Today would be the 306th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, whose contributions stretched far beyond his role as Founding Father. The polymath inventor was a significant figure in the American Enlightenment, paving the way for the evolution of politics, science, and even the countrys infrastructure.
The month of January: a time for new beginnings and New Year's resolutions. Already many of us are already grappling with the challenge of maintaining our resolve. What better inspiration for fulfilling those promises, than a look at the heroes who have attempted one of the ultimate challenges:
Every year, the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), honors the best in childrens literature. The Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, and Coretta Scott King Award are the among the most sought after honors for childrens books.
Christmas is fast approaching, and you still have plenty of gifts to buy. What to do? Find just the right book for every name on that list! The right book gives a lifetime of joy and pleasure. Walter Rodgers, of the Christian Science Monitor, reminds us that books have incredible power because they are our bulwarks against time, ignorance, and barbarity.
The holidays have arrived, and with the season come hectic schedules. It can be easy to lose sight of the joy and celebration that also accompany this time of year. Our favorite childrens Christmas books beautifully capture those themes.
Mother Nature can wreak havoc on rare books. Sunning, water damage, and humidity can all cause damage to your collection. Another enemy of your books may also be lurking on your shelves: the dreaded bookworm. Bookworms will tunnel right into the block, riddling the book with countless gullies and channels.
We all know that aroma. Perhaps it evokes trips to the library as a child, or the cozy ambience of a grandfathers study. Its the distinctive scent of old or used books.
Whats your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Perhaps its the golden brown turkey, or Grandmas green bean casserole. But we know its probably the pumpkin pie Whatever your Thanksgiving Day favorites may be, find some inspiration to shake things up this year.
Charles Dickens has inspired generations of writers, readers, and book lovers. Born in 1812, Dickens earned the reputation of preeminent novelist of the Victorian era. His contributions to literature mean that Charles Dickens books remain incredibly appealing to rare book collectors. Bet you didnt know these tidbits about Charles Dickens:
The process of gilding has existed since ancient times, when both Greeks and Egyptians covered wooden statues in metal. The technique was picked up by book binders as a means to protect pages from the oils and dirt of human handsin addition to making the book itself more beautiful.
