Old Books, Rare Friends: Two Literary Sleuths and Their Shared Passion

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Like 84, Charing Cross Road, Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern's charming bibliocentric memoir is as much about relationships as it is about books. Charing Cross chronicled the decades-long epistolary friendship between American book lover Helene Hanff and Frank Doel, the equally devoted British bookseller in the London shop from whom she bought many of her treasures. Rostenberg and Stern's book once again proves how a passion for great literature can make for fast friends. And in their case, these two octogenarians occupy the same geographical space, sharing both their professional and private lives.

In their introduction, Rostenberg and Stern write: "Several readers inferred ... that our relationship was a Lesbian one. This was a misconception. The 'deep, deep love' that existed and exists between us ... has no bearing upon sex." With that out of the way early on, the two recount the stories of their lives in alternating sections. And oh, what lives they've had! From identifying some of Louisa May Alcott's previously anonymous early writings to traveling the world in search of rare volumes and pamphlets, they have done and seen it all. Successful antiquarian book dealers Rostenberg and Stern undoubtedly are, but as this memoir makes clear, their greatest accomplishment just might be that rarer commodity of friendship that lasts a lifetime. --Alix Wilber

Book Description

Louisa May Alcott once wrote that she had taken her pen for a bridegroom. Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern, friends and business partners for fifty years, have in many ways taken up their pens and passion for literature much in the same way. The "Holmes & Watson" of the rare book business, Rostenberg and Stern are renowned for unlocking the hidden secret of Louisa May Alcott's life when they discovered her pseudonym, A.M. Barnard, along with her anonymously published "blood and thunder" stories on subjects like transvestitism, hashish smoking, and feminism.

Old Books, Rare Friends describes their mutual passion for books and literary sleuthing as they take us on their earliest European book buying jaunts. Using what they call Finger-spitzengefühl, the art of evaluating antiquarian books by handling, experience, and instinct, we are treated to some of their greatest discoveries amid the mildewed basements of London's booksellers after the Blitz. We experience the thrill of finding one of the earliest known books printed in America between 1617-1619 by the Pilgrim Press and learn about the influential role of publisher-printers from the fifteenth century.

Like a precious gem, Old Books, Rare Friends is a book to treasure about the companionship of two rare friends and their shared passion for old books.

Customer Reviews:

Old Books, Rare Friends Satisfies Booklovers.......2006-02-18

For those of us who lust after books about books, as well as the history of successful booksellers, this book is one of the best. "Old Books, Rare Friends" details the struggles and triumps of two of the most famous women in bookselling during the twentieth century. They include lots of stories about tracking those elusive hidden gems overlooked by other more successful book dealers. They also describe each woman's scholarly adventures, successes and failures. I read this when it was first published, but wanted to own it so I could re-read it from time to time. If you love books you can't go wrong with Madeleine and Leona's story.

'Finger-Spitzengefühl'.......2005-10-26

Sometimes I will fall in love with an author's life as perceived through her books, and read all of her works for other glimpses into her private paradise. Authors such as Will and Ariel Durant, Edwin Way Teale, Stephen Jay Gould, and Oliver Sacks have shared their curiosity, astonishment, and joy with me. These authors are endlessly inquisitive. Each new discovery in their world, whether it is a fern, a skull, or an anecdote about a long-dead king is greeted with joy and eagerly shared with the reader.

Now in the dusty corner of bibliomania, I have found two more authors who are willing to share their joy of discovery with me. They even have a name for it: 'Finger-Spitzengefühl'--"the electrifying alertness to what is unusual or important in an early printed book. When 'Finger-Spitzengefühl' is coupled with serendipity, the gates of paradise open for the dealer in old and rare [books]."

Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern share their "thrill of the chase and the joy of the find," as well as a seven-decade-long partnership in life--"the partnership of 'Faithful Friends' who share 'a deep, deep love.'"

I have to admit I had trouble getting into this book. I read some of the earlier pages six or seven times because I kept falling asleep and losing my place. However, once the authors were out of childhood recollections and into the chase--first of all for the works that Louisa May Alcott had published under a pseudonym--then I was hooked.

These authors have illuminated many once-obscure corners of history through their curiosity and devotion. They deplore collectors who pursue rare books as an investment, much as I would deplore a physician who is in practice 'only for the money.' Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern have devoted their lives to the search for the old and rare, and their love, curiosity, and wisdom show through on almost every page of this book.

Old Books, Rare Friends are marvelous........2000-05-22

Given to me as a birthday present on a misty Northwest beach,the whimsical allure of these charmingly self-possessed women residingin one of the toughest cities in the world, drew me into its first pages even as the rest of my party sat around on logs, barbecuing fine local viands & feeding the camp dogs. From their student years, surviving the Depression & WWII; to studying & getting published through the exciting times of starting a company & their book-hunting jaunts to musty basements in faraway places this is a lively, lovely duet by two voices weaving a deeply evocative memoir...

