• <b><center>Swann Auction Galleries<br>Printed & Manuscript African Americana:<br>March 30, 2023</b>
    <b>Swann March 30:</b> Victor H. Green, <i>The Negro Motorist Green Book,</i> New York, 1949. $10,000 to $15,000.
    <b>Swann March 30:</b> Papers of pianist-composer Lawrence Brown relating to Paul Robeson & more, various places, 1925-54. $5,000 to $7,500.
    <b>Swann March 30:</b> Freedom Summer archive of civil rights activist Karen Haberman Trusty, Atlanta & elsewhere, 1963-64. $5,000 to $7,500.
    <b>Swann March 30:</b> E. Simms Campbell, <i>A Night-Club Map of Harlem,</i> New York, 1933. $8,000 to $12,000.
    <b>Swann March 30:</b> Archive of letters from the sculptor Richmond Barthé to a close Jamaican friend, various places, 1966-85. $25,000 to $35,000.
  • <center><b>Gonnelli<br>Auction 41<br>Books, Autographs & Manuscripts<br>March 21st-23rd 2023</b>
    <b>Gonnelli:</b> Nabokov, <i>Lolita,</i> 1955. First edition, mint copy. Starting price 1900€
    <b>Gonnelli:</b> Marinetti, <i>Zang Tumb Tuuum,</i> 1914. First edition. Starting price 1600€
    <b>Gonnelli:</b> A collection of <i>Playboy,</i> starting price from 20€
    <b>Gonnelli:</b> Kepler, <i>Dioptrice,</i> 1611. First edition. Starting price 9500€
    <b>Gonnelli:</b> Barbault, <i>Les plus beaux Monuments de Rome,</i> 1761-1766. Starting price 5500€
    <b>Gonnelli:</b> Watson, <i>Dendrologia Britannica,</i> 1825. Starting price 380€
  • <b><center>Koller Auctions<br>Books & Autographs<br>29 March 2023</b>
    <b>Koller, Mar. 29:</b> DADA - <i>Cabaret Voltaire.</i> A collection of artistic and literary contributions. Edited by Hugo Ball. CHF 5,000 to 8,000.
    <b>Koller, Mar. 29:</b> EXPRESSIONISM - <i>Der Sturm.</i> Weekly magazine for culture and the arts. Almost complete suite from the years 1910 to 1932. CHF 20,000 to 30,000.
    <b>Koller, Mar. 29:</b> LISBON EARTHQUAKE - <i>Augsburg collection of copper engravings of Lisbon. CHF 40,000 to 60,000.
    <b>Koller, Mar. 29:</b> Hamilton, William. <i>Campi Phlegraei. Observations on the Volcanos of the Two Sicilies as they have been communicated to the Royal Society of London.</i> Naples, 1776-1779. CHF 50,000 to 70,000.
    <b><center>Koller Auctions<br>Books & Autographs<br>29 March 2023</b>
    <b>Koller, Mar. 29:</b> Leonardi, Domenico Felice. <i>Le Delizie della villa di Castellazzo descritte in verso dall'abbate Domenico Felice Leonardi lucchese fra gli Arcadi Ildosio Foloetico.</i> Milan, 1743. CHF 12,000 to 18,000.
    <b>Koller, Mar. 29:</b> Zwingli, Huldrych. <i>Von erkiesen und freyhait der speisen. Von ergernusz und Verbößerung. Ob man gewalt hab die speyß zu etlichen zeyten verbieten [...]</i>. CHF 2,500 to 4,000.
    <b>Koller, Mar. 29:</b> HENDRIK VAN VULLENHOE, UMKREIS. Benedictional and other texts for Johannes von Venningen, Bishop of Basel. Latin manuscript on parchment. CHF 50,000 to 80,000.
    <b>Koller, Mar. 29:</b> Gujer, Hans Rudolf. Master typist's book by Hans Rudolf Gujer from Wermetschweil (Wermatswil). German manuscript on paper. CHF 3,000 to 5,000.

Rare Book Monthly

Articles - August - 2022 Issue

Is Violence Coming to Libraries?

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Black Benetar, DQSH San Francisco (DQSH photo).

These are trying times in America. There is anger, hate, violence, and threats on a level I've never witnessed before in my long life. Still, I was not prepared for this statement recently published by the ALA (American Library Association). The headline reads, ALA Condemns Threats of Violence in Libraries.

 

Violence in libraries? Aren't libraries a shelter from the storm? I have always thought of libraries as a peaceful, quiet, and safe place, a place where people go to read, maybe converse quietly. They are a place for readers, generally thinking people, not those intent on inflicting violence upon others. Those aren't the type of people you expect to find in libraries, unless maybe they hope to find a book on bomb making so they can hurt a lot of people. What is America coming to?

