Happy Birthday, Lemony Snicket!

By Kristin Masters. Feb 28, 2013. 12:50 PM.

Topics: Children's Books

Today we celebrate the birthday of Daniel Handler, who is perhaps better known by his pseudonym, Lemony Snicket. The American author became an international sensation thanks to his 13-book Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events.Handler was born on February 28, 1970 in San Francisco, California.

     
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Movie Tie-Ins: A Literary Look at the Oscars

By Kristin Masters. Feb 24, 2013. 6:32 PM.

Topics: Literature, Movie Tie-Ins

Tonight marks the 85th Annual Academy Awards, lovingly known as the Oscars. The awards recognize the year's best in film, acting, and production. This year's nominees for the honor of best film include Life of Pithe charming and innovative novel by Yann Martel. Movie adaptations of books are frequent contenders at the Oscars, and if Life of Pi wins Best Picture, the movie will join an illustrious list of films that started as books. Find it and many other first editions in our Movie Tie-Ins category.

     
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Eight Iconic Images of Anais Nin

By Kristin Masters. Feb 21, 2013. 2:04 PM.

Topics: Literature, Biographies

Today we celebrate the birthday of extraordinary author Anaïs Nin. Born and raised in France, Nin was of Cuban descent.

She spent time in Spain and Cuba before settling in the United States and building her reputation as a writer. Nin faithfully kept a journal and also wrote numerous novels, essays, short stories, and erotica.

     
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Randolph Caldecott: A Life in Pictures

By Kristin Masters. Feb 15, 2013. 6:23 AM.

Topics: Caldecott Medal, Book Collecting, Children's Books

Randolph Caldecott, the namesake of the Caldecott Medal, started his career as a banker. Yet he was always sketching the buildings and landscapes that surrounded him. In 1861, Caldecott had his first drawing published in the Illustrated London News. After more of his work appeared in both local and London publications, Caldecott finally took the plunge and moved to London to make a life for himself as an artist.

     
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Meet Vic Zoschak, Charles Dickens Expert

By Kristin Masters. Feb 7, 2013. 5:27 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Rare Books, Book Collecting

Today we celebrate the birthday of Charles Dickens, a beloved author whose works defined the Victorian era. It's the perfect time to introduce our colleague and friend, the inimitable Vic Zoschak. Vic is the proprietor of Tavistock Books in Alameda, CA.

     
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Candace Jordan, Chicago Socialite and Consummate Book Collector

Candace Jordan has made an incredible name for herself in Chicago society. A former actress and model, Candace now authors a Chicago Tribune column, hosts an online show called "Candid Candace Chicago," maintains her own blog, and regularly contributes to A Perfect Event and STATUS magazines. 

     
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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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