Their Eyes Were Watching God

Black History Month: 10 essential Black authors every modern library should include

Black History Month offers a natural moment to revisit authors whose work has shaped modern literature and cultural history. For readers and collectors alike, these books are more than influential texts: they are artefacts of ideas, resistance, and lasting artistic achievement. First editions and signed copies by the writers below sit at the intersection of …

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The Catcher in the Rye first edition cover

Why The Catcher in the Rye remains highly collectible

More than seventy years after publication, The Catcher in the Rye remains a cornerstone of modern literature and a highly sought-after collectible. Marking J. D. Salinger’s January birthday, we explore the author’s life and why his most famous novel continues to command lasting attention from readers and collectors alike. …

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Autopen robot signing books

Are autopen-signed first editions still collectible?

The question of whether autopen-signed first editions hold real collectible value has become increasingly relevant in recent years. High-profile cases, especially in the music world, have pushed the issue into the spotlight, and none more so than the minor controversy surrounding Bob Dylan’s limited edition signed copies of The Philosophy of Modern Songs. Initially marketed …

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John Grisham at the movies

With the arrival of his new novel The Widow, John Grisham is back in full throttle, so what better time to revisit how many of his books have made the leap to the big screen. From courtroom dramas that defined a genre to lesser-known adaptations, Grisham’s cinematic trail offers both a nostalgic look back and …

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Cosy Crime illustration

The resurgence of cosy crime novels

Cosy crime is back in fashion — and not just on the bookshelf. From Agatha Christie’s village murders to Richard Osman’s bestselling Thursday Murder Club series (now a hit Netflix film), readers and viewers alike are rediscovering the comfort of an old-fashioned whodunnit. In an uncertain world, these tales of order, logic, and gentle humour …

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Ten essential Margaret Atwood novels to read before ‘Book of Lives’

In anticipation of Margaret Atwood’s forthcoming memoir Book of Lives, we’re revisiting ten of her finest novels – works that have defined her extraordinary career and shaped contemporary literature. Atwood’s fiction has long explored the tensions between power and vulnerability, nature and technology, memory and myth. Whether in speculative dystopias or intimate psychological portraits, her …

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Queen Esther John Irving book jacket

Collecting John Irving: ten essential novels to own and read

In honour of the imminent release of John Irving’s long-awaited new novel, Queen Esther, we’re taking a look back at some of his finest works. From the tragicomic brilliance of The World According to Garp to the spiritual depth of A Prayer for Owen Meany, these ten classics showcase Irving’s extraordinary gift for storytelling, his …

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Preserving and safeguarding a collection of signed books

Preserving and safeguarding a collection of signed books requires careful attention to various factors, including environmental conditions, handling techniques, and storage methods. Whether you’re an avid reader, a bibliophile, or a collector of rare and signed editions, ensuring the longevity and condition of your cherished books is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to …

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The timeless allure: collecting Nancy Drew books

Since her debut in 1930, Nancy Drew has captured the hearts and minds of readers young and old. The teenage sleuth, with her uncanny ability to solve mysteries, has become a literary icon and a beloved character in American literature. Over the decades, the enduring popularity of collecting Nancy Drew books has remained steadfast. In …

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Harry Potter inspired illustration of snowy owl in flight

The magical pursuit of collecting Harry Potter books signed by J.K. Rowling

In the world of book collecting, few series have captivated the hearts and imaginations of readers quite like J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter. With its enchanting narrative, richly developed characters, and immersive wizarding world, the Harry Potter series has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with fans of all ages. For avid collectors, the …

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