The Bookman

12 Fascinating Facts About People Who Go To Pawnshops

Myths, monsters and the maze: how writers fell in love with the labyrinth

From the ancient Minotaur myth to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining … why are mazes so powerful and comforting in confusing times?

How Much Should You Tip Your Hairdresser?

Have a hair appointment soon? Make sure you know the proper tipping etiquette for hairdressers, such as if a tip is expected and how much to tip.

Rare Jewish Manuscripts From Oxford Now on Display in New York City

What Libraries Can (Still) Do

Librarians will need to cherish their special talent as “stewards” while letting go of the instinct to be “collectors.” Knowledge in physical form needs to be preserved and curated. But with digital information pouring into iPhones and Kindles in petabytes, libraries need to rethink old habits. They cannot collect everything, or even a small fraction of everything.

Why the Magic 8 Ball Still Holds Our Fascination

Abe Bookman's toy was a flop. He should have seen it coming. After all, the toy was a fortune-telling device.

How to Identify, Collect, and Sell Rare Books

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, one of the country’s most famous used bookstores, recently showed off one of its most expensive titles, a first American printing of The Fellowship of the Ring for sale at $4,000. On their Instagram account, they pointed out the telltale signs of this rare printing, including specific printing mistakes, as well as its special features, including a fold-out map of Middle-earth.

Old proteins in rare books reveal the past

Proteomics research examines proteins that are on or within archaeological finds, works of art, rare books, documents, and other historical objects. One study, known as Project Dustbunny, took place at the Folger Shakespeare Library, which teamed with NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute to see what could be learned from the dust on a property … Continue reading Old proteins in rare books reveal the past →

Decoding the language of book making and collecting

Paper specialist Sidney E. Berger's Dictionary of the Book, containing the history of processes and terms used in the making and collecting of books.

15 Genius Ways You've Never Thought To Decorate With Books

The Power of Flawed Lists

Picture Book Adaptations (Sort Of) That Need To Happen

While we at the Riot take some time off to rest and catch up on our reading, we're re-running some of our favorite posts from the last several months. Enjoy our highlight reel, and we'll be back wit

'It cuts across time': a peek into the world of antiquarian books

Documentary The Booksellers captures the world of rare books, from hip-hop magazine collectors to private librarians, and a trade opened up and apart by the internet

Tips to Help Your Family Enjoy the Holiday Season

In this post, Autism Speaks staff member and autism mom Denise Bianchi provides tips to help you and your family enjoy the holiday season and make it as fun and as stress-free as possible! Denise was

Just In: Used and Rare (Poetry)

Incredible hidden artworks painted on the edge of historic books

There was once a time when fore-edge paintings were in fashion – that is, intricate illustrations around the closed pages of a book. Although gold or silver leaf was always a popular choice, some titles...