B- Spring Awakening

Hello, Dearest Readers!

We’ve been radio-silent for so long, you might have assumed we were hibernating! Though it does feel like ages since we’ve seen daylight, the truth is we’ve been busy little bees inside our cozy Library hive. One of the newer developments is the appearance of lots more ephemera. Primarily in the form of vintage posters and matted prints, they are varying sizes and are shrink-wrapped for preservation. Displayed around the bookstore, they add some life and color to the big wall-space beneath our vaulted ceiling.

Other changes include some reorganizing to showcase our hardcover book sale (select titles are $2 ea/3 for $5), as well as making some updates to Fiction. Now with a bit more subdivision, designated areas have been assigned to $2 Bestsellers, Mystery, and Sci-fi/Fantasy. Of course, we’ve kept Poetry and Plays in their well-deserved place as well, and there is still a large General Fiction area. Plus,  while our half-price sale is still going, we’ve recently lowered pricing on many titles throughout the section, reflecting an even deeper discount 🙂

Though we’ve been open for business throughout the (long) winter, but it’s been an icy, gray time of year following the holidays, and we are excited to see more lovely customers coming through our doors as days grow longer and snowbanks recede. (Just watch out for potholes. Ouch.)

We hope you will be among them (customers, not pothole victims)- and wish you a happy incoming Spring!

-BW

 

Books (and ephemera) make the best gifts!

While you’re out searching for just-the-right gifts for your loved ones, stop by and see us – we have something for everyone!  We’re a pleasant ride down Route 10 where you can avoid all the craziness and take your time browsing around our beautiful building, Southampton’s historic town library.  Plenty of easy parking too.

We have a large section just for mystery lovers.

Poetry lovers too.

For collectors, we have beautiful vintage children’s books.  Also, modern children’s for the kids!We have sections that will satisfy just about every interest and age!

      

       

Looking for something that’s not a book but makes a great, unique, personal gift?  We have plenty of options there!

Like, beautiful vintage posters illustrated by some of the best children’s book illustrators:

Richard Scarry, Maurice Sendak

Jan Balet, Trina Schart Hyman

Matted prints and vintage ephemera:

    

And many more tangible treasures!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from all of us at Heritage Books!

 

 

March/Featured Book: James Herriot’s Favorite Dog Stories

The pseudonym of James Wight, an actual veterinarian, “James Herriot” published many volumes of journalistic stories about his daily adventures in 1940s and 50s Yorkshire, England. Descriptive, humorous, and always redeeming, his writings based on true characters and events have enjoyed great popularity, and are available in suitable formats for all ages.

James Herriot’s Favorite Dog Stories is a compilation of the most beloved tales (get it?) of the many colorful canines he had the pleasure to meet and treat. Accented by the lively watercolor illustrations of Lesley Holmes throughout, this bright and beautiful book (ok, just a nod to some of his other works there- if you’re a Herriot fan, you caught it) is an enjoyable choice for some light reading, or chapter reading with a youngster. I certainly got into his work young, and have read and re-read his many stories over and over. They never get old and the characters are like old friends. The interesting subject matter, combined with a masterful and funny delivery makes for enjoyable reading again and again. “Mr. ‘Erriot” has earned his station and commendation as a writer as well as a veterinarian. If you are unfamiliar with his work, this little compilation is a great opportunity to become introduced. If you are a fan, you will recognize and remember these old favorites and enjoy the lovely illustrations of each. And if you’re inspired to read (or re-read) more, we carry numerous copies of his other works, in both hardcover and paperback 🙂

-BW

January Book of the Month: A Collection of Drawings by Black Hawk

Spirit Beings and Sun Dancers: Black Hawk’s Vision of the Lakota World
by Janet Catherine Berlo

I spotted this book in our Travel and Cultures section and thought it so very cool that I wanted to share it with you all. It might seem like a bit of a cheat, but I felt the book’s dust flap summary to be so comprehensive and compelling, that I chose to simply transcribe it for you here 🙂

-BW

“One of the finest examples of Native American pictorial art, Black Hawk’s drawing book is published here and in full color for the first time. Having recently emerged from obscurity (the book appeared for auction in 1994 after being abandoned for decades in a file cabinet), these seventy-six vivid drawings now stand as the most complete visual record of Lakota art of the early Reservation period (1875-95).

