The Scene In and Around Boston . . . Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright recently visited the St. John Boutique in Boston for an intimate book signing of her latest book, "Read My Pins." About 75 guests had the unique opportunity to listen to Madame Secretary's presentation, ask her questions and have their books signed. We are told that it is a fascinating book that chronicles the beginnings of her collecting pins and how they ultimately became significant symbols throughout her political career. The fun event was organized by The Goodwin Group.
Gala to Benefit Christopher Columbus Park On Friday, November 13, we are all invited to join Mayor Thomas Menino for the "6th Gala Fundraising Celebration" of Christopher Columbus Park, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. The gala includes a cocktail reception, dinner, silent auction and dancing to the Stardust Band. The event is the major fundraiser of the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park, an all-volunteer neighborhood group that provides funding for the Annual Trellis Lights, maintains the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden, purchases trees and plants for the Park, and much more. For tickets or more information call 781-639-6002 or visit www.foccp.org/Gala.html.
Antiquarian Book Fair Returns Among the anticipated events at the upcoming "Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair," November 13-15, at the Hynes Convention Center, is journalist Allison Hoover Bartlett, discussing her new book "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, A Detective, and The World of Literary Obsession" (Riverhead Books, September 2009), which delves into the profound role that books play in all of our lives. Literary obsession will be on full display at this 33rd annual event that draws collectors, bibliophiles and some of the most prestigious rare book dealers from around the world. Ken Sanders, the detective in Bartlett's book, is one of the more than 120 book dealers who will be exhibiting. One of the oldest and largest book fairs in the country, the "2009 Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair" will feature a plethora of fascinating historic, geographic and cultural books, photos, maps and assorted ephemera. Kenneth Gloss, proprietor of the nationally known Brattle Book Shop in Boston's Downtown Crossing, is once again the chair of the popular event. Rare book dealers from the U.S., England, France, The Netherlands and Germany will be exhibiting a wide range of printed material, from collectible and rare literature and children's books to scholarly works, one-of-kind photographs, autographs, antiquarian maps, ephemera and fine prints. Among the sought after and rare collectibles will be a signed, first edition of Amelia Earhart's "20 Hrs. 40 Min.," the book that chronicled her experiences as the first female passenger on a transatlantic flight. A letter and yearbook photo by J. D. Salinger and signed first editions of such classics as "Tender is the Night" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" and "The Single Hound: Poems of a Lifetime" by Emily Dickinson, will be available. As in the past, the Book Fair will feature a number of noteworthy educational events for both the novice and seasoned collector. They include: Saturday, November 14 at 1 p.m., "Never Destroy Anything" The Story of Franklin Roosevelt's Presidential Library and Museum by Cynthia Koch, Director. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library is the first of the presidential libraries. It was conceived and built under President Roosevelt's direction during 1939-1940 on 16 acres of land in Hyde Park, New York, donated the President and his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt. The Library resulted from the President's decision that a separate facility was needed to house the vast quantity of historical papers, books and memorabilia he had accumulated during a lifetime of public service and private collecting. On Sunday, November 15 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. expert appraisers will be available to Book Fair attendees who wish to bring their own books and manuscripts for free appraisal. Dates and hours are: Friday, November 13, 5 - 9 p.m.; Saturday, November 14, 12 Noon - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, November 15, 12 Noon - 5 p.m. The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair is sponsored by the New England Chapter of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America. NPR affiliate station, WBUR, is the official media sponsor of the Book Fair, and a portion of the ticket sales proceeds will benefit the Boston Public Library and the American Antiquarian Society. Tickets will be sold online at www.bostonbookfair.com and at the show's box office. Additional information, including a list of exhibitors, can be found at www.bostonbookfair.com or by calling 617-266-6540. The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair is produced by Commonwealth Promotion, Inc. Enjoy! |
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In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." |
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Kristen Daly, right, welcomes noted author and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's reception and book signing at the St. John Boutique in Boston. (Photo by Patrick Brassard)