Is it a mystery that a highly prolific and successful woman author would be completely forgotten and lost to time? Not really. Times change, and tastes change. Over the decades, literally millions of books have been published. But it’s still fascinating when someone who wrote nearly two hundred books, including many best-sellers, could be relatively unknown, even to book collectors, a hundred years later.

Author Rebecca Rego Barry explores how this could happen in her new book, The Vanishing of Carolyn Wells: Investigations into a Forgotten Mystery Author, published by Post Hill Press in February 2024.

Carolyn Wells was born in 1862 in New Jersey. In her late twenties, single and living with her parents, Wells became the librarian in her hometown of Rahway. At the same time, she began submitting small punny poems, humorous verses, and children’s stories to magazines. According to Barry, her first published piece was “To the Dialect Poet,” published in Puck in June 1893. In 1896, she published her first book, At the Sign of the Sphinx: A Book of Charades. Wells continued to work at the library from 1890 until 1902 when she had a few books and numerous published articles under her belt and left to write full-time.

Wells did not limit her interests to one category. Her writing covered multiple genres, from humor to young adult to mystery.

Many of her young adult books were very popular, including the Patty Fairfield series of 18 books starting with Patty Fairfield in 1901 and the Marjorie Maynard series of six books starting with Marjorie’s Vacation in 1907.

Wells was also well-known for her humor and parody. Aside from frequent contributions to periodicals such as her friend Gelett Burgess’s The Lark, the Chap Book, the Yellow Book, and the Philistine, she also published multiple successful anthologies, A Parody Anthology (1904), A Satire Anthology (1905), A Whimsey Anthology (1906), A Vers de Société Anthology (1907) and A Nonsense Anthology (1910). Another popular humorous prose work was The Rubaiyat of a Motor Car (1906).

In her 46-year career, she published 182 mysteries, nonsense tales, and children’s books. Currently, on BIBLIO, around 100 titles are listed under Wells.

Eighty-two of the books were mystery books, including over sixty in her Fleming Stone Series and eight novels in the Pennington Wise series. Comparatively, Agatha Christie, who began publishing about 20 years after Wells, published 66 mysteries and 14 short story collections. Mary Roberts Rinehart, who was 14 years younger than Wells, published just over 60 books but hundreds of short stories and articles in popular publications, and according to Barry, was paid significantly higher salaries than Wells. Two decades into her writing career, Wells published a writing guide based on her work – The Technique of the Mystery Story (1913).

Carolyn also wrote for Hollywood, although the films based on her writing have been lost to time. Films such as The Mark of Cain (1917), Dearie (1927), The Woman Next Door (1919), and the Our Mutual Girl series (1914) are among the “7,000 other silent films made between 1912 and 1939 that disintegrated before they could be preserved” Barry notes. Although Wells often got top billing as the writer of the stories, her celebrity faded just like the lost films.

Her autobiography, The Rest of My Life (1937), was published in her 75th year.

Carolyn Wells died in March 1942 at the age of 79. Her last novel, Murder Will In, was published in June 1942.

At the time of her death, Wells did not have a literary agent or executor, leaving the vast majority of her legacy, the rights to her books, and her royalties to her maid, Mary O’Connell. Without an agent advocating for the reprint of her novels, Wells missed out on the booming paperback industry of the 1940s and 1950s that would have reinvigorated her sales and kept the memory of her books alive.

So—spoiler alert—it’s the marketing team in charge of your legacy that will decide if your name and books sell long after you’re dead. In another forgotten author blog, I mentioned how F. Scott Fitzgerald’s popularity waned until after his death when his books were reprinted for the troops in WWII.

Barry’s book includes multiple tie-ins with book collecting. Wells was a book collector, and like her writing, she had various interests, but her focus on Whitman left behind a traceable history. Wells composed a Bibliography and a collection of Whitman’s essays and also wrote the introduction to the 1929 Limited Editions Club of Leaves of Grass. She also left her impressive collection of Walt Whitman to the Library of Congress.

One of Wells’s most popular and enduring works also involved book collecting. Her 1936 novel Murder in the Bookshop was based on Alfred Goldsmith’s bookstore, At the Sign of the Sparrow, located at 42 Lexington Avenue in New York, and involved murder and a missing $100,000 book. Murder in the Bookshop was one of the first published in the genre of “Bibliomystery.”

Barry herself has an extensive background in book collecting and was the longtime editor of Fine Books & Collections magazine. It is implicit throughout her book that her journey to uncover Carolyn Wells’ lost legacy was made possible by librarians and booksellers who offer connections, books, and ephemera connected to the cause—book collecting once again saving the “lost ladies,” no longer lost.

The post The Mystery of Carolyn Wells: A Book Collector’s Mission to Save A Lady Lost appeared first on Bibliology.

In 1987, the National Women’s History Project successfully lobbied the U.S. Congress to designate all of March as National Women’s History Month. Since then, it has become an annual observance officially in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and unofficially worldwide. 

The month coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8th, a global celebration honoring women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements and their historical significance to society. It serves as a call to action for gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. It is a time to recognize women and the progress made toward the equality of sexes and acknowledge the ongoing challenges. 

History of Women’s Rights and Suffragism

The Women’s Rights movement began in the 19th century, challenging gender-based inequality and advocating for fundamental rights in education, employment, health, and society. While women were subject to the laws of society, they had very little in the way of civil rights – such as the right to own property, get a divorce, or even claim money they earned.  To change these laws, women had to have a voice – thus began the Suffrage movement – nothing to do with suffering but instead derives from the Latin word “suffragium,” the right or privilege to vote in political elections.

New Zealand was the first country that allowed women to vote in national elections when they passed the 1893 Electoral Act. This decision set a precedent for other suffrage movements around the world. In 1895, South Australia granted women the right to vote, and other Australian states followed, so by 1908, all women in Australia could vote in federal elections. 

In 1918, Canada also signed into law that women have federal voting rights. 

Both the U.S. and the U.K. had notable Suffragette movements. Suffragism was closely tied to abolitionist and temperance movements in the United States. In the U.K., it was a women-led movement that grew increasingly militant. 

History of Suffrage in the US

In 1848, the first American women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York. Before the Civil War, the suffrage and abolitionist movements were closely tied, and many figures such as Sojourner Truth, Harriett Tubman, Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony worked together toward both ending slavery and equal voting rights. 

Disagreements over the importance of the 15th Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote, led to two separate organizations fighting for women’s rights. The American Woman’s Suffrage Association (AWSA), established in 1869, supported the 15th Amendment and was the more moderate and popular group. The National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), also established in 1869 by famous women’s rights leaders Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, did not support the 15th Amendment – they wanted women to be included in the Amendment as well. The NWSA was more radical and controversial and focused on more women’s issues than just the vote. 

On February 26, 1869, Congress passed the 15th Amendment. It was ratified on February 3, 1870, with the intention to ensure that “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

The suffrage movement in the United States was also closely tied to the Temperance movement that led to the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union was the largest and most influential women’s group of the 19th century. They were on board with the suffragist movement, believing that more women voters would help to vote for the prohibition of alcohol. 

