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From Darwin to Dalloway, our Spring 2016 Catalog offers an excellent collection of fine and rare books. In this collection, you’ll find landmark works in topics such as classic literature, children’s literature, sciences, travel, politics, and more. Some of these works include a rare, signed portrait of Charles Dickens and an extremely rare presentation copy of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. Here…
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Deep in the southern Vermont countryside, you will find an ornate Italianate villa simply packed with sumptuous books worthy of any collector’s bookshelf. Welcome to Raptis Rare Books and the world of husband-and-wife bookselling team Matthew and Adrienne Raptis. Matthew and Adrienne specialize in fine first editions, signed and inscribed books, and books that are…
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African American history and culture should be recognized and celebrated every day of the year, not just in Black History Month. But during this time, we are excited to celebrate African American history and its figures through new lenses. It is interesting how much literature and authorship has had an enormous impact on the lives of many great African American figures.…
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Vellum refers to parchment made from calf skin that can be found on old and rare books. Very old Bibles were printed on it, and so was the Declaration of Independence. Vellum is not like calf leather in that it is not tanned, but it does vary in softness and smoothness based on the quality of…
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The famous Kennedy family first sailed to America from Ireland in 1849. Sometimes called the “Royal Family of America,” the Kennedy’s political influence began with P.J. Kennedy and was carried all the way through John F. Kennedy’s presidency, while his brothers Robert and Ted held positions as prominent senators. But while everyone knows the Kennedy’s in…
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Edith Wharton was a distinguished novelist, writer, and designer that was well acquainted with other successful literates of her time, including Theodore Roosevelt. She wrote over 40 books in 40 years and, as a female author, broke through many social oppressions in the literary world. Her twelfth novel, The Age of Innocence, won the 1921…
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There is perhaps no fictional character more produced in writing and film than the suave, intelligent, and mysterious James Bond. After his time serving in the British Naval Intelligence Division during World War II, Ian Fleming took to Jamaica in 1952 and spent two months distracting himself from his upcoming betrothal to a pregnant fiancé by…
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The holidays are upon us and this is your last chance to buy meaningful gifts for the loved ones in your life. There are many great gifts for readers, but for the rare book enthusiast in your life, making the right choice can be tricky. Here are some first edition novels, volumes, and autobiographies that…
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Autumn is a special season. The leaves are changing, the cold is coming, and nothing sounds better than curling up near the fire with a mug of hot cider and a good book. If you have any birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions coming up this fall season, here are a few rare finds that…
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1. The Declaration of Independence The original Declaration of Independence, signed by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, is easily one of the rarest, most sought after documents of all time. There were only 200 copies of it printed on July 4th, 1776, and only about 26 copies survive to this day. Fun Fact:…
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