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A Quick Guide to Rare Book Bindings

Never judge a book by its cover, right? In the case of rare books, the cover or more accurately, the binding of a book can significantly impact the book's value. Collectors should know about the materials and terminology associated with book bindings.

     
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A Father's Day Gift Guide

By Kristin Masters. May 24, 2012. 1:16 AM.

Topics: American History, Rare Books, Rare Book Gift Ideas

What do you give the father who has everything? Many of us are pondering that question; in many countries, Father’s Day is June 17. While ties and power tools may be practical, they probably don’t speak to Dad’s real interests, hobbies, and passions.This year, consider introducing him to the world of rare books or expanding his personal library with a thoughtful addition.

     
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Gift Ideas for New Graduates

By Kristin Masters. May 17, 2012. 5:06 AM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book Collecting, Rare Book Gift Ideas

May is a month for new beginnings, as countless graduates begin a new journey in life. This important milestone requires special recognition. The best graduation gifts are those that the graduate can appreciate for years to come—items whose value increases over time and that the graduate can come to appreciate in new ways. Rare books often make ideal gifts for high-school and university graduates. A few tips for choosing exactly the right title:

     
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Happy Birthday, L. Frank Baum!

By Kristin Masters. May 15, 2012. 2:20 AM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book Collecting, Literature

Today is the birthday of Lyman Frank Baum, creator of the Land of Oz and author of 55 novels, 82 short stories, and hundreds of other works. His books have inspired musicals, plays, and movies. Baum’s works also have immense appeal among rare book collectors, particularly those connected with Oz. These works are commonly referred to as Oziana.      
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Take a Summer Travel Note from Mark Twain

It’s that time of year when many of us begin to get that itch to get away. Summer is right around the corner, and with it the mystical promise of summer travel. If you’re stuck at home this holiday season, or looking for a little inspiration for this year’s travels, you may find help from a seemingly unlikely source: Mark Twain. That’s right: this titan of American literature got his start as a travel writer.

     
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Tips for Building a Single-Title Collection

One of the joys of collecting rare books is that you can focus your collection around just about any theme you’d like: a specific author, a certain time period, or a favorite hobby. One popular way to build a collection is to focus on a single title. This approach can be a great way for novice collectors to begin, since they can choose a favorite title and work around that. It’s also an excellent strategy for more experienced collectors who may want to add greater depth to their rare book collections.

     
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The Genius of JRR Tolkien

Among our latest acquisitions are several exceptional works by JRR Tolkien. The author has been lionized (and rightfully so) among readers around the world. Though Tolkien was a member of academia himself, his works are often snubbed by experts in the field. His contributions to literature have set him apart as a legendary author and made him a favorite among rare book collectors.
     
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About this blog

How can I identify a first edition? Where do I learn about caring for books? How should I start collecting? Hear from librarians about amazing collections, learn about historic bindings or printing techniques, get to know other collectors. Whether you are just starting or looking for expert advice, chances are, you'll find something of interest on blogis librorum.

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