Edward Gibbon, an English historian and member of Parilament in the 18th century, is most known for his six volume work The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. This work is still highly regarded by both historians and critics, over 200 years after its publication. Giobbon was born in Putney, Surrey,Continue reading “Edward Gibbon: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”
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Remembering the Life and Works of Nadine Gordimer
Nadine Gordimer was a famous South African writer and political activist, using her talents to help shed light on moral and racial issues. She was known for her involvement in HIV/AIDS causes as well as the anti-apartheid movement. She was the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1991. Nadine Gordimer was born outsideContinue reading “Remembering the Life and Works of Nadine Gordimer”
Henry Fielding and The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
Henry Fielding, born in Sharpham, England, was an English novelist that was famous for his dry humor and satirical writing style. His novel The History of Tom Jones, a Founling is his most famous work and what Fielding is truly remembered for, over 250 years after his death. Fielding’s literary career did not start untilContinue reading “Henry Fielding and The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling”
Author Spotlight – Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy has become a household name for his various novels that have won him a Pulitzer Prize, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, and been turned into blockbuster films. The now 80-year-old writer lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and is still somewhat of an enigma in the literary world. McCarthy was bornContinue reading “Author Spotlight – Cormac McCarthy”
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Still deciding what to get the father in your life for Father’s Day? A rare book is a collectable he will cherish for a lifetime and remember you by every time he opens it. We have a variety of rare, unique books that are perfect for any father. If your father loves golf, we haveContinue reading “Father’s Day Gift Ideas”
Remembering Maya Angelou
With Maya Angelou’s recent passing, we thought we would commemorate the amazing author, poet and role model by writing a bit about her life and works. Angelou was born in 1928 in Missouri, the child of working-class parents who divorced shortly after she was born. When Angelou was eight, she was sexually abused by herContinue reading “Remembering Maya Angelou”
William Shakespeare: The Second Folio
We carry a rare Second Shakespeare Folio, also known as Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies. Besides being extremely excited about having this unique book and piece of history, we wanted to share exactly what the Second Folio is and why it is so important. The Second Shakespeare Folio is essentially the second editionContinue reading “William Shakespeare: The Second Folio”
All About Golf
With the spring weather greening up the grass and Father’s Day just around the corner, we thought we’d highlight several of our favorite rare, first edition books all about golf. The name Jack Nicklaus is synonymous with golf and it’s no surprise that he has written a variety of books about the game. My 55Continue reading “All About Golf”
Dick Francis: The Thrill of Horse Racing
With the Kentucky Derby just days away, we are getting in the horse racing mood and being rare book enthusiasts, can’t help but think of Dick Francis and his body of work. Francis, who grew up in Berkshire, England, was a professional jockey and won over 350 races in his accomplished career. He was firstContinue reading “Dick Francis: The Thrill of Horse Racing”
Rare Books, Wine, and Food: The Perfect Pairing
At Raptis Rare Books, we love to throw parties. This week we had a lovely blind wine tasting, along with a wine and book exchange. Like an aged Cabernet and high quality steak, books about wine and food go together seamlessly and are some of the most popular books to give as gifts for birthdays,Continue reading “Rare Books, Wine, and Food: The Perfect Pairing”