A Lakota artist and medicine man living on South Dakota’s Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, Black Hawk completed these pencil and ink drawings during the winter of 1880-81. The drawings were commissioned by William Edward Caton, the trader at the Cheyenne River Agency, who paid Black Hawk fifty cents for each drawing and later gathered them together in a handsome leather-bound volume. The drawings depict a wide-range of subjects ranging from ceremonial activities, personal visions, warfare, and historic events, to scenes of daily life, nature studies, and hunting. Some of Black Hawk’s illustrations are the only known drawings of ceremonies described in ethnographic works such as Black Elk Speaks, the famous account of visions experienced by Lakota man Black Elk.

Drawing on ethnographic accounts and her discussions with Lakota interviewees and scholars, Janet Berlo’s comprehensive and insightful text presents a fully rounded picture of the cultural background from which Black Hawk’s drawings emerged. her analysis of Black Hawk’s extraordinary images examines their potent iconography and stylistic elements, and places them within the Lakota tradition. A brief history of the Lakota is also provided, describing what is known of their early origins, of Black Hawk’s time, and of their trajectory into the twentieth century.

An invaluable contribution to our knowledge of Native American history and art, Black Hawk’s drawing book is a window on a fascinating and eloquent world.”

We’re Festive and Cheery Inside…

Come on In and See!
Books Make the Best Gifts!!  We have cheap (inexpensive), unique cards, gift wrap and labels too for one-stop shopping convenience.  We’ll even let you use our tape dispenser if you’re in a hurry:)

-ng

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

…as the old song goes- and it suddenly is! I’m not sure when it happened, but the leaves are down, the skies have taken a on grayish light, and the geese have mostly passed us by. The field outside our window is just dotted with fleeting, fading green patches, and the abundant wildlife harbored there seems suddenly hushed in accordance with the new muted theme.

But things are animated here inside the Old Library! With Thanksgiving gone in a blink, we are shaping up to welcome patrons into our little haven, where they can escape the seasonal hustle and bustle to browse in our festive, yet quiet and relaxed atmosphere. (How many retailers can say that this time of year?) Just this weekend we were honored to take part in Small Business Saturday- something which really seems to be catching on in the local area. We loved seeing some new faces and helping them to get acquainted with our beautiful old building and its history. Very soon we’ll be hanging the wreaths on the front door and decking out our the book shop with other Holiday offerings- cards, sheet music, ephemera, and plenty of books to help you make things merry and bright. Our friendly staffers would be happy to assist you in finding just the right thing, or simply letting you do your own thing, if that’s what you prefer. In a season that seems to revolve so much around “things”, we invite you to stop in, shake off the chill (and maybe a little stress) while you peruse our selection for a gift that is sure to be meaningful and appreciated. (Or, if you’re unsure about your recipient’s tastes, perhaps a gift certificate is best- we offer those too!) Happiest Holidays and hope to see you soon!

-BW

(And yes, the 50% off sale is still going! Ask us for details!)

Fall Happenings

Hello dear readers! After a whirlwind summer, we looked up to see a beautiful autumnal scene framed within the Old Library’s beautiful diamond paned windows. With Columbus Day weekend come and gone, the leaf season has definitely arrived, and a flurry of activity- human and animal- seems to have come with it. Outside, the squirrels in the field adjacent are busy gathering, while customers inside are perusing books of all subjects…perhaps they too are preparing for the impending colder months!

I suppose there is something instinctive in us that drives us to activity in the fall. What is it that motivates you, dear reader? Do the abundant fall harvests and kitchen-friendly temperatures inspire you to bake goodies or put by preserves for the winter? Or perhaps knitting and sewing up something cozy seems like a good idea. Maybe you enjoy craft projects inspired by upcoming holidays, or meal planning for the gatherings that are soon to come. On the other hand, perhaps the season is enticing you outdoors to enjoy the beautiful colors and daylight hours while they last. Plenty of opportunities for day trips and sightseeing, whether on foot or bike, or in the car. Farm trips, festivals, hiking trails, the list goes on. Or perhaps this season doesn’t inspire any of these things in you. After a busy summer, maybe it’s a time of winding down- a time to put on a pot of hot coffee or tea and watch the game, or enjoy a book.

