Celebrating a Legend in Sci-Fi and Adventure

By Kristin Masters. Aug 31, 2012. 1:37 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Book Collecting, Science Fiction

Tomorrow marks the birthday of Edgar Rice Burroughs .The creator of such famous characters as Tarzan and John Carter, Burroughs iconic novels revolutionized science fiction and adventure writing.

     
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A Seussical Day, Indeed!

By Kristin Masters. Aug 27, 2012. 3:29 AM.

Topics: Children's Books

Born on March 2, 1904 Theodore Seuss Geisel was a cartoonist, poet, and author. Better known as Dr. Seuss, he wrote and illustrated some of the most beloved children's books of our time--and numerous humorous pieces for adults as well. A look at some of Dr. Seuss' iconic works:
     
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A Quick Guide to Collecting Limited Editions

For rare book collectors, limited editions are often charming and interesting additions to collections.  They generally differ from first editions not only because they are printed in purposely small numbers; limited editions are often published on higher quality paper, with more luxurious bindings.      
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Celebrating Culinary Legend Julia Child

By Kristin Masters. Aug 15, 2012. 5:43 AM.

Topics: Rare Books, Rare Book Gift Ideas

Basketball player, copywriter, spy, legendary chef: Julia Child would be 100 years old today, and we’re still indebted to her legacy of greatness. Child was a pioneer in the culinary world, making high cuisine accessible to a wide audience. Child’s cookbooks continue to be popular among both cooking enthusiasts and rare book collectors alike.

     
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When Mistakes Are Worth Money: Errata in Rare Books

By Kristin Masters. Aug 14, 2012. 4:25 AM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book Collecting, Modern First Editions

In most industries, mistakes cost money--—sometimes lots of money. In the world of rare books, however, mistakes can impact a book'’s value in a quite a different way. Called errata, mistakes made in books may include spelling errors, word omissions, or the use of a different word in place of the intended one.

     
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Bandits, Crooks, and Swindlers: Famous Antiquarian Book Thieves

By Kristin Masters. Aug 9, 2012. 3:31 AM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book Collecting

As rare book collectors, we all know what it feels like to covet a particular rare edition or antiquarian volume. For rare book thieves, that desire isn't the only motivation. Some do it for the profit, while others do it because they feel the books have been somehow abandoned in the vastness of institutional libraries.
     
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A Tribute to Gore Vidal

By Kristin Masters. Aug 2, 2012. 10:37 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, American Literature

On Tuesday we lost a legendary novelist, essayist, and polemicist. Gore Vidal passed away at the age of 86. Vidal was renowned as a leading author and political thinker of the modern era.

     
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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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