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Ronald Reagan: A Legacy of Leadership and Influence.

Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, remains a towering figure in American political history. Serving from 1981 to 1989, Reagan’s presidency was marked by a transformative approach to governance and a lasting impact on modern conservatism.     Before ascending to the highest office in the land, Reagan’s career was farContinue reading “Ronald Reagan: A Legacy of Leadership and Influence.”

The Complex Relationship Between John F. Kennedy and J. Edgar Hoover: A Closer Look.

In the annals of American history, few relationships have been as complex and intriguing as that between President John F. Kennedy and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. From the outside, their interactions may have appeared cordial and professional, but beneath the surface lay a web of secrecy, suspicion, and mutual distrust. Let’s delve into theContinue reading “The Complex Relationship Between John F. Kennedy and J. Edgar Hoover: A Closer Look.”

Alexander Hamilton: Father of American Finance.

Born in the mid-1700s in relative poverty, Alexander Hamilton rose to prominence as one of America’s founding fathers and the first treasury secretary of the United States. He founded the nation’s financial system, the Federalist Party, the United States Coast Guard, the New York Post newspaper, and he was the main author of the economicContinue reading “Alexander Hamilton: Father of American Finance.”

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.”

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.”

Celebrating President’s Day and America’s Founding Fathers

Celebrated on the third Monday in February in honor of the first president of the United States, George Washington, President’s Day was first established as a federal holiday in 1879 by an Act of Congress and continues to be a day of celebration, commemorating the presidency as an institution and America’s Founding Fathers. In observanceContinue reading “Celebrating President’s Day and America’s Founding Fathers”

Raptis Rare Books Lecture Series: Hamilton and Madison: A Most Significant Partnership with Dr. Alvin Felzenberg.

  Please join us for a discussion with Dr. Alvin Felzenberg: “Hamilton and Madison: A Most Significant Partnership.” Dr. Alvin Felzenberg is a recognized expert on American politics, the American presidency, Congress, and political movements. Dr. Felzenberg served in two presidential administrations, was senior adviser to the Departments of State and Defense, and was principalContinue reading “Raptis Rare Books Lecture Series: Hamilton and Madison: A Most Significant Partnership with Dr. Alvin Felzenberg.”

Celebrating Independence Day and America’s Founding Fathers.

In celebration of Independence Day we are pleased to share a selection of rare books and historic documents related to America’s great Founding Fathers, particularly those instrumental in drafting the United States Declaration of Independence. Adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, The United States Declaration of Independence announced the sovereignty ofContinue reading “Celebrating Independence Day and America’s Founding Fathers.”