If your travels were to bring you by our cozy little book store, you might discover we have a book to inspire and help you along regarding your ideal pastime. Check out our sections on Arts and Crafts, Antiques and Collectibles, Cookbooks, Travel, New England, Sports, or even just good old Fiction. And don’t forget to check out this month’s Book of the Month post from Arts and Architecture!

Hope you are enjoying this season of transition and change. We have one big change to report- in staffing! Sadly, we sent three of our trusty staffers off to Boston for college this September. While they are missed, we are very much enjoying the fresh faces and enthusiasm of our new YLs Julianna and Megan. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and meet them while you browse. You are welcome to bring your favorite hot beverage with you 🙂

Happy Fall from all of us at Heritage Books!

-BW

PS- The sale goes on! You can still take 50% off titles marked with an inventory number of 27,000 or less (excluding dollar paperbacks).

October Book(s) of the Month: All About Barns

An Age of Barns, by Eric Sloane
and
The Barn: A Vanishing Landmark in North America,
by Eric Arthur and Dudley Witney

One of the things I love about the Book of the Month posts is the opportunity to highlight some of our more interesting, yet unassuming books that might get lost in the sheer number of titles we have to offer.

This month, I was thinking of all the things I love about fall, but wanted to choose a subject that might not often get a lot of attention. Certainly we haven’t had many recent features from the Art & Architecture genre, and as I scanned through the section, the two featured titles struck my interest. For what is more humble than a barn? And yet, at different times and places it can possess artistic, functional, historical, and even nostalgic, value. And what is one likely to see many of whilst meandering around the countryside, leaf-peeping and buying cider? The barn, whether working or caving in, still makes a regular appearance here in the rural areas of New England.

Eric Sloane’s An Age of Barns features numerous sketches and paintings of Early American barns, and details not only their architectural features, but also their significance in early Americana. From New England to Pennsylvania, on to Appalachia and out to the West, he educates us on the vast styles and functions of a humble, yet surprisingly diverse, structure.
“We have finally come to realize the beauty and excellence of homes built by the early Americans , but too often their barns are regarded as mere curiosities. They are, rather, the shrines of a good life that ought to be remembered.”

Arthur and Witney also recognize the barn’s importance and rapidly disappearing presence. The Barn: A Vanishing Landmark in North America is more photo-journalistic in its approach, comprised of 134 color and 278 black and white photographs (plus notes) that record examples of this historically significant structure for future generations.
“North American barns of the last two hundred years are landmarks of beauty and culture- the simple and practical expression of a people, a way of life, and the land from which they sprang.”

With help from this month’s feature, as we are out enjoying the crisp autumn air and colorful landscapes, perhaps we can better appreciate these rustic structures that dot the landscape for more than their bucolic value. Indeed, it is eye opening to understand the barn as an “expression” rather than just a functional structure. Simple in form, but multifaceted in value, they reflect the qualities of those who built them and unconsciously left behind a story for future generations.

Many of us know someone who professes not to like reading, when they are in fact, limiting the concept to interpreting written text. Perhaps those people would prefer the type of story-telling offered in this month’s selections, where words take second stage to the explorations offered in rich imagery.

-BW

PS- If you do happen to be wandering in the Pioneer Valley, I hear there are some pretty good bookstores ’round these parts 😉 Indeed, Southampton boasts a few barns, and a particular working one down the road from us offers pumpkins and hayrides, so stop by and visit!

Special Feature: “I Never Had it Made”: an autobiography by Jackie Robinson, as told to Alfred Duckett

Few pastimes reflect Americana like baseball. Referred to as The National Pastime since 1856, it is highly representative of our nation in more ways than recreation- its business and politics too are influenced by fan demographics and demands. It is a cultural aspect of us that reflects how we think, work, and play, and its history runs parallel to ours as we’ve made progress, gone to war, and made do. Each moment in baseball’s history provides a unique portrait of America that is filled with both glory and dirt, and in some ways, never more so than during times of emerging diversity.

When speaking of Jackie Robinson’s story, many might first think of the glory: the distinction of being the first black man invited to play in the major leagues under the Noble Experiment. But for Robinson, it was the dirt of the experience that left a mark. The man who played a key role in Civil Rights and helped to revolutionize baseball would never feel true success as he believed he would always be a “black man in a white world.”

