Books Tell You Why. All About Collecting Rare Books

Kristin Masters

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The Literary Sights of London

By Kristin Masters. Jun 11, 2013. 5:15 PM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book News

With the London International Antiquarian Book Fair this weekend, book lovers will descend on the illustrious city in record numbers! If you'll be among the visitors, you'll want to check out these literary hotspots!

The British Library

Containing over 150 million items from around the world, the British Library is one of the world's great repositories of knowledge.Currently on exhibition is "Propaganda: Power and Persuasion," "the first exhibition to explore international state propaganda from the 20th and 21st centuries." The exhibition has earned rave reviews. Friday's screening of Eisenstein's Strike (USSR, 1925) is the perfect complement to the exhibit.

Did Charles Dickens Want a Different Ending for 'Great Expectations'?

By Kristin Masters. Jun 4, 2013. 10:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Book Collecting, Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens began writing Great Expectations in 1860. According to his friend and biographer John Forster, Dickens indicated in a letter around October 12, 1860, that he intended the new novel to be "humorous and droll."*

Clearly the book took a different turn--including a final one after Dickens had already submitted the final chapters to the printer in June 1861. At the advice of a trusted friend, Dickens changed the ending to Great Expectations, a decision that has intrigued critics and collectors ever since.

Celebrating Larry McMurtry, Legendary Author and Bookseller

By Kristin Masters. Jun 3, 2013. 1:28 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Pulitzer Prize, Awarded Books, American Literature, Movie Tie-Ins

On June 3, 1936, Larry McMurtry was born in Archer City, Texas. Famous for his novels about the American West, McMurtry has had a rich career as a writer--and as a bookseller. Though he's since retired from both careers, McMurtry has made an indelible mark on the book collecting world.

Plagiarism, Cryptomnesia, or Artistic License?

By Kristin Masters. May 31, 2013. 1:38 PM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Literature

This week Rudyard Kipling--or rather his letter--made the news. It seems that Kipling may have borrowed rather generously from other sources when he wrote parts of his classic The Jungle Book. He makes the confession in a letter to an unknown correspondent, who had apparently inquired about "The Law of the Jungle."

Celebrating Sixty Years of Everest Adventures

By Kristin Masters. May 29, 2013. 4:20 PM.

Topics: Rare Books, Biographies, Book News

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's arrival at the summit of Mount Everest. Both Hillary and Norgay were true adventurers, and their accomplishments have inspired generations.

Calling Young Bookish Writers and Aspiring Marketers!

By Kristin Masters. May 26, 2013. 4:35 PM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book News

We're excited to announce an awesome opportunity for college students: Books Tell You Why is currently accepting applications for two internship positions. Interns will get hands-on experience with multiple aspects of online marketing, from copywriting to tracking ROI.

Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Rare Book Lover

By Kristin Masters. May 22, 2013. 10:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Umberto Eco, Rare Books, James Bond, Fishing, Book News, Rare Book Gift Ideas

Next month in the US, we'll celebrate dads and all they do for us. Though Fathers Day isn't until June 16, many of us are already looking for the perfect Father's Day gift. If your dad is a lover of rare books, these items may be just the ticket.

How To Identify Simon & Schuster First Editions in 2019

By Kristin Masters. May 21, 2013. 11:05 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Modern First Editions

One of the four largest English-language publishing houses, Simon & Schuster now publishes over 2,000 titles a year under 35 different imprints. The firm started by publishing crossword puzzle books and grew to publish some of the world's most recognized authors.

Who's Who in the History of Children's Literature (Part 2)

By Kristin Masters. May 18, 2013. 6:32 PM.

Topics: Caldecott Medal, Children's Books, Awarded Books, Book History

Children's Book Week is the perfect time to explore the lives of the authors, illustrators, and publishers who've played a key role in the history of children's literature. In Part 1, we looked at contributors like Noah Webster, Samuel Goodwin, and even John Locke. Today, discover more prominent figures in children's literature...

Who's Who in the History of Children's Literature (Part 1)

By Kristin Masters. May 17, 2013. 12:54 AM.

Topics: Children's Books, Book History, Book News

This year, May 13-19 is Children's Book Week. The event is a celebration of children's literature and a reminder that books for children play a vital role in education and literacy. But children's books are a relatively new addition to the world of literature. Here's a look at some of the people who contributed to the rich tradition of children's books and literature that exists today.

blogis librorum. A blog about books. Rare books.

Recent Posts:

The Literary Sights of London

The British Library

Did Charles Dickens Want a Different Ending for 'Great Expectations'?

Celebrating Larry McMurtry, Legendary Author and Bookseller

Plagiarism, Cryptomnesia, or Artistic License?

Celebrating Sixty Years of Everest Adventures

Calling Young Bookish Writers and Aspiring Marketers!

Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Rare Book Lover

How To Identify Simon & Schuster First Editions in 2019

Who's Who in the History of Children's Literature (Part 2)

Who's Who in the History of Children's Literature (Part 1)

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