It is best to let the ALA speak for itself, so here is their full statement.

 

“In response to the alarming increase in acts of aggression toward library workers and patrons as reported by press across the country, the American Library Association Executive Board released the following statement:

 

“The American Library Association condemns, in the strongest terms possible, violence, threats of violence and other acts of intimidation increasingly taking place in America’s libraries, particularly those acts that aim to erase the stories and identities of gay, queer, transgender, Black, Indigenous, persons of color, those with disabilities and religious minorities.

 

“ALA stands with our members, all library workers and those who govern libraries who courageously face down threats to their personal and professional well-being because of their efforts to celebrate diversity and foster inclusion in their communities, in the belief that every human being deserves respect and dignity. ALA stands shoulder to shoulder with our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and other library workers who are disproportionately harmed by these attacks. ALA calls upon all library workers to support their colleagues and reaffirm our shared commitment to equity of access to information for all communities.

 

“ALA stands with community members, whom local libraries exist to serve, especially those library users whose stories hatemongers would wish to erase. The message of libraries, and of ALA, is one of welcome for people everywhere who believe in the peaceful exchange of ideas. Libraries are committed to the upholding and defending the core values of inclusion and free and equal access to ideas and information, which are essential to an informed democratic society. Threats of physical harm and harassment are not, and never have been, protected speech.

 

“America’s libraries are there for communities: communities must be there for libraries. ALA calls on community leaders and elected officials to stand with libraries and others who promote the free and democratic exchange of ideas and to stand up to those who would undermine it.”

 

What seems to have caused most of the threats against libraries is something called “Drag Queen Story Hour.” First, for those uncertain what a drag queen is, we turn to the experts in definitions, Merriam-Webster. They define “drag queen” as, “a person and especially a man who performs as an entertainer in usually female drag.” As for drag, they define that as “stereotypically gendered clothing worn by someone who is of a different gender.” Or, in plain English, a “drag queen” is someone, usually male, who dresses up in exaggerated, even outlandish women's clothing and make-up.

 

What then is a “drag queen story hour?” We will let Drag Queen Story Hour explain (it is actually a group, not just the name of an event): “It’s just what it sounds like! Storytellers using the art of drag to read books to kids in libraries, schools, and bookstores...In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where everyone can be their authentic selves!” So, they are usually men (but may be other genders), outlandishly dressed as women, who come to a library or other location and read stories to children. Is that threatening? Apparently some people think so. Libraries have been picketed, threatened, even invaded for holding these. It has not only been the work of “crazies,” but sometimes government officials have participated in attacks and attempts to stop these events. If history is any guide, the day will come when this turns to physical violence. Hate usually leads to this.

 

Some people, especially older ones, who grew up in earlier times, may find this a bit jarring. Why do we have storytellers reading in drag? Their aim is twofold. One is to encourage a love of reading among children. With their outlandish costumes and behavior, children find them entertaining, fun, not threatening as some adults apparently do. It encourages kids to think of reading as fun, not a chore. Secondly, it teaches children that it is okay to be different or have friends who are different. While the group they most closely represent is the LBGTQ community, the acceptance of differences, in yourself or others, also applies to racial, ethnic, religious, gender, and other differences among us. This is what some people fear the most. Hate does not come naturally to children. It needs to be taught. Adults who hate often teach their children to hate. Teaching them to love and accept is something that haters hate.

 

So more power to Drag Queen Story Hour, even if it is an unorthodox way to teach good lessons. Kids love the outrageous, even if adults lose that spirit they had when they were young. As Drag Queen Story Hour says, it allows kids to “imagine a world where everyone can be their authentic selves!” That is something to embrace, not fear. But, we still need to heed the ALA's warning, “America’s libraries are there for communities: communities must be there for libraries.”


Posted On: 2022-08-01 13:32
User Name: PeterReynolds

Most transgender/transvestite people do not dress up in exaggerated mockery of women, so I don't see how this helps anyone. I have read that it also it tends to be rather more sexual than the long-existing but also rather dodgy cross-dressing done at pantomimes, so is in no way suitable for young children. Some young children, particularly the increasing number on the autistic spectrum, would, I reckon, find such bizarrely dressed people quite disturbing.


Posted On: 2022-08-01 15:03
User Name: Bkwoman

When you say: "particularly those acts that aim to erase the stories and identities of gay, queer, transgender, Black, Indigenous, persons of color, those with disabilities and religious minorities" what's left? Right wing, white, Christians... and that's what is coming up fast since the earlier reign of mr. trump and his minions. Kids love to play dress-up and they love to see grown-ups play dress-up. And if someone will read to them, they don't much care who it is. The kids aren't the bigots. The people who see harm in this are the narrow-minded right wingers.


