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.
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.
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.
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.
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 plays subject may surprise you: poet and playwright Harold Pinter.
Last week Frida Kahlos 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.
Weve 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.
