Holiday Special for the Online Inhibited
We have a store on eBay with around 250 titles. If you are eBay shy browse our store anyway and e-mail me if you see a title you want. Stop by to pick it up and pay without the online details. If you live out of town, e-mail me and we will arrange payment and shipping details over the phone (830-997-1535). The special will run until December 30.
Here’s the link: http://stores.ebay.com/berkman-books
Recent New Arrivals
Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, first American ed. illustrated by Arthur Rackham, 1915, $950
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway first ed., first state, 1940, $400
Pioneers in Gods Hills, vol 1, 1983, $80, and vol 2, 1974, $80 and another vol 2, 1972, $85
Lyndon Johnson Story by Booth Mooney, first ed., signed by LBJ, 1956, $200
Where Flies the Flag by Henry Harbour, first American edition, illustrated by Arthur Rackham, 1904, $450
Give a Rare Gift
A book is a gift that can live a lifetime and beyond. It is valuable and thoughtful. It might bring laughter or tears. It can be visually delightful. Children’s books expand young minds and inspirational books can change the way you think. Frolic in a romance, get to know a historical figure, race through a mystery or just enjoy having a rare book on the shelf that has a story behind it. So many antiquarian books were originally gifts and have inscriptions written with pen and ink, some scrawled and some swirling script.
Many of these books were handed down from generation to generation, over decades, even centuries. A good book can change the way we see our world or take us to another world. What other gift has this power?
I’m not implying that a tie or pair of gloves is less remarkable than a book. For that person who loves books as well as a beautiful tie or comfy gloves, seriously think about giving a rare or collectible book. Here are a few suggestions for affordable gifts for all kinds of book enthusiasts on your list.
Consider childhood classics that will be sure to bring a broad smile of recognition. Tom Swift, Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames and for your friends that were children in the 30’s and 40’s, a Big Little Book or Zane Grey.
For your Sci-Fi buffs we have a first edition Dune and for poetry lovers we have a sweet book, For Loves Sweet Sake, an 1899 collection edited by G. Hembert Westley.
Cook book collectors might enjoy our 1939 World Wide Cook Book or an early Fredericksburg Home Kitchen Cook Book.
A Book-Lovers Holidays in the Open by Theodore Roosevelt from 1924 is a handsome gift your history/outdoor enthusiast.
Masters of American Comics is an eye popper for the budding doodling illustrator.
Artistically minded friends may enjoy photographer Andrew Eccles’s Ailey Ascending, A Portrait in Motion.
Blue Dog Speaks by George Rodrigue is original art that appeals to the playful at heart.
My favorite art book in the children’s’ section is the four volume set How Artist See by Colleen Carroll.
We have several copies of Lady Bird Johnson’s White House Diary 1970 first edition and LBJ’s Vantage Point 1971 first edition.
From the Antiquarian Case
The two volume set of Alexandre Dumas’s 1889 D’Artagnan Romances Twenty Years After is one of the more affordable and appealing items in the antiquarian case.
World Displayed – Ancient History, from the 1800’s, is a beautiful old leather piece that states that the world began in 4004 B.C. (FYI) Fascinating.
A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life by William Law is the 18th edition printed in 1821. Imagine a work that had already been printed 18 times by 1821! Another tactile delight.
If the book you are drawn to is out of your price range, ask a friend of family member to pitch in. They may never have thought of giving such a unique gift. You might be surprised to see the reaction to the suggestion. The recipient’s reaction will be pure pleasure.
We Wish You a Joyful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year,
Lucy, David, Jessica and Emily (she who naps in the Dickens Village faux snow)