Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Easton Press 100 Greatest Books Ever Written
Easton Press 100 Greatest Books Ever Written Commercial.
Friday, March 2, 2012
10 Years Online
At Leather Bound Treasure we are celebrating ten years of providing collectors with information about leather bound books. Over those years our site has received hundreds of thousands of visitors with many sending us much appreciated comments. We would like to thank everyone who has visited our site over the years and welcome any suggestions on how the Leather Bound Treasure site can be improved.
Thank you again for visiting and happy collecting everyone!
Thank you again for visiting and happy collecting everyone!
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
By Washington Irving
This is a great classic short story that is true to the gothic tradition of supernatural fiction. It follows poor Ichabod Crane as he eats and lusts his way through the town of Sleepy Hollow on his quest to capture the attention and affection of the young and beautiful Katrina VanTassel. As you’re reading you come to recognize that Ichabod is really not the hero of the tale, although at times you may feel sorry for him, you really are not meant to like this character. His motivation in life is to eat as much free food as he can and ogle all of the young and pretty maidens in the town. He has a critical eye that is unjustified and he is quite self absorbed and delusional about his own merits. Does he deserve what he gets in the end? I think so, after all, it doesn’t kill him, just maybe makes him pee his pants a little.
The story itself is full of classic gothic motifs and provides a commentary on the role and purpose behind superstition and supernatural belief. For the times, it was a great use of literature to criticize those of us who are simple minded enough to fall prey to silly superstitions, especially us daft women.
The short story is a little wordy here and there, over description you might say, as was common for the times, but all in all, an enjoyable read with some hair rising incidents to keep you turning the pages.
Review by Angela Minchella
By Washington Irving
This is a great classic short story that is true to the gothic tradition of supernatural fiction. It follows poor Ichabod Crane as he eats and lusts his way through the town of Sleepy Hollow on his quest to capture the attention and affection of the young and beautiful Katrina VanTassel. As you’re reading you come to recognize that Ichabod is really not the hero of the tale, although at times you may feel sorry for him, you really are not meant to like this character. His motivation in life is to eat as much free food as he can and ogle all of the young and pretty maidens in the town. He has a critical eye that is unjustified and he is quite self absorbed and delusional about his own merits. Does he deserve what he gets in the end? I think so, after all, it doesn’t kill him, just maybe makes him pee his pants a little.
The story itself is full of classic gothic motifs and provides a commentary on the role and purpose behind superstition and supernatural belief. For the times, it was a great use of literature to criticize those of us who are simple minded enough to fall prey to silly superstitions, especially us daft women.
The short story is a little wordy here and there, over description you might say, as was common for the times, but all in all, an enjoyable read with some hair rising incidents to keep you turning the pages.
Review by Angela Minchella
Sunday, October 31, 2010
A Prayer for Owen Meany
A Prayer for Owen Meany
By John Irving
This is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s definitely one that should be on everyone’s must read in my lifetime list. I love how Irving takes us on a journey down the path of faith and fate vs. free will, having us decide at the end whether or not Owen Meany is a hero or a villain, a victim of his fate or the mastermind behind a glory chasing life goal. I’ve read it over and over again and never get sick of it.
It takes John Irving a long time to produce each of his novels but it’s always worth it in the end. A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of his best; I recommend you give it a read.
Review by Angela Minchella
By John Irving
This is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s definitely one that should be on everyone’s must read in my lifetime list. I love how Irving takes us on a journey down the path of faith and fate vs. free will, having us decide at the end whether or not Owen Meany is a hero or a villain, a victim of his fate or the mastermind behind a glory chasing life goal. I’ve read it over and over again and never get sick of it.
It takes John Irving a long time to produce each of his novels but it’s always worth it in the end. A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of his best; I recommend you give it a read.
Review by Angela Minchella
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Teacher Man By Frank McCourt
Teacher Man
By Frank McCourt
I’m not one to normally pick up a non-fiction book and read it enthusiastically but Teacher Man was an exception. As a teacher myself, I found this creative non-fiction to be highly inspiring, informative and entertaining. Although, I would have to say that some of the practices McCourt used in his classrooms would not fly particularly well with the new curriculum or new expectations (or lack of expectations) on students and teachers. But all the same, this book was very enlightening and reminded me just why I love my job.
