Behind the Carousel Horse: Delving into ‘Catcher in the Rye’ and Salinger’s Legend.

Behind the Carousel Horse: Delving into ‘Catcher in the Rye’ and Salinger’s Legend.

By James O'Donnell | March 14, 2024 | Comments Off on Behind the Carousel Horse: Delving into ‘Catcher in the Rye’ and Salinger’s Legend.

J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” stands as a towering monument in the literary landscape, its influence spanning generations since its publication in 1951. Through the lens of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield, the novel explores themes of alienation, innocence, and the search for authenticity in a world that often feels phony. Yet, beyond its…

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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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Exploring the Magical World of Maurice Sendak

Exploring the Magical World of Maurice Sendak

By Grace Alvarez | February 3, 2024 | Comments Off on Exploring the Magical World of Maurice Sendak

Maurice Sendak, a literary maestro and illustrator extraordinaire, left an indelible mark on the world of children’s literature. Born on June 10, 1928, Sendak’s creative genius blossomed through a career that spanned over five decades. Best known for his iconic work “Where the Wild Things Are,” Sendak’s contributions extend far beyond one beloved tale.  …

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Albert Camus: A Literary Maverick

Albert Camus: A Literary Maverick

By Grace Alvarez | January 27, 2024 | Comments Off on Albert Camus: A Literary Maverick

Albert Camus, a prominent French philosopher and writer, left an indelible mark on the literary world with his existentialist philosophy and compelling works. Born in 1913 in Algeria, Camus’s life and writings reflect a unique blend of diverse influences. Let’s delve into the life and legacy of this literary maverick.     Camus’s upbringing in…

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Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Mystery and Melancholy

Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Mystery and Melancholy

By Grace Alvarez | January 24, 2024 | Comments Off on Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Mystery and Melancholy

Edgar Allan Poe, a literary icon of the 19th century, is renowned for his tales of mystery, macabre, and melancholy. Born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachussetts, Poe’s life was as enigmatic as his stories. His works, characterized by dark atmospheres and psychological depth, have left an indelible mark on the world of literature.…

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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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In the News: Palm Beach TV Sundays: Raptis Rare Books on Worth Avenue.

In the News: Palm Beach TV Sundays: Raptis Rare Books on Worth Avenue.

By Adrienne Raptis | September 19, 2023 | Comments Off on In the News: Palm Beach TV Sundays: Raptis Rare Books on Worth Avenue.

Matthew and Adrienne Raptis of Raptis Rare Books were recently featured in the Palm Beach Civic Association‘s Palm Beach TV Sunday Newscast which highlights the unique lifestyle of Palm Beach. Palm Beach TV Sundays: September 17, 2023 HUMAN INTEREST | OUR TOWN | September 15, 2023 Leave the fast-paced world behind as we step inside Raptis Rare Books…

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Sylvia Plath: America’s Modern Tragic Poetess.

Sylvia Plath: America’s Modern Tragic Poetess.

By Grace Alvarez | August 24, 2023 | Comments Off on Sylvia Plath: America’s Modern Tragic Poetess.

Sylvia Plath was born in the fall of 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts to parents of Austrian and German descent. Destined to become one of the foremost writers of her time and genre, she was born into an intellectual household. Her father was an entomologist, professor of biology, and scientific author. Plath herself began showing her…

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Gabriel García Márquez: Master of Magical Realism

Gabriel García Márquez: Master of Magical Realism

By Grace Alvarez | July 18, 2023 | Comments Off on Gabriel García Márquez: Master of Magical Realism

Gabriel José de la Concordia García Márquez, born on March 6th, 1927, was a Colombian novelist, short-story writer, journalist, and screenwriter who cemented himself in history as one of the most significant and influential authors of the 20th century, particularly in the Spanish language. In 1972, he was awarded the Neustadt International Prize for literature…

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