Books Tell You Why. All About Collecting Rare Books

A True Horror of Fine Press

By Kristin Masters. Oct 30, 2012. 3:31 AM.

Topics: Horror, Book Collecting, Science Fiction, Rare Book Gift Ideas

Halloween can be traced back to the 2,000-year-old Celtic festival of Samhain.The Celts believed that the line between the spiritual and physical worlds was blurred on Samhain, and they celebrated the holiday by dressing up in costumes, telling fortunes, and building bonfires. Today we associate Halloween with monsters, ghosts, and other horrors. But at Charnel House, the horrific and strange aren't reserved for one day a year. This fine press specializes in horror and weird fiction.

Best Halloween Novels and Stories

By Kristin Masters. Oct 24, 2012. 3:55 AM.

Topics: Horror, Book Collecting, Science Fiction

Are you ready for a spook-tacular Halloween? The right stories can help you get into the spirit of the holiday. If you're looking for a terrifying tale, look no further! Check out novels and stories in one of these genres.

Philip Pullman in Pictures

By Kristin Masters. Oct 19, 2012. 4:12 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Rare Books, Book Collecting

Today we celebrate the birthday of Philip Pullman, whose children's stories and fantasy novels have enchanted readers of all ages. Born on this day in 1946, Pullman has distinguished himself as one of Britain's leading modern authors and illustrator. What better way to commemorate the anniversary of his birth than with a look at his pictures?

Mo Yan Walks Fine Line as China's Nobel Laureate for Literature

By Kristin Masters. Oct 12, 2012. 9:08 AM.

Topics: Literature, Nobel Prize Winners

Yesterday the Nobel Committee announced that Chinese author Mo Yan had earned this year's prize for literature. One of China's best known writers, Mo Yan has has been heralded as one of China's preeminent writers. But Mo Yan has not always been so highly regarded by China's government.

Preserving Rare Books through the Centuries: Silking

By Kristin Masters. Oct 11, 2012. 3:02 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Libraries & Special Collections, Book Care

Over the years, book conservators have used a wide variety of techniques for preserving, conserving, and repairing rare books. Some of these techniques are more effective than others; indeed, many practices that were commonplace in centuries past actually damaged rare books, rather than protecting them. Contemporary conservators often find themselves having to undo the work of their well-meaning predecessors.

Celebrating 50 Years of James Bond in the Cinema

By Kristin Masters. Oct 5, 2012. 5:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, James Bond, Movie Tie-Ins

It's James Bond Day, marking 50 years of Bond movies in the cinema. Since the debut of Dr. No on this day in 1962, Special Agent 007 has become an icon of popular culture. The latest James Bond movie, Skyfall, premiers on October 26 in the UK and on November 9 in the United States.

Happy Birthday, Anne Rice!

By Kristin Masters. Oct 4, 2012. 4:31 AM.

Topics: Horror, Literature, Movie Tie-Ins, Science Fiction, Rare Book Gift Ideas

October 4th marks the birthday of prolific American author Anne Rice. It seems fitting that this queen of gothic fiction should be born in the same month as Halloween, but Rice has written much more than merely horror. Her oeuvres range from Christian literature to erotica. She often addresses the metaphysical, weaving stories that both challenge and entertain.

Banned Book Week Celebrates 30 Years

By Kristin Masters. Oct 1, 2012. 2:30 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Literature

Yesterday kicked off the 30th annual Banned Books Week, an event that celebrates our freedom to read. Sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA), along with other industry organizations, Banned Books Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate some of Americas most beloved and exceptional literature.