Kay Thompson, Queen of Pizazz, Mother of Eloise

Today we celebrate the inimitable Kay Thompson, born November 9, 1909 with the unpromising name Catherine Fink. A brilliant composer, dancer, singer, and author, Thompson was above all a tremendous personality.  In the words of film critic, Rex Reed, “If you don’t know who Kay Thompson is, please turn the page. You just flunked pizazz. Legend has it that she even invented the word.”

     
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William Boyd Reinterprets James Bond's Legacy

By Kristin Masters. Oct 17, 2013. 9:00 AM.

Topics: James Bond, Modern First Editions

Washington Post reviewer declared William Boyd's Solo the "boldest departure of the James Bond series." When Boyd took up the mantle of the James Bond legacy, he used the privilege to reinterpret the character of 007. 

     
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How to Identify First Editions: St. Martin's Press

By Kristin Masters. Aug 19, 2013. 10:27 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Modern First Editions

Headquartered in New York City's iconic Flatiron building, St. Martin's Press is one of the largest publishers of English-language books in the world. The publishing house puts out approximately 700 titles per year under multiple imprints.

Macmillen Publishers of UK founded St. Martin's in 1952, naming it for St. Martin's Lane in London. The house was privately owned until the late 1990's, when it was sold to Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC.

     
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Legendary Authors in Academia

Most great authors hold other jobs during their journeys to literary acclaim: Edgar Rice Burroughs sold pencils; JD Salinger was entertainment director on a luxury liner; and Ken Kesey volunteered for CIA psych tests. But what about after legendary authors have earned prestige and recognition? Many of them have turned up on the faculty at illustrious universities. 

     
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So You Think The Cuckoo's Calling?

Now that was quite something.  Well done, Robert Galbraith.  Phenomenal debut novel with an interesting start...except Robert Galbraith isn't a new novelist, but rather the pseudonym of legendary author J.K. Rowling

     
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Dean Koontz: Master of Suspense and Horror

By Kristin Masters. Jul 9, 2013. 11:30 AM.

Topics: Fine Press, Modern First Editions

Born on July 9, 1945 in Everett, Pennsylvania, Dean Koontz is best known for his suspense and horror novels. A prolific writer, Koontz has also written satire, poetry, and even children's books. He's a popular figure among collectors of a wide array of genres, from fine press books to modern first editions and children's literature. Take a moment and browse some of his best works.

     
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Modern Writers and Their Big Breaks

By Kristin Masters. Jul 7, 2013. 11:11 AM.

Topics: Modern First Editions

If you collect modern first editions, you're certainly familiar with some of the great stories of our time. Novels like Harry Potter, White Teeth, and Gods and Generals have become cultural guideposts in their own right. But our rare books always tell another story, one that isn't written on their pages; they tell the story of the authors who wrote them. These five authors, popular among collectors of modern firsts, also made fascinating debuts in the literary world.

     
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A Farewell to Arms: Ernest Hemingway's First Bestseller

HIS golden locks Time hath to silver turn’d;
         O Time too swift, O swiftness never ceasing!
His youth ‘gainst time and age hath ever spurn’d,
         But spurn’d in vain; youth waneth by increasing:
Beauty, strength, youth, are flowers but fading seen;
Duty, faith, love, are roots, and ever green.

     
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How to Identify First Editions from G.P. Putnam's Sons

By Kristin Masters. Jun 20, 2013. 3:48 PM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Modern First Editions

Since its inception in 1838, G.P. Putnam's Sons grown into one of the most respected--and controversial--publishing houses in the United States. In 1996, the publishing house became an imprint of the Penguin Group and continues to publish the works of outstanding authors of both fiction and non-fiction.

     
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How To Identify Simon & Schuster First Editions in 2019

By Kristin Masters. May 21, 2013. 11:05 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Modern First Editions

One of the four largest English-language publishing houses, Simon & Schuster now publishes over 2,000 titles a year under 35 different imprints. The firm started by publishing crossword puzzle books and grew to publish some of the world's most recognized authors.

     
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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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