With a new movie about Robinson hitting theaters, we thought it would be a great opportunity to feature his stirring autobiography, “I Never Had it Made”. The following excerpt well summarizes the overall tone of the book, which highlights both his success and personal trials as a superlative athlete who, despite his performance, was constantly pelted with racist abuse and degradation from fans and players alike.

“But on that historic day in 1947*, the air was sparkling and the sunlight was warm. The band struck up the national anthem. It should have been a glorious moment for me as the stirring words poured from the stands. However, as I wrote these words twenty years later, I cannot stand and sing the national anthem. I have learned that I remain a black man in a white world. I never had it made.”

While young folks today might find that to be an unpatriotic, or at least ungrateful statement, it was a different time and place for Afrcan-Americans in the United States. Robinson’s choice to participate in the Noble Experiment was a bold civil rights move that pre-dated Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech by some 16 years. In his autobiography, Robinson’s true heroism is reflected not by his batting average, but in his willingness to put his reputation and pride aside for the greater outcome.

The film “42” has been touted as another “history lesson” movie. With some high-profile cast-members, it has so far received positive reviews, and places some of the spotlight on Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), then president of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who was praised for his forward-thinking ability and the conceptualization of The Noble Experiment. Of course, a film is always the interpretation of screen-writers, directors, editors, and producers. Like any work of art, it provides plenty of fodder for critics, who jump to scrutinize the accuracy of its portrayals.

So which is better, the book or the film? While we are partial to our books here at the Old Library, we recognize that a film is a resource of value to the literary community, serving a beneficial role in creating or refreshing public interest on any given topic. The release of “42” is well-timed for a resurgence of focus on Jackie Robinson in particular. Beyond simply being a tax deadline, this past April 15th marked the 66th anniversary of the first time a black man set foot on an MLB field, Opening Day, 1947. It was officially dubbed “Jackie Robinson Day” in 2004.

We are curious, dear readers, which would you prefer to explore first? The artistically interpreted period film? Or the autobiography and first-hand, personal account? We invite you to come and check out our featured copy of the latter, whichever order suits you 🙂

Wishing sunny days ahead, with plenty of time for pursuit of your favorite pastimes- reading, baseball, or otherwise!

-BW

*Robinson is referring to Opening Day of the world series, 1947, his first major league appearance. Of interesting note, Robinson was honored as recipient of the inaugural MLB Rookie of the Year award the same year.

Happy 197th, Charlotte Bronte!

Today marks what would have been the 197th birthday of Charlotte Bronte, best known for the novel Jane Eyre, which she initially published under the pseudonym, “Currer Bell”. To date, fifteen copies of this popular title have graced our shelves over time, eleven of which have been purchased. We at Heritage Books still offer copies in a span of formats, from a gilt and leatherette hardcover version, to trade and vintage paperbacks.

The daughter of a clergyman, Charlotte was the third of six Bronte children and elder sister to novelists Emily Bronte (Wuthering Heights), and Anne Bronte (Agnes Grey). Born in 1816 and laid to rest in 1855, Charlotte managed to pen several novels and a considerable list of children’s works before her early death at the age of 38. She also managed to outlive both her sisters, who passed within months of one another in 1848 and 1849.

With themes centered heavily around the societal roles and social repression of women, Bronte’s novels spoke for her as she struck out against such constraints. In person however, she was reported to have been shy, and often disappointed fellow dinner-party guests when her personality showed itself to be less-than-effervescent.

Indeed, Charlotte Bronte did not sound like one of those people who grins over their fettuccine alfredo while friends and waiters stomp out a rollicking, albeit off-key version of Happy Birthday. But she left behind a powerful legacy of forward-thinking influence, and we celebrate the contribution quietly on our blog. I smile and wonder what she would have thought of that!

-BW

Would you like to shop our current copies of Bronte works? Browse our selection online at http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchEntry?vci=14479

Here is a sample look at Bronte books that we have on our shelves:

A very pretty, nearly pristine edition of Jane Eyre for $10

A two-volume set of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights with numerous engraved illustrations by Fritz Eichenberg, $25

The cover of Jane Eyre from the two-volume set shows one of the many fantastic engravings, inside includes the second edition preface by Charlotte.

A collection of books by four Bronte sisters, $12