Archive for October, 2011
The process of gilding has existed since ancient times, when both Greeks and Egyptians covered wooden statues in metal. The technique was picked up by book binders as a means to protect pages from the oils and dirt of human hands—in addition to making the book itself more beautiful.
Modern bookbinders use a variety of highly specialized techniques to gild books, usually with gold or silver. The gilding process has, naturally, evolved over time as technology grants more available tools and knowledge. Gilding may be applied to the cover, spine, and block of a book. If the pages are gilt, you may see rare book sellers describe the books in one of two ways:
- All edges gilt (AEG): All three sides of the block are gilt.
- Top edge gilt (TEG): Only the top edge of the block is gilt.
Individual pages within the book may also be gilt. These are described as being illuminated.
Caring for Books with Gilded Designs
Gilt edges can be susceptible to scratches and other physical damage, so they should be handled with care. Gilding on the spine and cover may be particularly vulnerable, since they have no protection. A few options are available for preservation of gilt edges, covers, and spines:
- They can be enclosed in archival mylar protection. The “plastic” can protect the gilding from wear due to rubbing.
- Like all rare books, books should be protected from sunlight. A custom made slip-case or clamshell-case are most suitable ways to protect books from sunlight and general damage.
Meanwhile, when you handle books with gilt designs and pages, it’s important to be gentle and treat the books with care. Avoid placing the book on rough surfaces and cleaning or wiping them with chemicals. Consult an expert before cleaning a gilt book.
October 26th, 2011
Award-winning children’s illustrator Charles van Sandwyk has developed a reputation for drawings and watercolors that look like they hark from ages—and places—past. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1966, van Sandwyk grew up surrounded by art. His father was a graphic designer, and their home was filled with a wealth of antique prints and paintings.
The family emigrated to Vancouver in 1977. By that time, van Sandwyk had already developed a knack for calligraphy. During secondary school, he began experimenting with copper plate etchings. Van Sandwyk followed in his fathers footsteps, entering the graphic design program at Capilino College in Vancouver.
After completing that program in 1986, van Sandwyk departed for Fiji. His family had spent time there during his childhood, and he remained deeply connected to the place. Van Sandwyk continues to spend several months each year in Fiji.
As an illustrator, van Sandwyk looks to his childhood for inspiration: the birds and animals of South Africa and Fiji; the artwork and gardens of his parents’ home; sepia photographs of relatives; and the illustrated books he read in his youth. “To many people my work appears to have stepped out of another time and place,” he says. His works include the following:
The definitive source for information about editions of van Sandwyk’s work is Charles van Sandwyk: An Interim Bibliography. The bibliography is an indispensible resource for avid collectors of van Sandwyk and related ancillary materials.
Which children’s illustrators made an impact on you and your family?
October 19th, 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
This week the 2011 winners of the Nobel Prize are unveiled. Alfred Nobel, for whom the Prize is named, specified that prizes be awarded in several different disciplines: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Peace, Economics, and of course Literature. Nobel’s own interest in literature began in childhood, and the contents of his personal library are quite impressive.
While the other Nobel Prizes are announced every year in early October, the Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded later. The first prize was awarded in 1901, and since then 107 people have earned the award. And you’re right; those numbers don’t add up! That’s because in some years, the prize has been shared, while in others no Nobel Prize was awarded for Literature. Nobel stipulated that if no nominated works fit the criteria for the prize, then no prize should be awarded.
Nobel Trivia
The Nobel Prize in Literature has an incredibly rich history. A few interesting facts about the prize:
- The prize has been shared four times:
- 1904 – Frédéric Mistral, José Echegaray
- 1917 – Karl Gjellerup, Henrik Pontoppidan
- 1966 – Shmuel Agnon, Nelly Sachs
- 1974 – Eyvind Johnson, Harry Martinson
- The youngest Nobel laureate in Literature was Rudyard Kipling, who was only 42 years old when he earned the prize in 1907.
- Doris Lessing was the oldest winner. She was 88 years old when she won the prize.
- The first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature was Selma Lagerlöf. She was later nominated to the Swedish Academy to select Nobel Prize winners.
- Only two people have ever declined the award. Boris Pasternak accepted the prize in 1958, but was “later caused by the authorities of his country (Soviet Union) to decline the Prize.” Jeal Paul Sartre also declined in 1964 because he declined all official recognition.
- The prize has been awarded posthumously twice: first to Erick Axel Karlfeldt in 1931, and to Dag Hammarskjöld in 1961, The Nobel Foundation stipulated in 1974 that prizes not be awarded posthumously, unless the winner dies after the winner has been selected.
Want to watch the Nobel Prize announcements unfold? Watch them live right here! Then take a moment to browse our selection of literature by Nobel laureates.
October 5th, 2011