In the U.S., the 19th Amendment, stating that the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex, was introduced to Congress in 1878 but not ratified until 1920. This Amendment finally gave white women the right to vote, but Women of Color continued to face legal discrimination until The Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

Famous U.S. Suffragettes

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (November 12, 1815 – October 26, 1902) was a writer and activist who led the women’s rights movement of the 19th century. Stanton helped organize the Seneca Falls Convention, the first Women’s Rights convention, in 1848. Along with Susan B. Anthony and Matilda J. Gage, Stanton published a six-volume History of Women’s Suffrage between 1881 and 1922. The voluminous work (5700 pages) is a detailed account of Women’s Suffrage in the United States. Stanton’s daughter, Harriot Stanton Blatch, was also a suffragette.

Susan B Anthony (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906) was a leader in not only the women’s rights movement but also temperance, abolition, the rights of labor, and equal pay for equal work. She worked closely with Elizabeth Cady Stanton for decades.

Catherine Beecher (September 6, 1800 – May 12, 1878 ) was a teacher and writer who promoted equal access to education for women. From a prominent, educated, and religious family, her sister was writer Harriet Beecher Stowe (Uncle Tom’s Cabin), and her brother was abolitionist and clergyman Henry Ward Beecher. 

Angelina Emily Grimké Weld  (February 20, 1805 – October 26, 1879) was born into a wealthy slave-owning family in Charleston, South Carolina. In adulthood, she moved North and became an abolitionist, activist, and supporter of the Women’s Rights and Suffrage movement. 

Alice Paul  (January 11, 1885 – July 9, 1977) wanted to bring the energy of the women’s movement in Britain to the U.S. In 1913, she organized a March in Washington, D.C. that attracted thousands. In 1916, along with Lucy Burns, Paul formed the National Woman’s Party to lobby Congress. Her group took up a daily protest against Woodrow Wilson, and dozens of women were imprisoned, beaten, and force-fed through hunger strikes. After getting the right to vote for women, Paul promoted the Equal Rights Amendment, a constitutional amendment that will guarantee legal gender equality for women and men.

Doris Stevens (October 26, 1888 – March 22, 1963) was an American suffragist, women’s legal rights advocate and author. Stevens served on the executive committee of the National Woman’s Party, and in 1920, Boni and Liveright published her book Jailed for Freedom, her first-hand account of the movement.

Juliet Barrett Rublee (March 2, 1875 – May 17, 1966) was an American birth control advocate, Suffragist, and film producer.

History of Suffrage in the UK

By the early 20th century, the British suffragettes had decided that ‘Deeds not Words’ was their motto. In 1903, the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was founded. The women-only political movement became the leading militant organization campaigning for women’s suffrage. Organizer Emmeline Pankhurst later spoke in the United States, comparing their militant action for Suffragism to that of the American forefather’s Boston Tea Party to protest the taxation of Britain: if women could not vote and had no means of speaking up for themselves, what other way could they be heard?

On November 18, 1910, the WSPU led a 300-woman march to Parliament to secure voting rights for women. The women were met by police and male bystanders who attacked the women for six hours, beating and sexually assaulting them. The day became known as Black Friday. Then, on March 1, 1912, approximately 150 women armed with hammers descended upon London’s West End. The window-smashing campaign aimed to pressure the Government to allow women to vote. Emmeline Pankhurst stated, ‘The argument of the broken pane of glass is the most valuable argument in modern politics.’

Imprisoned for their rebellion, the women in England led hunger strikes in prison, making the Government choose to kill them or give them the vote. To counteract their hunger strikes, Parliament instituted the 1913 Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act, known as the “Cat and Mouse Act,” allowing the temporary discharge of prisoners who were near death because of hunger strikes. Once their health was recovered they would return to prison. 

The brave actions of the British suffragettes finally led to the 1918 Representation of the People Act, which first gave British women the right to vote. 

Famous UK Suffragettes

Emmeline Pankhurst (July 15, 1858 – June 14, 1928) was a political activist who led the women’s suffrage movement in the U.K. Her daughter, Dame Christabel Harriette Pankhurst DBE (September 22, 1880- February 13, 1958), was also prominent in the woman suffrage movement, and a co-founder of the Women’s Social and Political Union.

Mary Richardson (1882/3 – November 7, 1961) was born in Canada but later moved to England and joined the Suffragette movement, witnessing Black Friday in 1910. She became increasingly militant in her actions and was arrested nine times for acts, including smashing windows and arson. Her most notable protest happened on March 10, 1914, when she entered the National Gallery in London and attacked the Rokeby Venus, a famous painting by Diego Velázquez, slashing it multiple times. She was sentenced to six months in prison. Of the incident, she stated: “I have tried to destroy the picture of the most beautiful woman in mythological history as a protest against the Government destroying Mrs. Pankhurst, who is the most beautiful character in modern history. Justice is an element of beauty as much as colour and outline on canvas.”

Emmeline Parkhurst had been beated and arrested the day before for addressing a large meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Union at St. Andrew’s Hall in Glasgow, which was stormed by the police. Mary Richardson was also a writer, publishing one novel, Matilda and Marcus (1915), and three volumes of poetry, Symbol Songs (1916), Wilderness Love Songs (1917), and Cornish Headlands (1920) and Laugh a Defiance (1953), a “suffragette autobiography.” 

Emily Davidson (October 11, 1872 – June 8, 1913) was a leader in the British suffragette movement and a member of the Women’s Social and Political Union. Her militant actions to gain the women’s vote included hiding in the air ducts to listen to Parliament and hurling rocks and metal balls labeled ‘bombs’ through windows. She was arrested nine times and went on hunger strike seven times, authorities force-feeding her on forty-nine occasions. She died at 40 after walking into the race track in front of the King’s horse at the Epsom Derby in 1913. 

Millicent Garrett Fawcette (June 11, 1847 – August 5, 1929) was the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies leader from 1897-1919.

Gertrude Baillie-Weaver (June 8, 1855 – November 26, 1926) was an English Suffragette and writer who published under the pseudonym Gertrude Colmore. Her sensational novel, A Daughter of Music, was published in 1894 and centers around the ambitious Hilda, who pursues a life of music against her father’s wishes. Baillie also published Suffragette Sally (1911) and The Life of Emily Davison (1913). 

Charlotte Despard (June 15, 1844 – November 10, 1939) was an Anglo-Irish suffragist, socialist, pacifist, Sinn Féin activist, and novelist. The Suffrage Shop opened in 1910 by actress Sime Seruya, published her book Women in the New Era the same year. The shop also acted as a publisher for Cicely Hamilton’s Pageant of Great Women, one of the most frequently performed Suffragist plays, and Margaret Nevinson’s In the Workhouse. 

Dame Ethel Mary Smyth (April 22, 1858- May 8, 1944) was a British Composer, Writer and Suffragist. The Anthem “The March of Women,” a battle song for England’s women’s movement, was composed by Dame Ethel Smyth in 1911.

Christina Broom (December 28, 1862 – June 5, 1939) took some of the best photographs of the brave women who campaigned for the vote in London up to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

Katharine “Kate” Parry Frye (January 9, 1878 – February 16, 1959) was a British actress, a lifelong diarist, and a Suffragist.

Other Notable Works and Ephemera

In 1913, American writer Floyd Dell published Women as World Builders: Studies in Modern Feminism, highlighting notable suffragists such as Emmeline Parkhurst, Jane Addams, and Dora Marsden.

