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Category: Other Stuff
The Art of Fireworks
During Independence Day weekend here in the U.S., I enjoyed a nice display of fireworks. During the show, I found myself wondering how fireworks are designed and made. Then, I started thinking that a really spectacular fireworks show is actually an art form.
Happy Hobbit Day! (Biblio.com)
Bilbo Baggins, the titular protagonist of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, and his nephew Frodo Baggins, hero of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, shared a September 22nd birthdate. Accordingly, that day is annually celebrated as Hobbit Day, and the entire week is deemed to be "Tolkien Week". In honor of this year's festivities, Biblio.com just published my article "Beyond the Hobbit… Continue reading Happy Hobbit Day! (Biblio.com)
“The Fortsas Bibliohoax” (Biblio.com)
"The Fortsas Bibliohoax, or how a Belgian collector fooled book lovers for the fun of it" I wrote this article for Biblio.com's Book Collecting blog a few months ago now, but I only just found out that it was published. The Fortsas Bibliohoax, an elaborate prank perpetrated by a mid-nineteenth century book lover, is a hilarious story that… Continue reading “The Fortsas Bibliohoax” (Biblio.com)
WordPress Writing 101 Prompt #5: Brevity and Bletchley Park
Prompt #5 wanted me to write a story, which didn't interest me at all, but it also wanted me to practice brevity, which interested me much more. So, I decided to just choose a (non-fiction) topic and limit my word count. The resulting article is exactly my target 200 words; this introduction and my sources… Continue reading WordPress Writing 101 Prompt #5: Brevity and Bletchley Park
B.A Shapiro’s “The Art Forger: A Novel” — more a personal reaction than a review
My reaction to B.A. Shapiro's The Art Forger, a novel about a fictional young art forger and the real-life Isabella Stewart Gardner heist of 1990.
William Shakespeare’s Dictionary (or not?)
My boss just brought this news item from last month to my attention. It seems that two book dealers in New York City have stumbled upon what they believe may be William Shakespeare's dictionary, complete with annotations and markings by the Bard himself. If that is true, it would be very exciting indeed! I would… Continue reading William Shakespeare’s Dictionary (or not?)
Someone messed with Galileo, and I’m angry.
I spent all day today at an antique book, manuscript, and autograph show. I didn't buy anything for myself, though I helped my boss scout items to acquire, but I did manage to come back with some good content for tonight's post. My boss told me during the car ride to the show about a… Continue reading Someone messed with Galileo, and I’m angry.
“Fasching” begins: an introduction to Viennese Ball Season
Ball der Wiener Kaffeesieder (Ball of the Viennese Coffee House Owners) 2013. Photo (c) Andi Bruckner, http://www.andibruckner.com 0664/11444102. This post was inspired by several things: my interest in ballroom culture and history, my love of the Viennese Waltz, my desire to visit Vienna (so much that I asked for Vienna travel guides for Christmas last… Continue reading “Fasching” begins: an introduction to Viennese Ball Season
Spalding’s Athletic Library – “How to Become a Skater” (1904)
Welcome to the second episode of Meet Alexandra's Skating History Collection! I purchased this book at my first paper show in Allentown, PA in the summer of 2013. It is from Spalding's Athletic Library and is called How to Become a Skater: Figure and Speed Skating. It was published by American Sports Publishing Co. in… Continue reading Spalding’s Athletic Library – “How to Become a Skater” (1904)
A Scholarly Skater 