As with Angela’s Ashes, McCourt has a very unique way of capturing the audience’s attention right from the start. His stories range from light-hearted, tongue in cheek to dark and serious. He accomplishes a lot of this though his vivid detail and description. The only criticism I have is that there are elements that he describes of personal things that happen in his life that come across as cold and uncaring, for example, with regards to his marriage. I don’t want to give anything away if you haven’t yet read the book but I read that part of his life and thought that he didn’t really paint himself very well there. Although, I suppose I should give him credit for being honest and perhaps it was an editor’s decision to cut back on the emotion linked to the particular situation.
Either way, I realize that Frank McCourt recently passed away and I am sorry for it. He was an amazing writer and I know that his work will be relevant and appreciated well beyond his life and death.
Review by Angela Minchella
By Frank McCourt
I’m not one to normally pick up a non-fiction book and read it enthusiastically but Teacher Man was an exception. As a teacher myself, I found this creative non-fiction to be highly inspiring, informative and entertaining. Although, I would have to say that some of the practices McCourt used in his classrooms would not fly particularly well with the new curriculum or new expectations (or lack of expectations) on students and teachers. But all the same, this book was very enlightening and reminded me just why I love my job.
As with Angela’s Ashes, McCourt has a very unique way of capturing the audience’s attention right from the start. His stories range from light-hearted, tongue in cheek to dark and serious. He accomplishes a lot of this though his vivid detail and description. The only criticism I have is that there are elements that he describes of personal things that happen in his life that come across as cold and uncaring, for example, with regards to his marriage. I don’t want to give anything away if you haven’t yet read the book but I read that part of his life and thought that he didn’t really paint himself very well there. Although, I suppose I should give him credit for being honest and perhaps it was an editor’s decision to cut back on the emotion linked to the particular situation.
Either way, I realize that Frank McCourt recently passed away and I am sorry for it. He was an amazing writer and I know that his work will be relevant and appreciated well beyond his life and death.
Review by Angela Minchella
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Woman in White
The Woman in White
By Wilkie Collins
Okay, so I have to come out of the closet and admit that I am a Victorian literature fiend! I specialized in it while in school and do enjoy reading it, dare I say, for fun! So, I recently reread one of my all time favorites, The Woman in White. I’ve read all of Wilkie Collins novels and novellas, even the rarest, and this one ranks as one of my most loved.
Now, when reading this type of novel you have to keep a couple of things in mind…first, what was considered scandalous and scary to the readers in the Victorian era is very tame and acceptable to us. Second, Collins was good friends with Charles Dickens so description, over description is in abundance throughout; it requires a patient attitude when reading, but it is totally worth it. Collins is the master of tension and creates such a vivid plot that is both realistic and sensational. I was quite stressed out while reading… you really don’t know what is going to happen until the very end. I think the great thing about being a modern reader venturing into the world of a classic text like this is what we expect to happen, because we are jaded and desensitized, does not happen, thus creating some great twists and turns. You will connect and fall in love with the heroine and her sister as well as the villain in this tale.
I won’t bore you with a detailed synopsis; the novel is about mistaken identity, secret babies, lost fortunes, marriages of convenience and the enduring and loyal love of a independent sister…remember, not scandalous today = very scandalous back then!
Review by Angela Minchella
By Wilkie Collins
Okay, so I have to come out of the closet and admit that I am a Victorian literature fiend! I specialized in it while in school and do enjoy reading it, dare I say, for fun! So, I recently reread one of my all time favorites, The Woman in White. I’ve read all of Wilkie Collins novels and novellas, even the rarest, and this one ranks as one of my most loved.
Now, when reading this type of novel you have to keep a couple of things in mind…first, what was considered scandalous and scary to the readers in the Victorian era is very tame and acceptable to us. Second, Collins was good friends with Charles Dickens so description, over description is in abundance throughout; it requires a patient attitude when reading, but it is totally worth it. Collins is the master of tension and creates such a vivid plot that is both realistic and sensational. I was quite stressed out while reading… you really don’t know what is going to happen until the very end. I think the great thing about being a modern reader venturing into the world of a classic text like this is what we expect to happen, because we are jaded and desensitized, does not happen, thus creating some great twists and turns. You will connect and fall in love with the heroine and her sister as well as the villain in this tale.