Loving books and each other.......1999-08-22

For everyone loving books, history and detectives this book is a great pleasure to read. With great enthusiasm Leona & Madeleine write about their lives and the books which they bought and sold. It makes one jealous of times when rare books could still be found under piles of dust instead of being sold for fortunes. So stop reading the reviews and start reading this book now.

Unusual and delightful lives.......1998-10-26

Those who love books and the history of the written word have benefitted from these devoted "literary sleuths" who not only devoted themselves to located lost treasures, but who pioneered the rights of women in academe. A story of how devotede friends could pool their talents to rescue lost arts and discover the literary secrets of groundbreaking authors. A suprisingly exciting read.

Old Books, Rare Friends: Two Literary Sleuths and Their Shared Passion

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Old Books, Rare Friends: Two Literary Sleuths and Their Shared Passion
Leona; Stern, Madeleine Rostenberg
Manufacturer: Bantam Dell Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OLUG9U

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Old Books, Rare Friends: Two Literary Sleuths and Their Shared Passion
Leona G. Rostenberg
Manufacturer: Main Street Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N7BDB0

Book Description

pioneer experimental filmmaker/poet's memoir

Book Description

Of all art forms, filmmaking is the one most taken for granted: no sooner is an artistic or technical advance made than its salient features are employed in the harness of commerce. Yet, innovation is almost always the province of individual expression. Film at Wit's End presents eight artists who have electrified American independent cinema across four decades: James Broughton, Bruce Conner, Maya Deren, Jerome Hill, Ken Jacobs, Christopher MacLaine, Marie Menken, and Sidney Peterson. Each of these filmmakers' lives and work is brought into sharp focus as we enter the art scenes of New York and San Francisco during times of ferment and controversy. Film at Wit's End tells marvelous tales of serendipitous encounters, of life lived at the edge of social disapproval, and of the insistent development of an art form.

Book Description

Written in the psychedelic era, Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out is Timothy Leary at his best, beckoning with humor and irreverence, a vision of individual empowerment, personal responsibility, and spiritual awakening. Includes:
o Start Your Own Religion o Education as an Addictive Process o Soul Session o Buddha as Drop-Out Mad Virgin of Psychedelia God's Secret Agent o Homage to Huxley o The Awe-Ful See-Er o The Molecular Revolution o MIT is TIM Backwards o Neurological Politics
"Trickster is a major figure in American Indian folk Wisdom. Also in Sufi Tales … a certain type of "rascal"-with a grin and a wink (and wisdom beyond wisdom) … in the Zen tradition this is known as the School of Crazy Wisdom … Timothy Leary-in his own inimitable way-has become the twentieth century's grand master of crazy wisdom …"
- Dr. Jeffrey Mishlove

Customer Reviews:

Turn on, tune in, drop out.......2007-01-13

Very shallow, superficial, immature. I totally understand why he was fired from Harvard

Millbrooks Psychedelic Prankster.......1999-10-26

Timothy Leary was a unique American to say the least. As a longtime fan of Sixties psychedelic rock and Beat literature, It stood to reason that I would find my way to Timothy Leary. This book is an amusing collection of lectures and tales from the High Priest of LSD. I found Leary to be a very humorous writer but he does take liberties with the facts. He misquotes the the Four Noble Truths of the Buddha, for example. This book has to be read with a grain of salt. I think Leary intended it this way. It would be terribly insulting to ones intelligence if he didnt. His intelligence and humor do shine through however. I would state that this book should probably be only read for entertainment by those of us who have a bias towards certain experiences that Leary espouses in his book. A real good read but definitely not for everyone.

Average customer rating:

LSD (Plume Books)
Richard Alpert , and Sidney Cohen
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0452250153

Owners of radio stations turn on, tune in, drop out. (consolidations in the market reducing competition): An article from: Business North Carolina

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Owners of radio stations turn on, tune in, drop out. (consolidations in the market reducing competition): An article from: Business North Carolina
Mike Willis
Manufacturer: Business North Carolina
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Business North Carolina, published by Business North Carolina on January 1, 1997. The length of the article is 1173 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Owners of radio stations turn on, tune in, drop out. (consolidations in the market reducing competition)
Author: Mike Willis
Publication: Business North Carolina (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 1997
Publisher: Business North Carolina
Volume: v17 Issue: n1 Page: p16(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Tune in, turn on, (so they won't) drop out.: An article from: Florida Bar News