Posted On: 2022-08-28 15:56
User Name: briteness

It is sad, to say the least, to see the ALA and this site editorializing in favor of the despicable sexual propagandizing of young children. What is happening is utterly indefensible, and yes, it will be stopped, not through violence, but through absolutely any LEGAL means necessary. If the institutions that support this do not back down, they will be shut down. When they work to destroy our families and our nation, there will be consequences.


Rare Book Monthly

  • <b><center>Stargardt Autographenhandlung<br>Autographs: Literature, Music, Art, Science, History, Theatre & Film<br>March 28, 2023</b>
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Autograph album leaf signed, 1826. €9,000 to €12,000.
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Franz Kafka: Autograph letter unsigned, 1924. €15,000 to €20,000.
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Torquato Tasso: Autograph poem signed, no date. €12,000 to €16,000.
    <b><center>Stargardt Autographenhandlung<br>Autographs: Literature, Music, Art, Science, History, Theatre & Film<br>March 28, 2023</b>
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Charles Darwin: Autograph letter signed, 1866. €4,500 to €6,000.
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Albert Einstein: Autograph letter signed, 1933. €6,000 to €8,000.
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Heinrich Hertz: Autograph manuscript signed, 1889. €18,000 to €24,000.
    <b><center>Stargardt Autographenhandlung<br>Autographs: Literature, Music, Art, Science, History, Theatre & Film<br>March 28, 2023</b>
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Giambattista Bodoni: Autograph letter signed, 1787. €900 to €1,200.
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Francisco de Goya: Autograph letter signed, 1789. €18,750 to €25,000.
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Martin Luther: Notes from his desk, no date. €30,000 to €40,000.
    <b><center>Stargardt Autographenhandlung<br>Autographs: Literature, Music, Art, Science, History, Theatre & Film<br>March 28, 2023</b>
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Ludwig van Beethoven: Autograph letter signed, 1816. €22,500 to €30,000.
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Gustav Mahler: Foto portrait signed and annotated, 1907(?). €7,500 to €10,000.
    <b>Stargardt Autographenhandlung, Mar. 28:</b> Bed?ich Smetana: Autograph letter signed, 1883. €4,500 to €6,000.
  • <center><b>Forum Auctions<br>Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper<br>30th March 2023</b>
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Roman binding.- Pindar. <i>Olympia, Pythia, Nemea, Isthmia,</i> translated by Johannes Lonicer, contemporary Roman binding by Niccolo Franzese, Basel, 1535. £40,000 to £60,000.
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Raverat (Gwen). Comprehensive album of 530 wood engravings, circa 1909-1950. £40,000 to £60,000.
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Hemingway (Ernest). <i>Fiesta,</i> first English edition, first impression dust-jacket, 1927. £15,000 to £20,000.
    <center><b>Forum Auctions<br>Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper<br>30th March 2023</b>
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Fleming (Ian). <i>Casino Royale,</i> first edition, first impression, 1953. £12,000 to £18,000.
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Dickens (Charles). <i>Great Expectations,</i> 3 vol., first edition, first impression, Chapman and Hall, 1861. £10,000 to £15,000.
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Campbell (Colen) & others. <i>Vitruvius Britannicus, or The British Architect...,</i> 5 vol., vol.1-3 later editions, vol.4 & 5 first editions, [?1731]-31-67-71. £10,000 to £15,000.
    <center><b>Forum Auctions<br>Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper<br>30th March 2023</b>
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Geography.- Mela (Pomponius). <i>Cosmographia, sive De situ orbis,</i> Venice, Franciscus Renner de Heilbronn, 1478. £8,000 to £12,000.
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> America.- [?Espinosa y Tello (José)]. <i>Relacion del Viage hecho por las Goletas Sutil y Mexicana en el Año de 1792,</i> 2 vol. including Atlas, first edition, Madrid, 1802. £8,000 to £12,000.
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Australasia.- Péron (Francois) and Louis-Claude de Saulces de Freycinet. <i>Voyage de Découvertes aux Terres Australes,</i> 5 vol. including Atlas, second edition, Paris, 1824. £8,000 to £12,000.
    <center><b>Forum Auctions<br>Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper<br>30th March 2023</b>
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Botany.- Curtis (William). <i>The Botanical Magazine; or, Flower-Garden Displayed,</i> 83 vol. in 62, 1794-1956. £8,000 to £12,000.
    <b>Forum, Mar. 30:</b> Darwin (Charles).- Lecky (W.E.H.) <i>The Rise and Influence of Rationalism in Europe,</i> 2 vol., Darwin's copy with inscription "Charles Darwin 1865", pencil marginalia and pencil notes, 1865. £7,000 to £10,000.

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