Deep in the southern Vermont countryside, you will find an ornate Italianate villa simply packed with sumptuous books worthy of any collector’s bookshelf. Welcome to Raptis Rare Books and the world of husband-and-wife bookselling team Matthew and Adrienne Raptis. Matthew and Adrienne specialize in fine first editions, signed and inscribed books, and books that areContinue reading “Raptis Rare Books – Advanced Book Exchange Featured Booksellers”
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The Rare Children’s Books by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl has touched the lives of many children with his imaginative, somewhat dark and funny stories. The British novelist is a household name and a brilliant storyteller, writing some of the most famous children’s books throughout the world. Dahl was born in 1916 in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales. He experienced great tragedy as a smallContinue reading “The Rare Children’s Books by Roald Dahl”
Celebrating African Americans in History and Literature
African American history and culture should be recognized and celebrated every day of the year, not just in Black History Month. But during this time, we are excited to celebrate African American history and its figures through new lenses. It is interesting how much literature and authorship has had an enormous impact on the lives of many great African American figures.Continue reading “Celebrating African Americans in History and Literature”
Vellum Bindings
Vellum refers to parchment made from calf skin that can be found on old and rare books. Very old Bibles were printed on it, and so was the Declaration of Independence. Vellum is not like calf leather in that it is not tanned, but it does vary in softness and smoothness based on the quality ofContinue reading “Vellum Bindings”
Robert and John F. Kennedy
The famous Kennedy family first sailed to America from Ireland in 1849. Sometimes called the “Royal Family of America,” the Kennedy’s political influence began with P.J. Kennedy and was carried all the way through John F. Kennedy’s presidency, while his brothers Robert and Ted held positions as prominent senators. But while everyone knows the Kennedy’s inContinue reading “Robert and John F. Kennedy”
Edith Wharton and The Age of Innocence
Edith Wharton was a distinguished novelist, writer, and designer that was well acquainted with other successful literates of her time, including Theodore Roosevelt. She wrote over 40 books in 40 years and, as a female author, broke through many social oppressions in the literary world. Her twelfth novel, The Age of Innocence, won the 1921Continue reading “Edith Wharton and The Age of Innocence”
The World of James Bond
There is perhaps no fictional character more produced in writing and film than the suave, intelligent, and mysterious James Bond. After his time serving in the British Naval Intelligence Division during World War II, Ian Fleming took to Jamaica in 1952 and spent two months distracting himself from his upcoming betrothal to a pregnant fiancé byContinue reading “The World of James Bond”
Rare Book Gift Ideas for the Holidays
The holidays are upon us and this is your last chance to buy meaningful gifts for the loved ones in your life. There are many great gifts for readers, but for the rare book enthusiast in your life, making the right choice can be tricky. Here are some first edition novels, volumes, and autobiographies thatContinue reading “Rare Book Gift Ideas for the Holidays”
The Complete Works of John Locke
John Locke, born August 29, 1632, was one of the greatest liberal minds of the Enlightenment. He fathered Classical Liberalism, a school of thought that departed from the idea of society as a family and took on the view of society as a mere mesh of its individuals, all of whom were innately cold, manipulative,Continue reading “The Complete Works of John Locke”
The Nature of Lord Byron
George Gordon Byron, more commonly known as Lord Byron, was a one of the most flamboyant and fashion forward poets of the Romantic era. He is best known for creating the most popular Romantic hero of all time, Don Juan. Much like his characters, Lord Byron was defiant, melancholy, and had secrets of his own.Continue reading “The Nature of Lord Byron”