The Autograph Album and Diaries of Suffragette and Women’s Rights Advocate Georgiana Barrows, 1848-1912:

The Suffrage Cook Book (1915). A fantastic copy of a scarce cookbook that was utilized as a fundraising tool for Pennsylvanian suffragettes:

Resources:

“Women’s History and Women’s History Month.” Live Your Dream.org

“The International Suffrage Shop” Woman and Her Sphere

“Great speeches of the 20th century: Emmeline Pankhurst’s Freedom or Death.” The Guardian

“From the Rokeby Venus to Fascism: Pt 1: Why did Suffragettes Attack Artworks?” Journal of Art in Society 

The post The Fight for Women’s Suffrage and the Brave Women who led it appeared first on Bibliology.

Since he was very young, Truman Capote knew he was a “very special person.” That’s why, he once told The New York Times, he “had to have a very special life.” And he did have an unusual life, indeed. A sharp social observer and one of the most famous postwar American writers, he was –and still is– a captivating personality and author.

Born as Truman Streckfus Persons in 1924, he spent most of his childhood in rural Alabama. After getting divorced, his mother, Lillie Mae Faulk, left Truman in the care of her sister in Monroeville, to whom she gave Truman’s birth certificate for safekeeping. Thanks to the Book Collection Library, the original piece is for sale on BIBLIO.

Outside of the cousins Truman lived with as a child, his aunt Lucille Faulk Ingram and her daughter, Cecilia, were his closest kin. In the comfort of their home, Truman began to write his first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms, published by Random House in 1948. During that time, he also developed an affection for an elderly cousin named Sook, about whom he wrote in A Christmas Memory and The Thanksgiving Visitor.

In 1935, Truman changed his surname to that of his mother’s second husband, Joe Capote. He and Truman’s mother shared a taste for fine things, so the newlyweds moved to New York to experience an extravagant lifestyle. Capote often described his relationship with his mother as turbulent, even though her absence marked his childhood. 

The success of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood –alongside his obsession with climbing to the top of the social ladder and his undeniable charm– make him a New York socialite and a member of the jet set. But his personality was also contradictory. He could be seductive as well as ruthless for some. As the fine stylist he was, he may have the most gimmicky yet precise definition of himself: “But I’m not a saint yet. I’m an alcoholic. I’m a drug addict. I’m homosexual. I’m a genius.”

Near the end of his life, Capote moved from New York to Los Angeles, where he died in 1984. The author’s ashes and the clothes he wore when he died were sold at auction in 2016 for $43,750. 

Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948)

Published in 1948, when Capote was only 23 years old, Other Voices, Other Rooms is the story of a sensitive young boy’s adolescence in a bleak Southern rural town. A semi-autobiographical work, the book centers around themes of love and death, along with homosexuality and race.

This story’s success was immediate, and it stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for nine weeks, selling over 26,000 copies. Capote’s early works gave him a reputation in the literary circle, but his recognition rocketed after the novel’s release. Among that literary circle was writer Carson McCullers, who put him in contact with Random House Publishing.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1958)

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is Capote’s admitted favorite literary creation. Published by Random House in 1958, it was his first approach to New York socialites. The story follows the enigmatic Holly Golightly as she pursues happiness and identity in the city. Through relationships and encounters, she navigates love, loneliness, and societal expectations, ultimately seeking authenticity in a superficial world. 

As with his first novel, this story has some autobiographical elements. Capote’s mother shared with Holly her dreams of society and her taste for elegance. 

Capote’s novella was published with three other short stories: “House of Flowers,” “A Diamond Guitar,” and “A Christmas Memory.” Breakfast at Tiffany’s was adapted to film in 1961 by George Axelrod, starring Audrey Hepburn in her most memorable role as Holly Golightly. The film was released on 5 October 1961. 

In 2020, the final typescript of Breakfast at Tiffany’s was set to be auctioned. The pages revealed Capote changed the original name of the main character from Connie Gustafson to Holly Golightly and lightened the most explicit lines of the manuscript. 

In Cold Blood (1966)

In Cold Blood is not only Truman Capote’s masterpiece but also one of the most important books published during the second half of the 20th century. Capote was already a well-known novelist by its publication, but In Cold Blood made him an international star –besides adding a large amount of money to his bank account. 

The book is important for various reasons, including creating a new literary genre, which Capote termed as a “nonfiction novel.” Every true crime novel written since then owes something to Capote’s account of the November 1959 crime of the local farmer, Herb Clutter, his wife, Bonnie, and two of his four children, Nancy and Kenyon. Over the decades, true crime has become one of American nonfiction’s most popular literary forms. 

After reading an article about the brutal homicide of a family in their farmhouse in Holcomb, Kansas, Capote traveled to the small town. The brutal slaying of the Clutter family by two robbers is something the town of Holcomb had never seen. Neither they had seen anything like Capote, who was openly gay. 

He arrived at Holcom amid the investigation. He depicts the trial, the execution of the killers, and the impact on the community in a more comprehensive –and literary– way than any other traditional crime reporting. But, above all, he was interested in the psychological aspect of the murderers, Dick and Perry, and what might have led them to commit such a crime. 

After six years of conducting research and interviews, In Cold Blood was originally published as a four-part series in The New Yorker magazine in 1965 and in book form in 1966 by Random House. The book was adapted into a film of the same name in 1967. The 2005 film Capote, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as the author, also narrates the book’s creative process. 

Capote’s friend Harper Lee, whom he met in Monroeville when they were children, was his secretary while investigating the case. However, many have claimed Capote minimized her pivotal role in the project, which went far beyond what he admitted. 

The result of all those years of work is a clear example of Capote’s literary talent and legendary attention to detail. In 1957, he confessed to the Paris Review he thought of himself as a stylist, someone who “can become notoriously obsessed with the placing of a comma, the weight of a semicolon.”

In Cold Blood was awarded with the Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction. Capote never finished another novel after this one.

Answered Prayers (1987)

Answered Prayers became Truman Capote’s most anticipated novel. For two decades, he claimed he was writing the “greatest novel of the age,” the story of a writer and his way through polite society. Never short of compliments when talking about himself, he defined this work as the equivalent of Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. Random House paid the exorbitant advance of one million dollars. And yet, he never finished it. 

We can only read three long chapters of Answered Prayers, which eventually became the most famous unpublished novel in American Literature. The novel was published in 1987 in a posthumous edition. Before that, in 1975, the chapters appeared in Esquire magazine. The first one, “Mojave,” was favorably received, but “La Côte Basque, 1965” caused great controversy. 

Although he changed the names, the story was partially based on the dysfunctional marriage of William S. Paley and Babe Paley. Babe was Capote’s close friend and a member of his circle of high-society, fabulous rich women he called his “swans.” As a result of revealing their intimacies to public scrutiny, the group ostracized Capote. He became a pariah, and he never recovered from that.

There are different readings of that feud. Capote’s charisma and talent take him from a small town in Alabama to the most exclusive circles. Was Answered Prayers a kind of vengeance for those who despised his mother decades ago? Did these circles receive Capote as more than mere entertainment, the writer of the moment, or just as an arrivist? 

When the chapters appeared, Capote already had serious problems with alcohol. The fuss raised expectations and put the spotlight on his next moves. But he never could finish the book.  

Since then, rumors about the manuscript being written and remaining hidden have been circulating. Capote contributed to the tittle-tattle, reciting novel passages in many social gatherings. In 2012, a six-page manuscript of what was supposed to be another chapter of the novel was published in Vanity Fair magazine. It was called “Yachts and Things,” and, like Answered Prayers, it is unfinished. 