I won’t bore you with a detailed synopsis; the novel is about mistaken identity, secret babies, lost fortunes, marriages of convenience and the enduring and loyal love of a independent sister…remember, not scandalous today = very scandalous back then!
Review by Angela Minchella
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Pride and Prejudice By Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen
I recently reread Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It is one of my favorite books written by Austen (with Northanger Abby coming a close second). As with all of Austen’s books, I really enjoy the strong female characters and the humor that is infused and carefully constructed to poke fun at Victorian ideals and lifestyles. I’m a bit of a Victorian nut you might say and really love to envision what it would have been like living at the time. I visit Victorian mansions quite regularly. Austen does a beautiful job describing her settings to the point that I actually do feel like I enter her created world and could walk the halls of her mansions and estates just as I do when I visit Rhode Island and tour the mansions there.
This novel is about making assumptions and passing judgments. It is a love story that is filled with tension due to misunderstandings and miscommunication. There is scandal (Victorian brand scandal of course) and there are weddings, some forced, others not. While reading you will want to bash the head of some of the more stubborn characters and yes sometime’s you will want to bash the heads of the hero and heroine.
It is not a light read and will take some thinking. But, I promise you, you will laugh. It is very funny at times. Especially when Elizabeth is discussing the serious matter of a marriage proposal with her cousin, Mr. Collins. The man is outrageously idiotic and the whole encounter is highly satirical.
Pride and Prejudice is such a classic that I believe we’ll be seeing some fresh version soon. Modernized and geared toward a younger teen audience. A brilliant idea if you ask me.
The reason why I’ve deducted a star is this…it is long and there are some boring bits here and there, but I think that comes with the territory of Victorian literature. It doesn’t stop me from reading it again and again though; it just takes some patience.
Review by Angela Minchella
By Jane Austen
I recently reread Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It is one of my favorite books written by Austen (with Northanger Abby coming a close second). As with all of Austen’s books, I really enjoy the strong female characters and the humor that is infused and carefully constructed to poke fun at Victorian ideals and lifestyles. I’m a bit of a Victorian nut you might say and really love to envision what it would have been like living at the time. I visit Victorian mansions quite regularly. Austen does a beautiful job describing her settings to the point that I actually do feel like I enter her created world and could walk the halls of her mansions and estates just as I do when I visit Rhode Island and tour the mansions there.
This novel is about making assumptions and passing judgments. It is a love story that is filled with tension due to misunderstandings and miscommunication. There is scandal (Victorian brand scandal of course) and there are weddings, some forced, others not. While reading you will want to bash the head of some of the more stubborn characters and yes sometime’s you will want to bash the heads of the hero and heroine.
It is not a light read and will take some thinking. But, I promise you, you will laugh. It is very funny at times. Especially when Elizabeth is discussing the serious matter of a marriage proposal with her cousin, Mr. Collins. The man is outrageously idiotic and the whole encounter is highly satirical.
Pride and Prejudice is such a classic that I believe we’ll be seeing some fresh version soon. Modernized and geared toward a younger teen audience. A brilliant idea if you ask me.
The reason why I’ve deducted a star is this…it is long and there are some boring bits here and there, but I think that comes with the territory of Victorian literature. It doesn’t stop me from reading it again and again though; it just takes some patience.
Review by Angela Minchella
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
On Writing By Stephen King
On Writing: A memoir of The Craft
By Stephen King
This non-fiction memoir of the famous horror writer Stephen King is an interesting and informative read. The book is broken up into distinct parts that all relate to the craft of writing fiction but deal with different aspects of King’s life and how writing has influenced or impacted him in various ways. The first part is what he refers to as his C.V. (a resume of sorts) and is a much better account of King’s younger years then I’ve read or watched over the years. (Although the Biography channel’s episode on King is quite good.) It is the kind of information that would appeal to an aspiring writer as well as an avid fan because he talks about his inspiration, his goals, and his challenges with regards to writing starting from very young age. What surprised me a little was that King tells these stories with quite a lot of humour embedded; there were laugh out loud moments that got me strange looks from the people around me. The man is funny; I didn’t know that.
The second part of the book deals with the mechanics of being a writer and in King’s opinion, what it takes to be a good writer. He is confident in his knowledge and opinionated in his assertions even to the extent of using examples from other author’s works both good and bad to highlight a particular point. Although I don’t necessarily agree with everything he has to say, there some rules he insists on that make him sound preachy and outdated, as an aspiring writer myself I did find inspiration and encouragement in this book. There were times where I was torn between reading on and setting the book down to do some writing, because if you’re not writing then how can you call yourself a serious writer? I believe it is a “must read” for anyone even toying with the idea of chasing the dream of publication.
