Prolific American author Toni Morrison published 11 novels, 9 works of non-fiction, 5 children’s novels and received over 30 awards throughout the course of her career including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988, the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by Barack Obama, in 2012. Born on FebruaryContinue reading “Remembering Toni Morrison.”
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Celebrating the Life and Work of James Baldwin.
American novelist and social activist James Baldwin was born today, August 2nd, in Harlem in 1924. The literary master’s deeply personal and provocative stories examined both the African American and homosexual experience when neither identity was accepted by American culture. His works would come to galvanize the nation and give a passionate voice toContinue reading “Celebrating the Life and Work of James Baldwin.”
Celebrating the Centenary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Birth.
Saturday July 20th marks the centenary of the birth of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Born in Auckland, New Zealand on July 20th 1919, Edmund Percival Hillary made his first climb at the age of twenty, reaching the summit of Mount Olliver in the Canterbury Region ofContinue reading “Celebrating the Centenary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Birth.”
Rare Book Highlights: Vesalius’ On the Fabric of the Human Body.
First published by Joannis Oporini in 1543, Sixteenth century Flemish anatomist and physician Andreas Vesalius’ On the Fabric of the Human Body remains the most important and influential book in the study of human anatomy and “one of the most beautiful scientific books ever printed”(Grolier). Vesalius studied medicine at the University of Paris and receivedContinue reading “Rare Book Highlights: Vesalius’ On the Fabric of the Human Body.”
Now in Palm Beach: Bases Loaded.
Raptis Rare Books was recently featured in the May 2019 issue of Modern Luxury Palm Beach. View the full issue here and view the rare inscribed first edition of The Babe Ruth Story featured here.
The 50th Anniversary of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five.
March 2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of the publication of Vonnegut’s most powerful novel, Slaughterhouse-Five, or The Children’s Crusade, A Duty-Dance With Death. Published 50 years ago this month, on March 31st 1969, Vonnegut’s science fiction-infused anti-war novel Slaughterhouse-Five became his first bestseller and made the 47-year old writer a celebrity. The story centres onContinue reading “The 50th Anniversary of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five.”
Friedrich August von Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom
One of the most influential and popular expositions of classical liberalism ever published first appeared in March of 1944. The Road to Serfdom was first published in London by Routledge & Sons in March 1944 in the midst of World War II, and due to the book’s popularity during this time of paper rationing, HayekContinue reading “Friedrich August von Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom”
Mario Puzo’s The Godfather.
Sunday, March 10th marks the 50th anniversary of Puzo’s definitive masterwork. A searing narrative of the Mafia underworld, Mario Puzo’s epic novel The Godfather made its debut on March 10th, 1969. Appearing at a time when America’s interest in organized crime was growing, the book was applauded for its authenticity and swiftly became publisher G.P.Continue reading “Mario Puzo’s The Godfather.”
Raptis Rare Books Lecture Series: Autumn in Venice: Ernest Hemingway and His Last Muse.
Raptis Rare Books is pleased to welcome experienced journalist and acclaimed author Andrea di Robilant as he discusses his new book: Autumn in Venice: Ernest Hemingway and His Last Muse. In this illuminating work, Andrea recounts the remarkable story of Ernest Hemingway’s love affair with both the city of Venice and the muse he foundContinue reading “Raptis Rare Books Lecture Series: Autumn in Venice: Ernest Hemingway and His Last Muse.”
Raptis Rare Books Lecture Series: Mary Lily Flagler’s Washington Birthday Ball with Ed Lamont.
Raptis Rare Books is pleased to welcome back acclaimed speaker and historian Ed Lamont as he presents: Mary Lily Flagler’s Washington Birthday Ball. At the turn of the 20th Century, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler emerged as Palm Beach’s first “grande dame.” Her Washington Birthday Ball peaked the Palm Beach social seasons for many years. AlsoContinue reading “Raptis Rare Books Lecture Series: Mary Lily Flagler’s Washington Birthday Ball with Ed Lamont.”