Rare Books We Love, Just in Time for Valentine's Day

By Kristin Masters. Feb 11, 2021. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Rare Book Gift Ideas

When Pope Gelasius established Saint Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, he certainly had no idea that the holiday would persist for centuries. The holiday was first associated with romance and love during the High Middle Ages, thanks to the burgeoning tradition of courtly love in Geoffrey Chaucer’s day. And nothing says “love” like giving the perfect book! Here’s a look at some favorite Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the bibliophile and rare book collector.

Classic Tales of Love

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to embrace classic tales of romance and love.

  • Coleen McCollough’s The Thorn Birds traces more than a family’s struggles on the Australian outback. The novel chronicles the unlikely love between a young woman and her family’s priest.
  • True romance isn’t all fiction! Share the romantic inspiration of the right biography with your Valentine this year.  I Love You, Ronnie documents the extraordinary relationship of Nancy and Ronald Reagan. In My Delicious Life with Paula Deen, Michael “Captain” Groover shares stories of his life with wife and celebrity chef Paula Deen.

I Love You, Ronnie

Everyone Loves a Little Fine Press

Fine press books are exceptionally beautiful and created in small numbers, making them an original and special gift.
  • Samuel M Johnson’s “Two Lovers on a Bench,” an excerpt from the opera Einstein on the Beach, is available in limited editions from the renowned Heavenly Monkey press.
  • Lovers of John Updike will appreciate the fine press edition of “Couples,” by the Halty Ferguson press, of which only 250 copies were printed.

Couples, by John Updike

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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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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