Happy Birthday, Saul Bellow!

By Kristin Masters. Jun 8, 2012. 4:22 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Literature, Nobel Prize Winners

Bellow was the only to win the National Book Award three times, and one of few to win the Pulitzer Prize, the Nobel Prize for Literature, and the National Medal of Arts. A quick look at some of Bellow’s best known works:

     
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Happy Birthday, L. Frank Baum!

By Kristin Masters. May 15, 2012. 2:20 AM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book Collecting, Literature

Today is the birthday of Lyman Frank Baum, creator of the Land of Oz and author of 55 novels, 82 short stories, and hundreds of other works. His books have inspired musicals, plays, and movies. Baum’s works also have immense appeal among rare book collectors, particularly those connected with Oz. These works are commonly referred to as Oziana.      
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The Genius of JRR Tolkien

Among our latest acquisitions are several exceptional works by JRR Tolkien. The author has been lionized (and rightfully so) among readers around the world. Though Tolkien was a member of academia himself, his works are often snubbed by experts in the field. His contributions to literature have set him apart as a legendary author and made him a favorite among rare book collectors.
     
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Happy Birthday, Harper Lee!

By Kristin Masters. Apr 27, 2012. 4:37 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Literature

Tomorrow is the birthday of Pulitzer Prize winning author Harper Lee. The reclusive author of To Kill a Mockingbird will be 86 years old.  Though Lee published only one novel, this single book proved one of the seminal works of the twentieth century—and one of the most controversial.

     
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Much Ado about Shakespeare

By Kristin Masters. Apr 26, 2012. 5:18 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Literature

You may have noted quite a bit of chatter about the Bard this week, and with good reason. Shakespeare died on April 24, and his birthday is traditionally celebrated the same week.  In Shakespeare’'s 52 years, he authored some 38 plays, over 150 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and many other shorter pieces. He is often lauded as the world’s preeminent writer in the English language.

     
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Tom Clancy: Author, Investor, and...Insurance Agent?

By Kristin Masters. Apr 12, 2012. 6:15 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Literature, Modern First Editions

Today marks the 65th birthday of Tom Clancy! The author of countless action novels has inspired movies, video games, and even other writers. Best known for his tales of scientific thrillers, military science, and espionage, Clancy has gained significant recognition both in the US and abroad.

     
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Happy Birthday, Gabo!

Today is the 85th birthday of legendary author Gabriel García Márquez. The Nobel laureate began his writing career as a journalist but established himself as one of the most important authors of the twentieth century. Here’s a look at a few facts you probably didn’t know about Gabriel García Márquez.

     
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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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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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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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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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