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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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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The etiquette of asking for an author’s autograph!

There was an extremely entertaining article by Geoff Dyer in the online edition of the New York Times Sunday Book Review last weekend  exploring the satisfactions, quandaries and anxieties involved in seeking an author’s autograph. A must read for collectors of books signed by the author! The Etiquette of Autographs

Books Authored and Signed by American Presidents

By David Thoreau

In recent years there has been a growing audience for books authored and signed by American Presidents. This article explores some of the most common books authored and signed by modern American presidents.

One of the earliest American presidents to author a book was Thomas Jefferson and his only full-length book known as Notes on the State of Virginia. Originally written in 1782 and published anonymously in Paris, Notes on the State of Virginia contains Jefferson’s political philosophy interspersed with geographic descriptions of the State of Virginia. Signed copies bearing Thomas Jefferson’s autograph are known to exist but are exquisitely rare.

More recently, Calvin Coolidge gained notoriety as a syndicated newspaper columnist after his career in politics. His autobiography was published in 1928 and copies bearing the inscription “Cordially Calvin Coolidge” in blue ink occasionally appear on the autograph marketplace.

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Cookery books signed by Julia Child selling like hotcakes!

Whilst Julia Child (1912-2006) may have turned American cuisine on its head through what was, in the 1960s, the revolutionary idea of introducing the ideals of the French cooking school to middle America, she was until very recently, far less of a household name in the UK and Europe. Her award-winning cookbooks couple with numerous …

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