Holiday Shopping Inspiration

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:

• Adventure
• Art
• Cooking and Cuisine
• Fishing
• Photography
• Theater
• Travel

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.

Add comment December 14th, 2011

Collectors’ Favorites: Children’s Christmas Books

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:

• Hilary Knight’s Christmas Nutshell Library includes Knight’s interpretation of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas, along with three other modern holiday tales.
• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg seized our imaginations and even inspired a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks.
• A Child’s Book of Christmas Carols, selected and arranged by Inez Bertail, evokes both the sights and sounds of the Christmas season.
• Charles Van Sandwyk’s The Fairies’ Christmas and Mr. Rabbit’s Christmas Wish recall the golden age of children’s books with stunning illustrations.

Which children’s Christmas books are favorites in your family?

Add comment December 7th, 2011