The following article was published on January 18, 2023 in the Palm Beach Daily News: Andrew J. Davis Palm Beach Daily News Elementary school students from Acton Academy visited Raptis Rare Books on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to view several historic artifacts associated with the civil rights leader. Among the items the studentsContinue reading “In the News: Elementary school students learn about Martin Luther King Jr. at Raptis Rare Books”
Category Archives: History
Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father, Philosopher, and Scientist
Born on January in either 1705 or 1706, Benjamin Franklin is one of the most well known Founding Fathers in American history. A polymath, Franklin was well known for both his political and scientific contributions to colonial America. Along with these pursuits, he also established the first newspaper chain, the first public library in America,Continue reading “Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father, Philosopher, and Scientist”
Ulysses S. Grant: Statesman and General
Born in 1822, Ulysses S. Grant was an American military officer and politician who served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. As Commanding General, he led the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War in 1865 and thereafter briefly served as Secretary of War. Later, as president,Continue reading “Ulysses S. Grant: Statesman and General”
The Portraits of George Washington: Icon of American Patriotism.
The first President of the United States, George Washington served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and later presided over the 1787 convention that drafted the United States Constitution. He is popularly considered the driving force behind the nation’s establishment and came to be known as the “father of theContinue reading “The Portraits of George Washington: Icon of American Patriotism.”
The Political Life and Legacy of Ronald Reagan.
Widely considered one of the most influential American Presidents to date, Ronald Wilson Reagan remains one of the most iconic figures within the American Republican Party. As the leader of the modern conservative movement, Reagan altered the the political dynamic of the United States and his policies and beliefs have been frequently invoked by severalContinue reading “The Political Life and Legacy of Ronald Reagan.”
Current Exhibition: Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Our current exhibition, Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., features a curated selection of first editions and documents signed by Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as several of the most important works published related to African American history. One of the most important figures of the twentiethContinue reading “Current Exhibition: Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Collecting Americana: the Founding Texts of American History.
One of the most fascinating genres to collect, Americana encompasses a broad range of titles, the most rare and desirable being the earliest texts printed in America. Containing resounding messages that played a significant role in the foundation and political history of the United States, among the most important books in American history are ThomasContinue reading “Collecting Americana: the Founding Texts of American History.”
Charles Darwin’s On The Origin of Species.
Widely considered the most significant book published in the history of modern science, Charles Darwin‘s magnum opus On the Origin of Species attracted widespread attention upon publication on Thursday, November 24, 1859. Priced at fifteen shillings and with a first print run of only 1,250 copies, the book sold out on the day of publication,Continue reading “Charles Darwin’s On The Origin of Species.”
The Journals and Letters of Queen Victoria.
Alexandrina Victoria served as Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 until her death in 1901. Referred to as the Victorian era, her reign of 63 years and seven months far exceeded that of any of her predecessors and was marked by a great expansion of the British EmpireContinue reading “The Journals and Letters of Queen Victoria.”
In the News: Palm Beach Bookstore Exhibits Rare Churchill Memorabilia
Now on display at Raptis Rare Books: “A Leader For All Times: Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Churchill’s Charge” opening on May 13, 2020 and running through May 22, 2020 in our Worth Avenue gallery. The following article was published by the Palm Beach Daily News on May 14, 2020 at 2:10 p.m. By CarlaContinue reading “In the News: Palm Beach Bookstore Exhibits Rare Churchill Memorabilia”