Kristin Masters
Master Content Brain. You think it, she writes it, no good thought remains unposted. Sprinkles pixie dust on Google+, newsletters, blog, facebook, twitter and just about everything else.

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Nobel Laureates of the New Millennium

By Kristin Masters. Oct 5, 2011. 2:47 AM.

Topics: Literature, Nobel Prize Winners

This week the 2011 winners of the Nobel Prize are unveiled. Alfred Nobel, for whom the Prize is named, specified that prizes be awarded in several different disciplines: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Peace, Economics, and of course Literature. Nobel’s own interest in literature began in childhood, and the contents of his personal library are quite impressive.

     
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One-Man Play Celebrates Poet Harold Pinter

By Kristin Masters. Aug 24, 2011. 2:24 AM.

Topics: Poetry, Book Collecting, Drama

Julian Sands’ one-man show recently closed in Edinburgh, and in September it will head on national tour. Directed by none other than John Malkovich, the play’s subject may surprise you: poet and playwright Harold Pinter.

     
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Association Copies Earn Well-Deserved Attention

By Kristin Masters. Aug 17, 2011. 2:26 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Rare Books, Book Collecting

Last week Frida Kahlo’s copy of Edgar Allan Poe sold at auction for $24,000. Why was the rather tattered copy so valuable? Kahlo filled the book with artistic marginalia. The price of this book reflects the value of association copies, that is, books that are affiliated with a famous person or someone close to the author.

     
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Book Binding: A Lesson from the Fifteenth Century

By Kristin Masters. Aug 10, 2011. 2:39 AM.

Topics: Book Making, Book Care

By Bruce Levy

During my tenure at the Harry Ransom Humanities Center (HRHC), I encountered countless texts from all over the world. Despite the variety of printed texts, most books are built with relatively standard techniques.

     
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Our New Edgar Rice Burroughs Collection

We’ve recently been lucky enough to acquire a beautiful collection of Edgar Rice Burroughs books. Best known for his Tarzan novels, Burroughs was one of the most prolific authors of the early 20th century. His sci-fi and fantasy novels inspired a generation of writers, artists, producers, and even scientists.

     
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Ten Things You Didn't Know about the First Lunar Landing

By Kristin Masters. Jul 20, 2011. 1:47 AM.

Topics: Science, Book News

Today marks the anniversary of the first manned lunar landing. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin left Michael Collins to man the Columbia and took the Eagle to the surface of the moon. Think you know all about the Moon and the lunar landing? Bet you hadn’t heard of these tidbits.

     
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The Most Elusive of Rare Books

By Kristin Masters. Jul 13, 2011. 2:08 AM.

Topics: American History, Rare Books, Book Collecting

Book collecting is an incredibly accessible pastime—. Collectors can spend as much or as little as they’'d like, and there is plenty of information available to inform their choices. Some rare books, however, are so scarce that only the most elite can afford them. Here’'s a look at some of the rarest books in the world.

     
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Are You Ready for Pottermore?

By Kristin Masters. Jun 27, 2011. 3:03 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Children's Books

Last week, JK Rowling finally let fans on the secret: the much anticipated Pottermore.

     
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Get Inspired for Summer Reading

Forget looking in the medicine cabinet—we all know that the best way to learn about someone is to peruse his bookshelves! And what better way to find inspiration for your own reading? If you’re looking for a new source of summer reading inspiration—or at least a good laugh--take a peek at what a few literary greats had in their own libraries.

     
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Q & A with Bruce Levy

By Kristin Masters. Jun 8, 2011. 2:37 AM.

Topics: Book Making, Book Care, Learn About Books

This week we are happy to welcome Bruce Levy, a renowned book conservator. Since 1980, Bruce has worked with high-end rare book dealers, collectors, and institutions throughout the United States.

     
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About this blog

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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