Books Tell You Why. All About Collecting Rare Books

Happy Birthday, James Baldwin!

By Kristin Masters. Aug 2, 2013. 4:30 PM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, American Literature, Book News

August 2nd marks the birthday of novelist James Baldwin. He remains one of the most important African-American writers of all time, up in the ranks of Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, and Stephen Wright. His essays and memoirs masterfully combine autobiography and the issues of race that plagued his America. He is remembered for his impeccable prose style, his fearlessness of content, and his stature as a cultural figure,just as well as a literary one. In the words of author Michael Ondaatje, If Van Gogh was our 19^th-century artist-saint, James Baldwin is our 20^th-century one.

Famous Authors and Their Pseudonyms (Part Two)

By Kristin Masters. Jul 25, 2013. 11:34 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Literature, Book News

The revelation that JK Rowling is the author behind the warmly received novel The Cuckoo's Calling has caused quite a stir! But Rowling is far from the first famous author to adopt a pseudonym; indeed, she joins a rich literary tradition of the pen name--illustrious authors like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain have also used noms de guerre. Today we'll explore twentieth-century authors who opted to publish under different names.

Celebrating Canadian Authors

By Kristin Masters. Jul 1, 2013. 5:45 PM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Fine Press, Book News

Today marks Canada Day, a holiday commemorating the unification of three colonies into the single country of Canada under British rule under the British North America Act enacted on July 1, 1867. Originally called Dominion Day, the holiday's name was changed in 1982. Today, Canadians all over the world celebrate Canada Day, and it's the perfect time to recognize Canadian authors' tremendous contributions to the art of the printed word.

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.

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.

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.

Celebrate Children's Book Week!

By Kristin Masters. May 15, 2013. 1:58 PM.

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

This week we celebrate the life-changing power of books and literacy with Children's Book Week. Since 1916, Children's Book Week has taken various forms, but its mission has stayed the same: to promote excellence in children's books.

F Scott Fitzgerald through the Eyes of Fellow Authors

By Kristin Masters. May 10, 2013. 4:21 PM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, American Literature, Movie Tie-Ins, Book News

Today "The Great Gatsby" premiers in the United States. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby and Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan, the movie has been long awaited in circles of moviegoers and readers alike. The film brings a classic novel to a new audience, giving us a fresh perspective on the book that's often considered Fitzgerald's magnum opus. Fitzgerald, a member of "the Lost Generation" and a contemporary of legendary authors, thinkers, and artists like Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and Pablo Picasso, held a peculiar place among his peers. He continues to captivate us--sometimes in surprising ways.