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Tune in, turn on, (so they won't) drop out.: An article from: Florida Bar News
Debra Moss Curtis
Manufacturer: Florida Bar
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008I992O
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Florida Bar News, published by Florida Bar on August 15, 2001. The length of the article is 826 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Tune in, turn on, (so they won't) drop out.
Author: Debra Moss Curtis
Publication: Florida Bar News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 15, 2001
Publisher: Florida Bar
Volume: 28 Issue: 16 Page: 8

Distributed by Thomson Gale

The community university;: Or, How to drop out, tune in, turn on to education that does not fold, spindle or mutilate

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The community university;: Or, How to drop out, tune in, turn on to education that does not fold, spindle or mutilate
Don Benson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007H2BHG

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Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out
Timothy Leary
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MU6M6O

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Just the Best Ever!

A magical and mystical little tome......

Magical and mystical book......

Interesting reading, but, not a small child's book.

When they say "Little Big", they mean it

The Little Big Book of Chills and Thrills (Little Big Books (Welcome Enterprises)) (Little Big Books (Welcome Enterprises))

Manufacturer: Welcome Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Spine-Chilling Horror | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Family Activities | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Little Big Book of Christmas

Little Big Book Of Life

The Little Big Book of America (Little Big Book (New York, N.Y.), 11.)

Halloween Merrymaking: An Illustrated Celebration Of Fun, Food, And Frolics From Halloweens Past

The Christmas Almanac (Little Big Book)

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 193218385X
Release Date: 2005-09-01

Amazon.com

From classic ghost stories by Mary Shelley, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Brothers Grimm, to real, unexplained curses, this chunky square book will thrill, chill, and charm every reader. Inspired by their passion for Harry Potter and all things fantastical, editors Lena Tabori and Natasha Tabori Fried have selected an outstanding collection of deliciously bone-chilling stories, poems, spells, magic tricks, curses, superstitions, legends, and lore. There are even recipes for such delicacies as Graveyard Brownies, Spider Cake, and Eyeball Potion. Learn about the spooky curse of James Dean's sports car--and think twice before going to visit the monument at the intersection where the film star met his death. Discover the true meaning behind All Hallows' Eve. And quote Edgar Allan Poe's raven as he laments, "Nevermore."

With 200 line drawings and more than 100 eclectic, full-color illustrations from the early 20th century, this handsome volume in the Little Big Book series is a fascinating celebration of magic, fantasy, and the sinister yet appealing world of ghosts and other unknowns. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

There have been many successful books of ghost stories and fantasy tales before The Little Big Book Of Chills & Thrills. But none that so completely combine all the frightening and magical elements that have terrorized and enchanted children for generations:
Ghost Stories: Including such classics as The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow, The Monkey's Paw, The Judge's House, and Pranks.
Tales Of Magic and Fantasy: Such as Alice In Wonderland, The Hobbit, The Magic Shop, and The Crystal Ball by the brothers Grimm.
Poems: Including the witches' chant from Macbeth, Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, and Colin McNaughton's Transylvania Dreaming.
Spells: That kids and grown-ups alike can try at home, including how to take revenge on an enemy, how to dream the truth, and of course, the Abracadabra Spell!
Curses: That have gone unexplained and yet unrefuted for centuries such as the curse of the Burton Agnes Skull and the curse of the Tower of London.
Superstitions, Legends and Haunts: That offer helpful advice and history on such mystical items as mirrors, candles, and ladders, as well as the meaning behind All Hollows Eve, the Jack-o-Lantern, The Banshee, and such legends as Harry Houdini and Merlin the Magician.
Magic Tricks: That can be performed, complete with instructional illustrations, including how to make someone float on air, how to read an invisible message
Treats: That are guaranteed to bring ghosts, witches, and wizards to the table, including Cauldron Cookies, a Witches' Brew, All Soul's Day Bread, A Magik Coin Cake, and Grape Eyeballs

Customer Reviews:

Just the Best Ever!.......2007-08-20

I have never written a review before today - but I bought this book 3 days ago and I am just enchanted with it :) At first I wandered through it and then I went from beginning to end... It has wonderful excerpts from books as well as short stories to tell. The vintage artwork is just beautiful throughout the book and just adds to the over all "found treasure" feel. There are wonderful poems (my favorite is now The Transylvania Dream), "spells"(light hearted) and magic tricks for kids. Buy this book if you love all things Halloween - if your looking for goth type stuff this is not for you - this has all the charm of yesterday brought to today to enjoy. I love this book!!! 5 stars is not enough :-)

A magical and mystical little tome.............2005-11-12

I adore anything vintage halloween so when this book came out in 2000 I snatched it right up!