In January 2024, FX premiered Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, about the dispute following the “La Côte Basque, 1965” publication. The series has Gus Van Sant as director, Tom Hollander starring as Truman Capote, and Naomi Watts starring as Babe Paley. The show’s cast also includes Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, and Molly Ringwald.

Music for Chameleons (1980)

Music for Chameleons is a collection of short stories and essays that captured his writing and personal interests. The book’s first chapters reflect the author as a young writer, while the rest follows Capote into maturity. Some have stated that this book, published by Random House in 1980, is his most honest. He explains his fascination with crime and his access to celebrities and criminals. He reveals his inner self throughout its pages as a kind of testament.

The post How to Collect Truman Capote’s Books Beyond ‘In Cold Blood’ appeared first on Bibliology.

February is Black History Month in the United States, Canada and Germany. The celebration was initiated by Carter G. Woodson, a visionary born in Virginia in 1875. With limited access to education, he used the money he earned as a coal miner to attend school, eventually earning a Ph.D. in History from Harvard University. Woodson saw a gaping hole in the study of United States History and sought to fill it.

Although African-American history dates back to colonial times, Black History was largely ignored and misconstrued by historians and the public. On September 9th, 1915 he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH), dedicated to researching and promoting the achievement of Black Americans and other peoples of African descent. In 1916 the group began publishing the Journal of Negro History (now the Journal of African American History). In 1926 ASALH sponsored the first National Negro History Week, to celebrate and disseminate information about Black History.

The first ‘Negro History Week’ happened in February 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (born February 12, 1809) and Frederick Douglass (born in February either 1817 or 1818, no exact records remain). After the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s Black History Week grew into Black History Month. February has officially been designated as Black History Month since 1976 when President Gerald R. Ford officially designated it as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration.

In 1990, Germany initiated Black History Month, and in 1995, Canada did the same. In the UK and Ireland Black History Month is in October, and The Netherlands also celebrates Black Achievement Month in October.

The theme for 2024’s Black History Month in the U.S. is “African Americans and the Arts.”

Read more on BIBLIO:

A Brief History of Early African American Literature Part I

African American Literature Part II – The 1800s: Age of Abolitionists & Slave Narratives

African American Literature Part III – 1865-1920: Reconstruction

The post Celebrating Black History Month through Books and Ephemera appeared first on Bibliology.

Sending love in the form of paper Valentine’s peaked during the Victorian era, first in Britain, then in the United States. Affordable postage rates and materials made these tokens of affection popular with both the fancy elite and plain folk alike. Initially handmade, by the mid-18th century, commercially printed cards were also available. However, without the myriad of distractions we have today, many people still put time and care into crafting their own personalized love notes with special paper, bits of lace, fabric, shells, ribbons, pictures, and poems.

In the early 19th century, more complex designs and puzzles came into play with these love notes. One of the most fascinating of these is the “Cobweb Valentine,” also known as “beehive,” “flower cage,” or “birdcage.” The Cobweb Valentine is a moveable Valentine that, in its simplest form, consists of a piece of paper cut in an intricate connected pattern lifted with a string to reveal a hidden picture on the paper below. Imagery often included symbolic birds such as doves, flowers like red roses and lilies, and Cupid with his arrow.

Examples of these delicate forms can still be found, notably in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Department of Drawing and Prints’ extensive collection of Valentines and also through individual dealers, such as Eclectibles on BIBLIO.

Resources

Valentine’s Day and the Romance of Cobwebs
Meet the World’s Most Prolific Collector Of Valentine’s Day Cards

The post Pulling Heartstrings: The Intricate Beauty of Victorian Cobweb Valentine’s appeared first on Bibliology.

The origin of St. Valentine’s Day is painted with much folklore and legend, starting over 1750 years ago when at least two Saint Valentines were beheaded: Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni, a priest and a bishop both associated with secret weddings and martyrdom.

The most romantic and famous of these stories involves Valentine of Rome, who is said to have restored the sight of a jailer’s blind daughter, then fell in love with her, writing her from his cell before his death a letter he signed “From your Valentine.” The facts about these saints, bearing the common Roman name of Valentine, are vague, with no timely or decisively written history.

At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14th Saint Valentine’s Day in honor of the martyred Saint(s) and maybe to put a stop to the Roman pagan holiday Lupercalia, celebrated on February 15th. The Roman holiday centered around fertility and involved nearly naked men slapping women with blood-dipped goatskins.

But nothing was particularly romantic about Saint Valentine’s Day until English poet Geoffrey Chaucer tied it to mating. In his 14th-century poem “Parlement of Foules,” Chaucer wrote: “For this was on seynt Volantynys day. Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.” After that, European nobility took the bird-mating season as a time to send love notes.

In Hamlet, written around 1599–1601, Shakespeare mentions Saint Valentine’s Day as a symbol for lovers, Ophelia citing the folklore tale that the first girl seen by a man on Valentine’s Day would be his true love:

Tomorrow is Saint Valentine’s day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.

Valentine’s Day became closely associated with poetry thanks to Chaucer and Shakespeare. In 1797, a British publisher released The Young Man’s Valentine Writer to help lovers compose their prose. Soon, those who could afford to, sent printed cards, flowers, and chocolates to their loves. While the origins of Valentine’s Day are rooted in the UK, customs sprang up worldwide.

During the Victorian era (1820-1914), reduced postage rates, the invention of postage stamps, and the ability of printers to make “mechanical valentines” significantly increased the rate at which lovers exchanged cards.

The British posted 400,000 Valentines in 1841; by 1871, that number had grown to 1.2 million. Although some cards were purchased pre-made, others were built with care from lace, ribbon, and paper, illustrations and pictures, bits of mirror, hair, seashells, and glass. Even Queen Victoria supposedly sent Valentine’s to her servant John Brown (after the death of her husband Prince Albert).

In America, the holiday was slower to catch on. Then, in 1849, Esther Howland, a 19-year-old graduate of Mount Holyoke College, got an idea after receiving an elaborate Valentine.

American Valentines were cheap, the fancy ones expensively imported from overseas. Esther asked her father, owner of a large bookstore and stationery store, to purchase $200 of supplies from New York, Germany, and England to produce a dozen Valentine designs. She asked her brother to collect interest in the designs while away on a business trip, hoping to make back the $200 spent. Instead, she received over $5000 in orders. Esther quickly recruited her friends and made an assembly line in her home to begin production.

By 1864, ‘outposts’ opened in Ohio and Nevada, selling her New England Valentine’s Company cards, nearly monopolizing the American Valentine market. Today, Howland’s Valentines are a sought-after collector’s item, and Howland is known not only as the “Mother of the American Valentine” but also as New England’s first career woman.

On February 4th, 1867, The New York Times wrote that in 1862, post offices in New York City had accepted 21,260 Valentines for delivery. 1863 showed a slight increase, but the number fell to 15,924 the year after. However, in 1865, perhaps with bitter memories of the war starting to fade, New Yorkers mailed more than 66,000 Valentines and more than 86,000 the following year.

Hallmark first began offering Valentine’s Cards in 1913. Today, Hallmark estimates an estimated 145 million Valentines are exchanged every year.

While Valentine’s Day is as popular as ever, celebrating has moved away from cards and often focuses on trips or nights out. Yet for the Bibliophile in your life, nothing could touch their heart more than a carefully selected book.

