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Ken Burns: Historical Filmmaker.

Ken Burns: Historical Filmmaker.

By Ashlee Torres | November 19, 2024
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No medium can capture the reality of human history much like the documentary, and few names in the historical filmmaking industry are as memorable as that of cinematographer Ken Burns. With the premiere of Burns’ newest documentary, ‘Leonardo da Vinci,’ November 18-19, 2024 on PBS, now is the perfect time to review and celebrate the…

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Celebrating Louise Glück: A Literary Luminary

Celebrating Louise Glück: A Literary Luminary

By Adrienne Raptis | October 1, 2024
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Louise Glück, an acclaimed American poet and Nobel laureate, has left an indelible mark on contemporary literature. Born in 1943 in New York City, Glück’s work is characterized by its introspective nature and emotional depth, often drawing on personal experiences and mythological themes. Her unique voice has reshaped modern poetry, earning her recognition as one…

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Celebrating the Birthday of S. Scott Fitzgerald.

Celebrating the Birthday of S. Scott Fitzgerald.

By Adrienne Raptis | September 24, 2024
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Today, we commemorate the birthday of F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of the most influential authors in American literature. Born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald emerged as the quintessential voice of the Jazz Age, capturing the complexities of wealth, ambition, and the human condition in a rapidly changing society.     His…

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Celebrating 50 Years of Robert Caro’s The Power Broker.

Celebrating 50 Years of Robert Caro’s The Power Broker.

By James O'Donnell | September 14, 2024
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of Robert Caro’s groundbreaking biography, The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York. Since its release in 1974, Caro’s exhaustive study of Robert Moses and his monumental impact on New York City has become a definitive work in political literature.     Caro’s deep dive into…

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Ronald Reagan: A Legacy of Leadership and Influence.

Ronald Reagan: A Legacy of Leadership and Influence.

By James O'Donnell | August 31, 2024
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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 far…

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Norbert Wiener: The Father of Cybernetics and a Pioneer of Modern Science

Norbert Wiener: The Father of Cybernetics and a Pioneer of Modern Science

By James O'Donnell | August 7, 2024
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In the realm of modern science and technology, few names resonate as profoundly as Norbert Wiener. As the father of cybernetics, Wiener’s groundbreaking work has not only shaped the course of multiple disciplines but has also left an indelible mark on the way we understand and interact with the world. Let’s delve into the life…

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Celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the First Moon Landing.

Celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the First Moon Landing.

By Susan Christiansen | July 18, 2024
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Saturday, July 20th marks the 55th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing.   On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle and Armstrong became the first person to step onto the Moon’s surface.     The event effectively proved U.S. victory in…

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The Federalist: The Most Famous and Influential American Political Work.

The Federalist: The Most Famous and Influential American Political Work.

By Susan Christiansen | July 13, 2024
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One of the rarest and most significant books in American political history, The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution remains the single most influential text in promoting the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America. In 1787, Alexander Hamilton resolved to launch a measured defense and…

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The Story of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The Story of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

By James O'Donnell | May 30, 2024
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View our latest video short featuring Adrienne Raptis delving into the history of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s.     Breakfast at Tiffany’s first appeared in the November 1958 issue of Esquire Magazine. It was published only months later in book form by Random House as part of a collection of short stories.    …

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In the News: Supporters of Library Benefit Thanked at Worth Avenue Book Store Reception.

In the News: Supporters of Library Benefit Thanked at Worth Avenue Book Store Reception.

By James O'Donnell | May 24, 2024
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The following article appeared in the Palm Beach Daily News on May 22, 2024. The people who made the West Palm Beach Library Foundation‘s signature fundraiser possible were thanked at a reception hosted by Matthew and Adrienne Raptis.     The event took place Feb. 7 at Raptis Rare Books on Worth Avenue.    …

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