The hodgepodge of stories, spells, facts, recipes and stunning vintage artwork is GORGEOUS!

It's a enchanting and magical little book, you'll adore it too.

Magical and mystical book.............2005-11-12

Interesting reading, but, not a small child's book........2005-11-07

I own The Big Small Book for Moms and was expecting the same kind of levity in reading. Needless to say, I will not be reading it to my children anytime soon. I did ,however, enjoy reading this book at Halloween! Unexlpained phenomena, crafts, and recipes all wrapped up in one book!

When they say "Little Big", they mean it.......2005-10-07

I bought this book on a whim from Barnes and Noble and was not disappointed. First of all, I love vintage prints, products, and artwork especially for the holidays. This is a cute Halloween book full of old-fashion pictures, easy recipes, famous scary stories and poems, and blurbs about superstitions. For children it even has a hand full of magic tricks (that really work) and 'spells' (for "those aspiring wizards and witches"). Whether you are a vintage aficionado or a child who loves Halloween, this book is a great keepsake.

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The Big Book of Magic Fun
Ian Keable
Manufacturer: Barron''s Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Magic | Obsessions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0764132229

Book Description

Every boy and girl loves magic—and here's the book that carries them into the world where magic is performed. Both beginners and experienced amateur magicians will discover methods, myths, facts, and fiction about magic—and then they'll read about the long and fascinating history of magic on stage. Filled with color illustrations and how-to instructions, The Big Book of Magic Fun teaches—

Card tricks

Rope tricks

Mind-reading methods

Illusionism

Coin tricks, and more!

Young readers will learn to entertain and astound their friends with impressive yet easy-to-perform tricks and enchanting illusions. They'll also find hours of pleasure as they read absorbing stories about famous magicians of the past and present. Here in one huge volume is a treasure house of magic entertainment.

Big Book of Magic Tricks (Dover Books on Magic)

Average customer rating:

This book is great!

Big Book of Magic Tricks (Dover Books on Magic)
Karl Fulves
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Magic | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Magic & Illusion | Performing Arts | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0486282287

Book Description

Learn to do astounding feats with few or no props and a minimum of sleight of hand. Tricks with cards, coins and rope, comedy magic, mental dexterity and much more, including expert advice on psychological misdirection and dramatic presentation. Clear, step-by-step directions with abundant illustrations. "The best book yet on easy-to-do magic."—Martin Gardner. 247 black-and-white illus.

Customer Reviews:

This book is great!.......2000-06-25

I am new to magic, and this book made me look like a pro in no time!

Average customer rating:

"Big Book of Magic" is apt description

Big Book of Magic
Patrick Page
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 038527016X

Customer Reviews:

"Big Book of Magic" is apt description.......2000-12-22

I have a copy of this, published in 1976. It is an excellent book, covering a wide range of tricks, many classics, with good drawings and clear text. It evens describes classic stage illusions. My copy is a paperback, printed on acid paper, and is browning as a result. If you can get a copy on acid free paper, that's a better choice.

Walter Gibson's Big Book of Magic for All Ages

Average customer rating:

This book is a classic in magic!

Walter Gibson's Big Book of Magic for All Ages
Walter Brown Gibson
Manufacturer: Wilshire Book Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Magic | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0879803894

Customer Reviews:

This book is a classic in magic!.......2000-08-08

Every Professional Magician has this book on their shelves and return to it over and over during the course of their magical careers!

Average customer rating:

The Big Book of Tricks and Magic
james blackman
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O555A6

Average customer rating:

The big book of tricks and magic
James R Blackman
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

The Big Book of Tricks and Magic = Formerly Titled the Jerry Lewis Book of Tricks and Magic

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The Big Book of Tricks and Magic = Formerly Titled the Jerry Lewis Book of Tricks and Magic
James R. Blackman
Manufacturer: Random House Inc (P)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports & Activities | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0394841557

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The Big Book of Tricks and Magic = Formerly Titled the Jerry Lewis Book of Tricks and Magic

Manufacturer: Random House Trade Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0394806328

Bill Severn's Big Book of Close-Up Magic

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Bill Severn's Big Book of Close-Up Magic
Bill Severn
Manufacturer: Random House Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0679204539
Release Date: 1978-08-12

Book Description

Authors James D. Gwartney, Richard L. Stroup, Russell S. Sobel, and David Macpherson, believe that a course on principles of economics should focus on the power and relevance of the economic way of thinking. It is this belief and corresponding writing approach that has made ECONOMICS: PRIVATE AND PUBLIC CHOICE one of South-Western's most solid and enduring texts. Throughout this text, the authors integrate applications and real-world data in an effort to make the basic concepts of economics come alive for the reader.

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