Resources

The ‘real’ St. Valentine was no patron of love
Who Was the Real St. Valentine? The Many Myths Behind the Inspiration for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day in the Victorian Era
History of St. Valentine’s Day in the 1800s
History of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day
Met Museum – Esther Howland’s Collection

The post Welcome to Valentine’s Day -When Saints are Beheaded and Birds Mate appeared first on Bibliology.

Collecting self-help books may seem paradoxical to some. As one skeptical Bibliophile commented, “No thank you – I read real books.” However, these books’ enduring allure and profound impact cannot be dismissed. Dating back to ancient texts on spirituality such as the Bible, Bhavadgita, Tao Te Ching, and the works of Greek and Roman philosophers, the wisdom encapsulated within the pages of these texts has been cherished and passed down through generations, enhancing their desirability as collectibles.

Below are ten valuable books you want to add to your collection this year.

The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (2nd Century)

Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, left behind his personal notebooks known as “Meditations.” These writings delve into Stoic Philosophy, offering guidance on mastering one’s thoughts and emotions and relinquishing control over external forces. While the only original manuscript is safeguarded at the Vatican Library, collectors can find beautifully crafted editions from Easton Press, Franklin Library, Claredon Press, Oxford, The Folio Society, and Peter Pauper Press. The recommended translation is by Gregory Hayes. Claredon Press, Oxford released a 2-volume scholarly edition in 1968 with the Greek and English texts opposite each other in the first volume and detailed commentary on the Greek text in the second.

Autobiography (1790) Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, a man of prodigious accomplishments, documented his learned wisdom in his memoirs. Serving as a valuable personal development text, it imparts insights on record-keeping, cultivating positive habits, effective planning, and continuous self-growth. The actual first edition was published in France as Memoires in 1791. The first British edition appeared in 1793, and the first American in 1794. Franklin wrote four parts to his Autobiography, which were combined in different aspects over the years. In 1818, Franklin’s grandson William Temple Franklin edited Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin which included his Autobiography along with over thirty other Franklin pieces published by Henry Colburn in London. The famous Lakeside Press edition was first published during Christmas 1903.

Self-Reliance (1841) Ralph Waldo Emerson

First published in his 1841 collection, Essays: First Series, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” points to the importance of being true to yourself and finding happiness and peace in discovering and following personal values. Roycroft Press printed a limited hand-press edition of 100 copies, which was printed and signed by Elbert Hubbard in 1902.

Walden (1854) Thoreau

Extolled as a manual on how to lead a good life, Walden by Henry David Thoreau is considered a self-help book on gaining fulfillment and meaning through personal freedom. A landmark of American literature and transcendentalism, Walden, or Life in the Woods is Thoreau’s quest for spiritual over material: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

Self-Help (1859) by Samuel Smiles

Samuel Smiles’ “Self-Help” achieved immediate success upon its 1859 release, becoming a bestseller. This influential work paved the way for later self-help classics and remains a sought-after collectible. Twenty thousand copies of Self-Help were sold within the first year of publication. Initially published by John Murray in London, over two hundred and seventy thousand copies were sold by the end of the 19th Century.

Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden (1894)

As an orphaned teenager, Marden discovered Self-Help by Samuel Smiles, which changed his life. After earning multiple degrees, he went on to be a successful hotel owner. Then in his forties, he published Pushing to the Front, which was an instant success. The self-help classic, subtitled Success under Difficulties, provides guidance and inspiration on achieving greatness despite obstacles.

How to Win Friends and Influence People (1936) Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends and Influence People has sold over 15 million copies. Simon and Schuster published a modest initial print run of just 3,000 copies in 1936, making first editions with dust jackets exceedingly scarce. Even without the dust jacket, first printings run over $10,000 depending on condition. The book went through 17 printings in the first year alone and sold 250,000 copies in the first three months. It is number 8 on the New York Public Library’s Top 10 Checkouts of All Time list, reflecting its enduring impact.

Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book (1949) by Bill Wilson

First published in 1939, The Big Book is the basic textbook for Alcoholics Anonymous, outlining the 12 steps to sobriety. A way of life for many who have regained their life, it is considered one of the most influential books of the 20th Century. There were 4,730 copies in the first printing, which took two years to sell out. The second printing of the first edition was published in March 1941 after a March 1, 1941, article in The Saturday Evening Post, “Alcoholics Anonymous: Freed Slaves of Drink, Now They Free Others,” that gained AA notice. Today, collectors are looking at more than a $50,000 price tag if the first edition is in fine condition with a dust jacket. Those missing the jacket can be bought for significantly less. There were sixteen printings of the 1st edition of the Big Book. The second edition was printed in 1955. The most recent edition is the fourth. Overall, the book has sold over 30 million copies.

Think and Grow Rich (1937) by Napoleon Hill

Inspired by Andrew Carnegie, Napoleon Hill wrote Think and Grow Rich during the Great Depression, publishing the book through the Ralston Society in 1937. Many personal development coaches today cite this book as a must-read to inspire personal success. A first edition of this best-selling book with a dust jacket can fetch upwards of $20,000.

The Art of Loving (1956) by Erich Fromm

Psychoanalyst Erich Fromm’s third book, The Art of Loving, was a groundbreaking international bestseller showing millions of readers how to achieve rich, productive lives by developing their capacities for love. The first edition, published by Harper & Brothers Publishers in 1956, with a price-stamped dust jacket of $2.75, sells for a few thousand dollars today.

Want more? Click here

Resources:
The 8 Best Vintage Self-Improvement Books

The post An Inspired Collection: Top 10 Personal Development Books to Invest in appeared first on Bibliology.

If you are reading this guide, you may have already fallen for the beauty, historical significance, and educational value of maps. There is also a high probability that you are already a map collector but are seeking to build your collection. To help you navigate the ins and outs of your new passion, we have prepared this guide with the basics of map collecting.

Understanding the Basics of Map Collecting

Historically significant, beautiful, and intellectually stimulating, maps provide a great deal of enjoyment, which is why people collect them. Eye-catching and extraordinary, some antique maps are significant and remarkable in how they were made and what they represent.
Maps teach us about history, politics, religion, technology, and sociology. At the same time, they take us to other lands and other times.

It will require some time studying to get into the world of antique maps, as there is a wide range of prices, terminology, and mapmakers. But once you learn the basics, and with the help of the map-collecting community, you will be ready to curate your own.

There are some things you need to consider:

Map Sizes

The majority of maps available to collectors today are printed maps that were originally bound into books and atlases. Those that are from atlases were usually folded in half so they could fit into the binding. This type of map is called a double-page map, and they have a centerfold. Of course, there are also other sizes such as single-page and partial-page maps. Map sizes are sometimes given as folio, quarto, or octavo.

Terminology

Some terms used to describe maps come from the antiquarian book world. Still, there are many others you should get familiar with:

• Borders: the area that frames the map
• Neatline: the outermost line
• Margin: the space between the neatline and the edge of the paper
• Cartouche: the place where the name of the map is located
• Scale: the ratio between a distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the Earth’s surface.
• Compass rose: it indicates where the North is
• Recto and verso: The front side of the map is called the recto while the back is the verso
• Types of copies: a reproduction copy is a modern copy of an old map. On the other hand, a facsimile is made with great attention to simulating the original and is designed to be as close to the original as possible.

