Celebrating the Birthday of Gabriel García Márquez, and exploring the Magical Realism of his fascinating work.

Celebrating the Birthday of Gabriel García Márquez, and exploring the Magical Realism of his fascinating work.

By James O'Donnell | March 6, 2024 | Comments Off on Celebrating the Birthday of Gabriel García Márquez, and exploring the Magical Realism of his fascinating work.

Gabriel García Márquez, often hailed as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, is celebrated for his mastery of magical realism. Born in Colombia in 1927, García Márquez infused his works with a unique blend of reality and fantasy, captivating readers worldwide with his vivid storytelling and rich narrative tapestries. In this blog…

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Preserving the Art of Bookbinding: A Journey through the History of the Harcourt Bindery

Preserving the Art of Bookbinding: A Journey through the History of the Harcourt Bindery

By James O'Donnell | March 1, 2024 | Comments Off on Preserving the Art of Bookbinding: A Journey through the History of the Harcourt Bindery

In the bustling streets of turn-of-the-century Boston, amidst the flourishing arts scene, the craft of bookbinding enjoyed a certain prominence. This was an era marked by the private press movement, with figures like Daniel B. Updike and Frederic W. Goudy making significant contributions to typography and book design. Associations such as the New England Bookbinders…

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

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

By James O'Donnell | February 20, 2024 | Comments Off on 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 the…

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An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith: A Timeless Exploration of Economic Principles

An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith: A Timeless Exploration of Economic Principles

By Grace Alvarez | January 30, 2024 | Comments Off on An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith: A Timeless Exploration of Economic Principles

Adam Smith’s seminal work, “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations,” remains a cornerstone in economic literature, offering profound insights into the nature of wealth, commerce, and the functioning of economies. Published in 1776, Smith’s magnum opus laid the foundation for modern economic thought and continues to influence scholars, policymakers,…

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Martin Luther King Jr.: A Beacon of Hope and Equality

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Beacon of Hope and Equality

By Grace Alvarez | January 13, 2024 | Comments Off on Martin Luther King Jr.: A Beacon of Hope and Equality

Martin Luther King Jr., a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, left an indelible mark on history through his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolent protest. King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. Raised in a middle-class family, he excelled academically and eventually pursued a doctorate in systematic theology.…

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The Visionary Legacy of Theodor Herzl: Architect of Modern Zionism

The Visionary Legacy of Theodor Herzl: Architect of Modern Zionism

By Grace Alvarez | January 6, 2024 | Comments Off on The Visionary Legacy of Theodor Herzl: Architect of Modern Zionism

Theodor Herzl, a name etched in the annals of history, is hailed as the visionary architect of modern Zionism. Born in Budapest in 1860, Herzl’s profound impact on the course of Jewish history and the establishment of the State of Israel is immeasurable. His life’s work, culminating in the publication of “The Jewish State” in…

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The Legacy of Enzo Ferrari: Mastermind Behind the Horse

The Legacy of Enzo Ferrari: Mastermind Behind the Horse

By Grace Alvarez | November 30, 2023 | Comments Off on The Legacy of Enzo Ferrari: Mastermind Behind the Horse

Enzo Ferrari, a name synonymous with speed, elegance, and motorsport excellence, left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Born on February 20, 1898, in Modena, Italy, Ferrari’s journey from a racing enthusiast to the founder of one of the most iconic luxury sports car brands is nothing short of extraordinary.     Ferrari’s passion…

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Neil Armstrong: Modern American Hero

Neil Armstrong: Modern American Hero

By Grace Alvarez | October 4, 2023 | Comments Off on Neil Armstrong: Modern American Hero

Neil Armstrong was born in August of 1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio with dreams of taking flight from a young age. At two years old, his father took him to the Cleveland Air Races, inspiring the young Armstrong to someday take to the sky himself. At five or six, he had the opportunity to fly for…

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J. Robert Oppenheimer: Father of the Atomic Bomb.

J. Robert Oppenheimer: Father of the Atomic Bomb.

By Grace Alvarez | September 26, 2023 | Comments Off on J. Robert Oppenheimer: Father of the Atomic Bomb.

Born in the spring of 1904 in New York City, J. Robert Oppenheimer was an American theoretical physicist and the director of the Manhattan Project’s Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Harvard University in 1925 and a doctorate in physics from from the University…

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In the News: A Blueprint for Early America: Owen Biddle’s 1806 Book, The Young Carpenter’s Assistant.

In the News: A Blueprint for Early America: Owen Biddle’s 1806 Book, The Young Carpenter’s Assistant.

By Susan Christiansen | June 27, 2023 | Comments Off on In the News: A Blueprint for Early America: Owen Biddle’s 1806 Book, The Young Carpenter’s Assistant.

Raptis Rare Books was recently featured in the July/August 2023 issue of The Magazine Antiques in the article: A Blueprint for Early America: Owen Biddle’s 1806 Book, The Young Carpenter’s Assistant by Benjamin Davidson and Pippa Biddle. Read the full article here.            

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