, and no chef does that better than Paula Deen. Cooks love her rich, hearty recipes, and collectors love Deen’s status as an icon of the American culinary scene.
- One woman singlehandedly changed the face of cooking: Julia Child. Enthusiasts still look to Child’s cookbooks for guidance on creating classic recipes—with a bit of flair. She remains a perennial favorite among chefs and rare book collectors alike.
- If you want cooking the Thanksgiving meal to be a family affair, look to celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. A crowd favorite, Lagasse makes cooking accessible to people of every ability level.
Look to the Past for Inspiration
Cooking and cuisine have evolved over the years, and Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to revisit our culinary roots with rare cookbooks.
Add an International Twist
Sure, Thanksgiving celebrates the beginnings of America. But that doesn’t mean we should stick only to American fare. The same goes for any cookbook collection; bring an international flavor to your table—and your shelf—this season.
- Thanksgiving is all about tasting a wide variety of dishes. What better way to carry on that tradition with tapas from Spain? Bring a taste of robust flavor to the table this year.
- The holiday also gives us an opportunity to visit with family. And the cuisine of Italy is synonymous with family-style dining.
As we head into the holidays, the kitchen and dinner table will be the center of attention. Now’s the perfect time to supplement your cookbook collection.
November 9th, 2011
Have you chosen a costume? Stocked up on candy? Planned that trick-or-treating route? That’s right…Halloween is almost here. The myths and tales of Halloween have long captured our imagination, making the holiday a perfect match for book collectors. Classic spine tingling reads are consistent book collecting favorites.
Chilling Tales of Horror
For the Halloween enthusiast, the traditional horror story may be the best fit for this spooky season. Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley set the precedent for tales of the supernatural, and modern authors have followed their lead.
- Anne Rice’s legendary Vampire series arrested our attention long before Twilight ever did. These novels weave history with the epic tale of vampires.
- Stephen King never fails to delight—and frighten—his readers. From Carrie and Christine to The Shining and Misery, King’s novels invoke fear on both the page and the big screen.
- Dean Koontz has delivered countless frightening tales of the supernatural and horrifying. His thrillers include a series based on the classic tale of Frankenstein.
- No list of modern horror writers would be complete without Thomas Harris, mastermind behind The Silence of the Lambs series and others. Harris has become an icon among modern authors.
For the Younger Crowd
Halloween isn’t only about ghosts, monsters, and murder. The holiday is also about imagination, magic, and fantastic creatures. If you love the more whimsical side of Halloween, consider these favorites.
- The Harry Potter series brings us to a fanciful world of a young wizard. These novels, by JK Rowling, are sure to remain favorites for generations to come.
- Cornelia Funke’s Inkworld trilogy transports us to a land of dragons and magic. The award-winning author masterfully captivates young audiences
- The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaimans, earned the author both a Newbery Medal and a Hugo Award. The novel tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy raised in a graveyard….by ghosts!
Which books top your must-have list for Halloween?
October 12th, 2011
It’s that time of year! Kids have headed back to school, and for students of all ages that means required reading is right around the corner. Perhaps you only vaguely remember The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, and Lord of the Flies. But those classroom staples offer inspiration for enhancing your rare book collection.
Collecting first edition books from your school days recaptures moments from your childhood and learning history. These classic books are always in high demand from collectors, and their value has risen accordingly over time.
Rediscover Classroom Favorites
Some literary works have simply become institutions in education—and among lovers of literature. If you’ve built your collection around legendary authors and titles, consider looking past the classroom canon and adding some lesser-known works to your library. You’ll find them not only a joy to read, but also an excellent means of rounding out a collection.
Go Behind the Scenes
School only teaches you so much. Now that you’re out of the classroom, take some time to dive deeper into some of those lessons. Focus your collection around a specific time period, a hobby, or a favorite author.
- Sure, you once memorized the presidents’ names and the years of all the major wars. Now get the real story behind historical events and figures with a biography or two.
- Move beyond your own high-school reading lists. Look to the libraries of presidents and other world leaders. Imagine replicating George Washington’s or Abraham Lincoln’s library in your own home.
- Golf: we like to think of it as gym class for grown-ups. Get insider tips and details from the pros, whose iconic voices add depth and interest to your collection.
- As a rare book collector, you’ll need to know more about your favorite authors and genres. Peruse a great bibliography to get an in-depth look at ways to expand your collection.
How have the experiences and lessons of your youth shaped your choices as a rare book collector?
September 7th, 2011
We just celebrated Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day isn’t far behind. Since 1910, Father’s Day has been celebrated on the third Sunday in June throughout the United States. It was recognized as an official holiday in 1972.