Condition

When you are a novice in the field, the best way to familiarize yourself with condition terms is to examine as many maps as possible. Maps are graded according to the codes adopted from The Antique Map Price Record & Handbook 1998. The range goes from excellent to poor condition. As it happens with books, the items’ preservation state is not the only variable to take into account. Scarcity and rarity also influence the market value of the maps.

Identifying Your Niche: Building Your Map Collection

You could follow cartographic trends, but the most common advice when you are planning your map collection is that it should be personal. It is important to choose a focal topic and stick with it. Popular collecting includes: tracing your familiar provenance, choosing places you have traveled, or a time of history that sparks your intellectual curiosity. Once you have chosen a topic that resonates with you and your interests, it’s time to shop!

Let’s discuss the financial aspects

The market for antique maps has something for every budget. Some vintage cartography has the reputation of being expensive. The reality is that there are many types of maps and not all cost a fortune. It becomes expensive if you are looking for the rarest or more exceptional items of cartography, but map collecting can be quite an affordable hobby. For instance, 19th-century maps can usually be found at reasonable prices. During that time, maps and atlases became common household items, and they were widely printed and distributed. Another affordable niche is miniature maps.

Nevertheless, as mentioned, several variables affect the value of a map. There are 16th-century maps on the market for under $200, and you can also find 19th-century ones valued at several thousand dollars.

Where to Find Treasure: Navigating the Map Market

Here at BIBLIO, we host over 7,500 bookstores, including specialists in maps. You can check them out here:

The first piece of advice for newbies in map collecting is to find reputable sellers, institutions, or auction houses specializing in maps to ensure you are buying authentic pieces. The map-collecting community is so friendly and welcoming, and a reputable dealer can guide you through the ins and outs of your new hobby, and help you understand the historical map valuation and the basics of rare map acquisitions.

There are also several map fairs in cities such as Miami, San Francisco, London, and Paris, where dealers worldwide showcase their collections. Take a look, for instance, at the London Map Fair at the Royal Geographical Society, the yearly Miami International Map Fair, and the biennial International Conference for the History of Cartography.

If you can’t attend the fairs, their websites are a great source of information on reputable sellers you can contact. You can also search for specialized sellers in professional associations such as the ABAA (The Antiquarian Bookseller Association of America), in which members are subject to strict professional and ethical standards.

Preserving Your Precious Finds: Map Conservation Tips

It wasn’t until the 19th century that cotton and linen rags were replaced by wood pulp as the main ingredient in paper. That change resulted in a thinner, more fragile paper and affected how condition problems are evaluated nowadays. For example, you can find in the market an old map from the 18th century in a much better state because of the thicker durable material it was made from than one with 100 years old. And that’s something specialists take into consideration when buying modern maps as minor issues are expected.

Some of the most common condition issues on many maps that generally don’t decrease their value significantly are age spots, light soiling, minor creases, small worn holes, and faint damp stains. As happens with books, many of these minor issues can be repaired by professional paper conservators, who can also give you some advice about map conservation techniques.

How to Store your Map Collection

Do you have enough maps to consider it a collection? Then it’s time to catalog and store them.. First and foremost, be gentle when handling them: touch your maps with your hands clean in a clean work environment, don’t use paper clips or other fasteners, and avoid ink to make any mark or inscription.

As happens with books, you have to store your maps in a cool, relatively dry room, avoiding exposure to any kind of direct light or heat. File maps flat when possible. Store them unfolded if you are going to place them in a drawer. Acidic papers should be individually stored to prevent the migration of acids into other works. There are alkaline buffered storage materials that neutralize acids, but be aware that some paper can be sensitive to alkaline pH. You can purchase from preservation suppliers folders, boxes, polyester film sleeves, and many other materials according to your needs.

Professional associations have many resources to help you out with conservation. You can check these:

The Storage and Conservation of Maps guide from The Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers

Helpful Hints for Small Map Collections from the American Library Association

Map Librarians’ Toolbox from the Western Association of Map Libraries

The post A Guide to Getting Started in Map Collecting appeared first on Bibliology.

A list of books for every family member on your list, because you have to buy them something, even enigmatic Uncle Ned.

For Mom – Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This novel combines mystery, romance, and a deep connection to nature. It’s a poignant story that will resonate with Mom’s love for immersive storytelling and beautiful prose.

For Dad – The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

A gripping and inspirational tale of the American rowing team’s journey to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It’s a story of determination, teamwork, and the power of the human spirit that Dad will likely find captivating.

For Sister – Circe by Madeline Miller

A modern retelling of Greek mythology, focusing on the enchantress Circe. This book is a beautifully written exploration of power, identity, and the complexities of family relationships, perfect for a sister with a love for mythology.

For Brother – Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

A thrilling adventure set in a dystopian future where virtual reality is a way of life. Packed with ’80s pop culture references and an exciting quest, it’s a page-turner that will appeal to your brother’s love for gaming and nostalgia.

For Younger Sister (Teen) – The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

A powerful and relevant novel that tackles important social issues. This coming-of-age story is both compelling and thought-provoking, making it a great choice for a socially conscious younger sister.

For Younger Brother (Teen) – Eragon by Christopher Paolini

The first book in the “Inheritance Cycle” series, this fantasy epic is filled with dragons, magic, and a young hero’s journey. It’s perfect for a younger brother who enjoys immersive fantasy worlds.

For Grandma – The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

A historical novel set during World War II, focusing on the resilience of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France. This emotionally charged story will resonate with Grandma’s appreciation for historical fiction and strong female characters.

For Grandpa – The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

A classic novella that explores themes of endurance and the indomitable spirit of man. It’s a timeless tale of an aging fisherman’s battle with a giant marlin, perfect for Grandpa’s love of classic literature.

For Uncle Ned – The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

This fantasy novel follows the life of Kvothe, a gifted young musician and magician. Filled with magic, music, and a compelling narrative, it’s a book that Uncle Ned might find enchanting and immersive.

The post The Best Books for Every Member of your Family This Holiday Season (including Uncle Ned) appeared first on Bibliology.

Books as decoration – what makes a book a coffee table book?

Coffee table books are oversized, visually striking books designed to be displayed on coffee tables, bookshelves, or any prominent surface. They feature lavish images, captivating illustrations, and engaging content on various subjects, including art, photography, fashion, travel, design, and more, made for casual flipping through rather than in-depth reading. They are eye-catching and meant for display. While they may cover a range of topics, the common thread is their emphasis on aesthetics and the ability to spark conversation. Historically called ‘nonbooks,’ ‘parlor books,’ and ‘illustrative books,” the term “coffee table book” reportedly made its first appearance in a 1961 issue of Arts Magazine, although they existed more than a hundred years before the now commonplace term was put into play.

And now, as our lives are increasingly digitized and ephemeral, a solid, heavy pronouncement of identity and interest in paper and pictures is more important than ever. Bolder than books on a bookshelf, you can’t help but notice items laid out on a table as if recently browsed.

Coffee table books are all about expressing style and individuality. In interior design, coffee table books are the unsung heroes of décor. Not only do they provide a captivating visual feast, but they also offer a glimpse into your personality and interests. A carefully selected coffee table book can turn your living room into a stylish and conversation-starting haven, enhancing the visual appeal of a space and providing inspiration and entertainment for guests and residents alike. In this blog, we will explore the best coffee table books that are aesthetically pleasing and intellectually enriching.

