One of the most celebrated figures of the Harlem Renaissance, poet, novelist and social activist Langston Hughes is widely considered one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. Through his poetry and fiction, Hughes sought not only to portray the experience of working-class blacks in America, but redefine, expand, and celebrate AfricanContinue reading “Langston Hughes: Writing African American Identity.”
Category Archives: For the love of books
Andy Warhol: Pop Art Superstar.
Perhaps the most influential figure of the 1950s pop art movement, American artist Andy Warhol bridged the gaps between consumerism, celebrity culture, and high art with his conceptional sculptures and iconic silk screen paintings. Warhol began his career as a graphic artist, designing commercial advertising and artwork for such popular magazines as Glamour, Vogue, andContinue reading “Andy Warhol: Pop Art Superstar.”
Haruki Murakami: Hopeful Romantic.
International bestselling writer Haruki Murakami is best known for his magical realist novels that explore issues deeply rooted in the human experience. He has often been criticized by Japanese literary circles for being ‘un-Japanese’ because of the heavy influence of Western literature on his writing style. Opposing the Japanese ideal of the strong, independentContinue reading “Haruki Murakami: Hopeful Romantic.”
Philip Roth: Exploring American Identity
One of the most awarded American authors of his generation, Philip Roth created some of the most provocative novels exploring American identity through a masterful blending of realism and fiction. Born in Newark, New Jersey on March 19, 1933 Roth attended Bucknell University and later earned a master’s degree in literature from the University ofContinue reading “Philip Roth: Exploring American Identity”
The “Big Three” of 20th Century Science Fiction.
Three of the best-selling science fiction novelists of the 20th century, Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, and Arthur C. Clarke are commonly referred to as the “Big Three” of science fiction for their influential work in expanding the definition of the genre established by their predecessors Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Hugo Gernsback. Moving beyond theirContinue reading “The “Big Three” of 20th Century Science Fiction.”
In the News: Rare Harper Lee Collectibles Featured at Raptis Rare Books.
The following article was posted on The Palm Beach Daily News website: Posted Jul 7, 2020 at 5:30 PM Raptis Rare Books in Palm Beach marks 60th anniversary of the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird with an array of Harper Lee collectibles. Raptis Rare Books is marking the 60th anniversary of the publication of Harper Lee’s ToContinue reading “In the News: Rare Harper Lee Collectibles Featured at Raptis Rare Books.”
To Kill A Mockingbird: the Great American Novel.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the publication of one of the most important American novels of the 20th century, To Kill a Mockingbird, Raptis Rare Books is currently holding an exhibition of rare signed first editions, letters and original drawings by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird was first published by J.B. Lippincott CompanyContinue reading “To Kill A Mockingbird: the Great American Novel.”
The Roaring 20s and the Rise of the Iconic Dust Jacket
As we approach the year 2020, its hard to believe that iconic era of the 1920s is now a century ago. We look back on this decade as an age of striking social and political change. Due to changes in technology and the economy, Americans were connected to one another and the rest of theContinue reading “The Roaring 20s and the Rise of the Iconic Dust Jacket”
The 145th Anniversary of Churchill’s Birth.
This upcoming Saturday, November 30th marks the 145th anniversary of the birth of one of the most significant figures of the 20th century, Sir Winston S. Churchill. Born in Oxfordshire to a wealthy, aristocratic family, Churchill joined the British Army in 1895 at the age of twenty-one and saw action in British India, the Anglo–Sudan War, and the Second BoerContinue reading “The 145th Anniversary of Churchill’s Birth.”
The World and Art of Walt Disney.
American entrepreneur, animator, and film producer Walt Disney is arguably the most important figure in the history of animation. A national cultural icon, his innovative spirit and vision revolutionized the genre of animated cartoons, making them a major part of mainstream popular entertainment. Born in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood, Disney began his animation career in 1919Continue reading “The World and Art of Walt Disney.”