Now is the time to choose the perfect gift for dear old dad. Whether your father is more like Atticus Finch or TS Garp, a well chosen book could be just the present you’re looking for.
Books about Hobbies
Books about hobbies often make excellent gifts. And don’t just stop with the “how-to” books. Consider memoirs or biographies of people involved in the same hobby.
- Fishing is both an art and a sport. From Compleat Angler to famous bass fishing lore, fishing offers plenty of captivating reads for anyone who loves the rod and reel.
- Anyone looking to improve his golf swing will find plenty of guides from the pros. Icons like Tom Watson, John Daly, Greg Norman, and Arnold Palmer have all contributed to golf literature.
- If your father is a shutterbug, then books about art and photography are a natural choice. Look for collections that capture a favorite city or region.
- Avid readers may appreciate a work of fiction by a favorite author.
Books about Dad’s Favorite Subjects
Books are truly passports to lifelong learning. Help your father delve into his favorite subjects.
- History buffs will appreciate books about presidents or about significant events such as the lunar landing.
- Both amateur and professional scientists enjoy books about various branches of the field, from astronomy to zoology.
- Pop culture aficionados will like books that tie in with movies, such as Ian Fleming’s James Bond books .
Regardless of your father’s interests, rare books are an ideal gift. For more Father’s Day gift ideas, peruse our signed books or key categories for discerning collectors.
May 25th, 2011
Few activities offer the sport and serenity of fishing. That unlikely combination has made fishing a popular pastime for people of all ages and backgrounds. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Herbert Hoover did it. So did literary giant Ernest Hemingway.
Fly fishing elevates this rather humble sport to a true art form. A fly fisherman must develop a rhythm and style for his cast, and then practice unending patience. That’s why Izaac Walton called fly fishing “The Contemplative Man’s Recreation.”
Fly Fishing Factoids
Fishing has long been a means of sustenance, but it has also grown into a competitive sport and a relaxing pastime. Here are a few little-known facts about fly fishing.
- Roman Claudius Aelianus was the first to record fishing with an artificial fly. That was toward the end of 200 AD.
- Shakespeare was a fly fisherman. His fishing companion, John Dennys, wrote six verses on angling that Izaac Walton later quoted in The Compleat Angler.
- The Compleat Angler is the second most reprinted book in the world, after the Bible.
- Charles F. Orvis, an American fly fisherman, crafted the first modern fly reel. Reel historian Jim Brown called Orvis’ design “the benchmark of American reel design.”
- Brown trout were originally exported to Australia in 1864–solely for the purpose of giving young men access to a “manly sport” that would keep them from seeking entertainment in casinos and bars.
- Early fly rods were made of greenheart wood. Eventually bamboo replaced greenheart, but fiberglass replaced wood in the 1950’s. Similarly, flies once made of fur and other natural materials are now generally made of synthetics.
If you love to fish, what is your favorite part of the sport?
Further Reading:
The American Museum of Fly Fishing
May 18th, 2011
Mother’s Day is just around the corner in the US, and it’s time to start thinking about that perfect gift. That also got us thinking about our favorite literary moms, and what they’d love to read.
Which of these famous mothers from literature is most like your own mother? Figure it out to find a gift that’s perfectly matched!
Marmee (Little Women): Devoted, placid, and kind, Marmee embodies the grace and selflessness of motherhood. Moms like Marmee love gifts that help them nurture their families—they may not have Paula Deen’s sass, but they love to whip up a great pie. Cookbooks or crafting books are a great fit for these mothers.
Mrs. Bennett (Pride and Prejudice): Who could forget Mrs. Bennett’s passionate desire to find suitable husbands for all her daughters? Behind Mrs. Bennett’s quirky matchmaking is her devotion to love and romance. Think a first-edition Nicholas Sparks novel or Chocolat by Joanne Harris.
Molly Weasley (Harry Potter): Molly is undoubtedly a devoted mother. But she’s also a powerful witch, and therefore an unconventional career woman. Consider a book that ties into a favorite hobby, or a memoir by a powerful woman who is also a mother, such as Laura Bush.
Mary Poppins: Even though Mary Poppins isn’t the biological mother of her young charges, she steps in as a strong maternal presence. Her whimsy and playfulness set her apart from other more traditional moms. If your mother shares that spark and ingenuity, consider a favorite children’s book that will bring back fond memories.
Which famously wonderful literary mothers are missing from our list? List your favorite moms from literature here in a comment.
April 27th, 2011