Things to consider when buying coffee table books

Like any collectible book, one of the most significant considerations is condition. The heaviness of these items often calls for additional shipping and extra care in packaging. These books are expensive to produce, and often, publishers will only print limited copies, making some out-of-print titles highly sought after and valued. The best-selling coffee table book ever was Sex by Madonna, selling more than 1.5 million copies (there were 1 million copies in the initial print run). Still, most coffee table books don’t print anywhere close to that number of copies. Less popular or outdated titles, such as those about cities and countries in the travel category, can be found at library sales and thrift stores for inexpensive amounts but are still highly treasured by the purchaser.

Who do coffee table books make the perfect gift for?

Combining gorgeous looks and inherent wisdom, coffee table books are an ideal present for partners, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, bosses, employees, kids, grandparents, friends, and enemies. Below are some common areas of interest and popular titles to get you started or continue your exquisite collection.

Pop Culture

Pop culture is one of the most fun and popular coffee table book genres. From Barbie to butts, tattoos, haircuts, and beards, you can find a coffee table book for any whim of your fancy. Packed with glossy images and fascinating anecdotes, these books are a conversation starter and a delightful journey through nostalgic moments that have shaped our cultural landscape.

Madonna’s Sex sold over 150,000 copies on the day of its release on Oct. 21, 1992, and topped The New York Times Best Seller list for three consecutive weeks. In only a few days, more than 1.5 million copies were sold worldwide, becoming the best-selling coffee table book ever.

Film enthusiasts and Wes Anderson fans will appreciate The Wes Anderson Collection (2013) by Matt Zoller Seitz, published by Abrams Books. This book delves deep into the director’s creative process, with interviews, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and stunning visuals from his films from Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Moonrise Kingdom.

Photography

Photography is the perfect subject for coffee table books, and many famous photographers showcase their art in this medium.

Helmut Newton’s SUMO (1999) was the first release in Taschen’s legendary SUMO series, named for their size. The book is 20” x 28” inches and weighs 66 pounds; a custom stand is made specifically for the book. Other Taschen SUMO editions include Annie Leibovitz and David Hockney.

Peter Beard was famous for his photographs of African wildlife, starting with The End of the Game in 1965. Another beautiful edition by Beard is Zara’s Tales: Perilous Escapades in Equatorial Africa.

Vivian Maier’s work as a street photographer remained undiscovered for decades, but her talent is undeniable. Vivian Maier: Street Photographer is a collection of her extraordinary photographs, capturing the beauty of everyday life. This book is a testament to the power of hidden artistic gems.

Fashion

Many of the most captivating photography books are those dealing with fashion – from the runways of Paris to the streets of Tokyo. Showcasing the evolution of fashion through stunning visuals, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the iconic personalities who shape the industry – it’s not just a book; it’s a front-row seat to the runway of style.

Vanity Fair 100 Years: From the Jazz Age to Our Age by Graydon Carter is a time capsule that showcases a century of glamour and cultural evolution. From iconic celebrity portraits to captivating feature articles, this book is a portal into the magazine’s rich history, offering a glimpse of the past that will inspire and delight guests.

For fashion enthusiasts and admirers of the iconic Chanel brand, Chanel: Collections and Creations is a must-have. This book beautifully showcases the fashion house’s rich history, highlighting the genius of Coco Chanel through her timeless creations and their evolution.

Many other favorite designers have books as well, like Ralph Lauren, In His Own Fashion (2019 Abrams Books) and A Way of Living (2023 Rizzoli) and Tom Ford. Ford helped transform Gucci into a well-known luxury brand, and this book showcases the transformation and essential role he played in fashion.

Mihaela Noroc’s The Atlas of Beauty is a photographic masterpiece celebrating the diversity of women around the world. Through captivating portraits and personal stories, Noroc’s work conveys the idea that beauty knows no boundaries. It’s a moving and visually stunning book that promotes inclusivity and appreciation for different cultures.

Peter Lindbergh was a German fashion photographer. His cover for Vogue in 1989, featuring Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Tatjana Patitz, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington, is said to have launched the era of the SuperModel. Lindbergh’s first book was 10 Women, which came out in 1996, and sold over 100,00 copies. Another essential is Peter Lindbergh: On Fashion Photography.

Art and Artists

Whether you’re an art connoisseur or a casual admirer, coffee table books about art and artists will invite you to stroll through the galleries of renowned museums and explore the brilliant minds who shaped the course of art history. Elevate your coffee table into a personal exhibition space, where every turn of the page invites you to immerse yourself in the boundless beauty of human creativity.

Ernest Gombrich’s The Story of Art, first published in 1950, has sold 8 million copies. For art lovers, The Art Book by Phaidon is a must-have. This comprehensive guide features one thousand of the world’s most influential artists, with high-quality images of one of their iconic works. It’s an art lover’s dream, sparking conversations and insights into the creative world.

Pop artist Andy Warhol is featured in multiple coffee table books, from the affordable Taschen edition Andy Warhol, 1928-1987, part of the Basic Art Series_ to Assouline’s Andy Warhol: The Impossible Collection, a handcrafted limited edition in a luxury clamshell case.

Frida Kahlo is also featured in an affordable Taschen edition.

Another popular art coffee table book is The Louvre: All the Paintings by Vincent Pomarède. This book compiles every painting in the Louvre’s collection, with high-resolution images and detailed descriptions. It’s like having a mini Louvre at your fingertips.

More complicated to classify, but we’re throwing it in the art category, the Codex Seraphinianus, created by Italian artist Luigi Serafini in 1981, is a cryptic and visually stunning encyclopedia of an imaginary world. With invented language and surreal illustrations, the book explores flora, fauna, technology, and culture in a dreamlike manner. Its enigmatic nature has made it a cult classic, inviting endless interpretations and speculation about its meaning, or if it has one at all. The Codex Seraphinianus remains a captivating and mystifying work that sparks curiosity and wonder.

Architecture

From iconic skyscrapers to historic landmarks, coffee table books on architecture invite you to explore the stories behind the buildings that define our landscapes. Celebrate construction’s artistry and its impact on our lives with these awe-inspiring picks.

Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style (2019) includes stunning images from the magazine’s history, including personal spaces of celebrities and the work of top designers and architects.

World Architecture: The Masterworks by Will Pryce (2008, 2012) published by Thames & Hudson, includes 105 buildings in 24 countries and follows the architectural history of the world’s masterworks.

Music

From jazz to rock, hip-hop to classical, the stories of legendary artists and the artistry of album art come to life in a crescendo of visual delight with gorgeous illustrated books about music. Whether it’s concert photography, album covers, iconic faces, or explorations of instruments and genres, there is a rich symphony of options to fill your space with rhythm and melody captured in a book.

Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop explores four decades of Hip-Hop’s effect on fashion, politics, race relations, and culture.

Polling the industry’s most celebrated artists, producers, executives, and journalists, Rolling Stone: The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time is a comprehensive list first published in 2005, updated in 2012, and again in 2022 – although many classic hits stayed the same. The book includes hundreds of images and lots of information for music lovers.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, cause who doesn’t love Dolly?

Sports

Sports enthusiasts will love a captivating book featuring their favorite game or athlete.