There is also a third part worth mentioning related to the car accident that nearly killed King in 1999. It was very interesting to hear his account of what happened when he was struck by a car while out for a walk. His account carried with it a valuable lesson about writing as well; it can help get things back into perspective, give you a kind of mental home to return to when everything has been lost and keep you going even when the worst of situations has sent you off course. If you are truly a writer, a serious writer, you should read this book.
Review by Angela Minchella
By Stephen King
This non-fiction memoir of the famous horror writer Stephen King is an interesting and informative read. The book is broken up into distinct parts that all relate to the craft of writing fiction but deal with different aspects of King’s life and how writing has influenced or impacted him in various ways. The first part is what he refers to as his C.V. (a resume of sorts) and is a much better account of King’s younger years then I’ve read or watched over the years. (Although the Biography channel’s episode on King is quite good.) It is the kind of information that would appeal to an aspiring writer as well as an avid fan because he talks about his inspiration, his goals, and his challenges with regards to writing starting from very young age. What surprised me a little was that King tells these stories with quite a lot of humour embedded; there were laugh out loud moments that got me strange looks from the people around me. The man is funny; I didn’t know that.
The second part of the book deals with the mechanics of being a writer and in King’s opinion, what it takes to be a good writer. He is confident in his knowledge and opinionated in his assertions even to the extent of using examples from other author’s works both good and bad to highlight a particular point. Although I don’t necessarily agree with everything he has to say, there some rules he insists on that make him sound preachy and outdated, as an aspiring writer myself I did find inspiration and encouragement in this book. There were times where I was torn between reading on and setting the book down to do some writing, because if you’re not writing then how can you call yourself a serious writer? I believe it is a “must read” for anyone even toying with the idea of chasing the dream of publication.
There is also a third part worth mentioning related to the car accident that nearly killed King in 1999. It was very interesting to hear his account of what happened when he was struck by a car while out for a walk. His account carried with it a valuable lesson about writing as well; it can help get things back into perspective, give you a kind of mental home to return to when everything has been lost and keep you going even when the worst of situations has sent you off course. If you are truly a writer, a serious writer, you should read this book.
Review by Angela Minchella
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Historian
The Historian
By Elizabeth Kostova
Although this book is quite long and slow at times, I really think that it is worth taking the time to read it. If you like historical novels and paranormal tales then you’ll really like this book. It offers a new take on the idea of Dracula that is refreshing, intelligent and very realistic/believable. It took me a while to get through it; it’s definitely a thinking kind of novel, not pulpy or quick to get through at all, but enjoyable all the same. The description is excellent and really shows Kostova’s extensive research and expertise with regards to her locations and time periods. Her historical accounts seem accurate and make sense as they are embedded and intertwined with her story. I definitely made a connection to the characters. Not only are there dark and suspenseful elements to this story but romance as well. It is very well-rounded in a way that would appeal to a variety of reader preferences. I really enjoyed this novel and think that it would make a great comparative companion to Dracula by Bram Stoker. It would be a great choice for a reading club not only because there are discussion questions at the end but because there is simply a lot to discuss.
Review by Angela Minchella
By Elizabeth Kostova
Although this book is quite long and slow at times, I really think that it is worth taking the time to read it. If you like historical novels and paranormal tales then you’ll really like this book. It offers a new take on the idea of Dracula that is refreshing, intelligent and very realistic/believable. It took me a while to get through it; it’s definitely a thinking kind of novel, not pulpy or quick to get through at all, but enjoyable all the same. The description is excellent and really shows Kostova’s extensive research and expertise with regards to her locations and time periods. Her historical accounts seem accurate and make sense as they are embedded and intertwined with her story. I definitely made a connection to the characters. Not only are there dark and suspenseful elements to this story but romance as well. It is very well-rounded in a way that would appeal to a variety of reader preferences. I really enjoyed this novel and think that it would make a great comparative companion to Dracula by Bram Stoker. It would be a great choice for a reading club not only because there are discussion questions at the end but because there is simply a lot to discuss.
Review by Angela Minchella
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