Greatest of All Time: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali, published by Taschen, is the GOAT of coffee table books. Described as “the biggest, heaviest, most radiant thing ever printed in the history of civilization,” The Collector’s Edition weighs over 75 pounds. It is bound by the official bindery of the Vatican in pink leather. Muhammad Ali and Jeff Koons signed each of the 9,000 copies. There is also a sized-down version that is much more affordable and only 15 pounds.

For the baseball enthusiast, Ballparks: A Journey Through the Fields of the Past, Present, and Future by Eric Enders provides a history of every park in the Major Leagues, accompanied by photographs, stats, stories, and even a tear-out list of ballparks to visit.

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play (2018) is a testament to the legacy Kobe Bryant wanted to leave behind. Bryant’s detailed account of how he trained physically and mentally to become a great basketball player, accompanied by stunning photos of his career, makes this a perfect shot of inspiration for any player or NBA fan.

The style and culture of tennis are showcased in the fashionable book The Stylish Life: Tennis (2015). Featuring chic players and fancy courts, this book is meant to be seen.

Taschen’s first limited edition of 1000 signed copies of surfer Leroy Grannis’ book, Leroy Grannis: Surf Photography of the 1960s and 1970s, published in 2006, sold out. You can still find a few on the market, but there’s also a more affordable reprint.

Cars

If classic cars are more your style, plenty of visually stunning coffee table books celebrate the sleek lines, powerful engines, and timeless allure of cars. Immerse yourself in automotive design, history, and innovation with these captivating titles that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the mind. You can find titles on specific favorite vehicles like Rolls-Royce or Ferrari or general books on the design and passion of automobiles. Below are a few favorites.

100 Cars That Changed the World: The Designs, Engines, and Technologies That Drive Our Imaginations

Muscle & Chrome: Classic American Cars

A Man and His Car: Iconic Cars and Stories from the Men Who Love Them

Holy Halls: The Secret Car Collection of Mercedes Benz

Food and Drink

For those who favor food and drink over bats and balls, these BIBLIO picks are just as varied and appetizing. Wine and cocktail enthusiasts can find inspiration in our posts ‘Best Books About Wine’ and ‘Classic Cocktail Books that Dazzle the Eyes.’

The World Atlas of Coffee is a visually pleasing and informative book for the coffee connoisseur. James Hoffmann takes readers on a journey through the world’s coffee-growing regions, offering insights into the history, culture, and science of coffee production. The beautiful illustrations make it a perfect fit for your coffee table.

Where Chef’s Eat: A Guide to Chef’s Favorite Restaurants, published by Phaidon, is an excellent pick for foodies on the go. Coined as “The Ultimate Insiders Guide,” three editions of the book, the last one published in 2018, has thousands of recommendations on restaurants around the world from hundreds of the best chefs.

For those who prefer their meals at home – Flavor Thesaurus: A Compendium of Pairings, Recipes, and Ideas for the Creative Cook offers inspiration for the cook who has everything.

Nature

If getting outside tickles your fancy, the nature photography and exploration offered in coffee table books will not disappoint.

Often referred to as the first ‘coffee-table’ book, In Wilderness is the Preservation of the World pairs Eliot Porter’s photography with Henry David Thoreau’s words. First published by the Sierra Club in 1962 to bring public consciousness to environmental causes, the work still resonates in both words and images today.

The Art and Science of Ernst Haeckel, published in 2017 by Taschen, celebrates the scientific, artistic, and environmental importance of the German-born naturalist and artist Ernest Haeckel. His detailed drawings explored the science of living things and the theory of evolution.

National Geographic is renowned for its breathtaking photography. Two key volumes, National Geographic: The Photographs and Rarely Seen, are sure bets for nature enthusiasts. National Geographic: The Photographs compiles the most powerful and awe-inspiring images from the magazine’s extensive history. It’s an immersive journey into diverse cultures, wildlife, and landscapes. Rarely See takes readers on a visual journey through some of the world’s most extraordinary and rarely witnessed natural wonders and human creations.

Travel

Nothing is better captured in a gorgeous photograph than unique places to visit. Even if you never leave your house, a coffee table book can make you feel like you’ve been to far-off places and inspire you to start planning an epic trip of your own. Here is a little list of excellent books to begin your journey.

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small (2017) is the perfect book for both globe-trotters and armchair travelers. It is filled with recommendations for experiencing cultures, the natural world, culinary delights across the planet, and over 300 photographs to illustrate the wonder of it all. There are also companion books The Bucket List Wild, The Family Bucket List, and The Bucket List North America.

Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York is a photographic treasure that captures the diverse and fascinating tapestry of New York City’s inhabitants. Stunning portraits and heartwarming stories engage visitors with their intimate look into the lives of strangers and the unique connections that bind humanity.

Los Angeles: Portrait of a City is part of Tashen’s ‘Portrait of a City’ series that covered Berlin, Los Angeles, Paris, London, New York, Vienna, Rome, San Francisco,

Nashville: Scenes from the New American South with words by Ann Patchett and photographs by Heidi Ross; this book is excellent for fans of Patchett’s work or those interested in Southern cities and country music.

And the quintessential travel book – an Atlas of the World, is a perfect present for any age. National Geographic and Oxford both have gorgeous in-depth editions. Or choose a Family Reference Atlas of the World for a more affordable pick for children.

Books

If nothing else suits their fancy, books about books are always a great bet.

Bibliophile – An Illustrated Miscellany by Jane Mount has been a popular gift book since its release in 2018 by Chronicle Books.

Collectors can live the book dream through Bibliostyle: How We Live at Home with Books by Nina Freudenberger and Sadie Stein, with photographs by Shade Degges featuring inspiring collections from around the world.

Do You Read Me?: Bookstores Around the World (2020) features beautiful, successful, and innovative bookshops across different cultures and countries – destinations for those seeking engagement and knowledge.

Along the same vein – Bookstores: A Celebration of Independent Booksellers (2021) by Horst A. Friedrichs and Stuart Husband also takes readers on a photographic journey across the world through the book trade.

Popular Publishers of Coffee Table Books

Founded in Vienna in 1923, Phaidon was one of the first publishers of large art books when they released large-format publications of Van Gogh, Botticelli and French Impressionists in 1937.

Assouline, founded in Paris in 1994, is “the first luxury brand on culture.”

Taschen started publishing accessible and eclectic books in 1980. They also have a popular collection of risque books in their “body parts series.”

Rizzoli New York became a publishing operation from the Rizzoli Bookstore, which started on Fifth Avenue in New York in 1964. It focuses on fashion, interior design, culinary, art, architecture, and photography on the high end, like its Fifth Avenue neighbors Tiffany’s, Saks, and Cartier.

gestalten was established in Berlin in the 1990s, focusing on graphic design. Since then, the company has expanded to cover design and art themes and books about architecture, food culture, travel, motorbikes, and bicycles.

The perfect present – for a loved one or yourself!

Incorporating these coffee table books into your living space will elevate your décor and provide endless inspiration and conversation starters for your guests. So, whether you’re an art lover, a travel enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who appreciates stunning visuals, there’s a coffee table book perfect for your home. Make a statement and infuse your living room with style and substance by choosing one or more of these incredible coffee table books.

Need More? Living With Books: 10 Books on Biblio Style

Resources:
Coffee Table Books: Their Origin, Precursors, and Rise to Popularity
When Did We All Become Obsessed with Coffee Table Books?

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