Collecting Stories

This collection of essays explores the stories that can be told by and about objects and those who choose to collect them. Examining collecting in different historical, social and institutional contexts, the authors consider the meanings and values with which objects are imputed and the processes and implications of collecting.

A NEW YORK REVIEW BOOKS ORIGINAL Novels in Three Lines collects more than a thousand items that appeared anonymously in the French newspaper Le Matin in 1906—true stories of murder, mayhem, and everyday life presented with a ruthless economy that provokes laughter even as it shocks. This extraordinary trove, undiscovered until the 1940s and here translated for the first time into English, is the work of the mysterious Félix Fénéon. Dandy, anarchist, and critic of genius, the discoverer of Georges Seurat and the first French publisher of James Joyce, Fénéon carefully maintained his own anonymity, toiling for years as an obscure clerk in the French War Department. Novels in Three Lines is his secret chef-d’oeuvre, a work of strange and singular art that brings back the long-ago year of 1906 with the haunting immediacy of a photograph while looking forward to such disparate works as Walter Benjamin’s Arcades Project and the Death and Disaster series of Andy Warhol.

Narrating Objects, Collecting Stories is a wide-ranging collection of essays exploring the stories that can be told about objects and those who choose to collect them. Examining objects and collecting in different historical, social and institutional contexts, an international, interdisciplinary group of authors consider the meanings and values with which objects are imputed and the processes and implications of collecting. This includes considering the entanglement of objects and collectors alike in webs of social relations, the creation of value and social change; object biographies and the stories – often conflicting – that objects come to represent; and the strategies used to reconstruct and retell the narratives of objects. The book includes considerations of individual objects and groups of objects, such as domestic interiors, Chinese Buddhist artefacts, novelty tea-pots, Scottish stone monuments, African ironworking, a postcolonial painting and memorials to those killed on the roads in Australia. It also contains chapters dealing with particular collectors – including Charles Bell and Beatrix Potter – and representational techniques.

Challenged by his son Kristian Davies, the award winning author of Laynfaroh's first book, The Orientalists , to write the story of a forty-year passion for collecting American paintings, Tom Davies quickly found himself not only recalling events surrounding their acquisition but also recounting how the 'art gene' was passed from his father to him and onto his two sons. This Collecting Stories is unlike any other book focusing on a family's lifelong pursuit of its passion. It is written entirely by the collector, not simply a hired art historian. It communicates, at a personal level, the great joy and pleasure derived from the people (artists, dealers, museum personnel, and other collectors) encountered along the way, the lessons learned (both good and bad), and the satisfaction gained from increased knowledge and insight. As the title states, there are 400 pieces of artwork, reflecting the ever-expanding interests of Mr. and Mrs. Davies, collected over forty years, ranging from 19th-century Hu

The antiquarian's reference to old books features thousands of listings, including hundreds of new titles, a new Internet buying guide, a complete glossary of book-collecting terms, research resources, information on dealers, and advice on buying, selling, and maintaining fragile acquisitions. Original.

"Beautiful, vivid writing and a power-packed plot . . . I truly loved it."--Lauren Tarshis, bestselling author of the I SURVIVED series "Awesome. Super-intense, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat stuff."--Max Brallier, New York Times bestselling author of the LAST KIDS ON EARTH series A major hurricane is raging across the southern United States, and two unsuspecting kids are about to have the adventure of a lifetime! Perfect for kids who love high-stakes plots and natural disaster movies, and anyone interested in extreme weather! And coming in January 2022, don't miss another epic adventure, SNOW STRUCK. A little rain and wind don't worry Alejo--they're just part of life at the beach. As his padrino says, as long as there are birds in the waves, it's safe. When people start evacuating, though, Alejo realizes things might be worse than he thought. And they are. A hurricane is headed straight for Puerto Rico. Emily's brother, Elliot, has been really sick. He can't go outside their New Orleans home, so Emily decides to have an adventure for him. She's on a secret mission to the tiny island Elliot loves. She's not expecting to meet up with an injured goose or a shy turtle. And nothing has prepared her for Megastorm Valerie. Soon Alejo and Emily will be in Valerie's deadly path. Who will survive?

Rudyard Kipling's 'Ultimate Short Story Collection' is a literary masterpiece that compiles over 440 short stories in one volume, showcasing the author's versatility and mastery of the short story genre. Kipling's stories are known for their vivid imagery, compelling characters, and profound themes that explore the complexities of human nature and society. His concise yet evocative prose transports readers to exotic locales and allows them to delve into the rich tapestry of Kipling's imagination. This collection is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts and scholars alike, providing a comprehensive overview of Kipling's storytelling prowess and enduring legacy in the world of literature. From tales of adventure and exploration to poignant reflections on colonialism and identity, Kipling's short stories continue to captivate readers with their timeless relevance and thought-provoking narratives. Rudyard Kipling, a Nobel Prize-winning author, drew inspiration from his experiences in British India and his deep fascination with global culture and history. His unique perspective as a writer and traveler informs the vivid depictions and diverse themes found in his short stories, making them essential reading for anyone interested in classic literature and the art of storytelling. I highly recommend Rudyard Kipling's 'Ultimate Short Story Collection' to readers seeking a diverse and enriching literary experience that transcends time and space, offering a glimpse into the brilliant mind of one of the greatest storytellers of the 19th century.

A lovable oddball cast of characters is at the heart of this treasure-hunt through the last days of one of the greatest flea markets on earth. "[Rips] has humanity, humor and the gift of a limpid, agile, unpretentious prose style.… A captivating portrait.”—Ben Downing, Wall Street Journal Across America and around the world, people wander through flea markets to search for lost treasures. For decades, no such market was more renowned than the legendary Chelsea flea market, which sprawled over several blocks and within an old garage on the west side of Manhattan. Visitors would trawl through booths crammed with vintage dresses, rare books, ancient swords, glass eyeballs, Afghan rugs, West African fetish dolls, Old Master paintings, and much more. In The Golden Flea, the acclaimed writer Michael Rips takes readers on a trip through this charmed world. With a beguiling style that has won praise from Joan Didion and Susan Orlean, Rips recounts his obsession with the flea and its treasures and provides a fascinating account of the business of buying and selling antiques. Along the way, he introduces us to the flea’s lovable oddball cast of vendors, pickers, and collectors, including a haberdasher who only sells to those he deems worthy; an art dealer whose obscure paintings often go for enormous sums; a troubadour who sings to attract customers; and the Prophet, who finds wisdom among all the treasures and trash. As Rips’s passion for collecting grows and the flea’s last days loom, he undertakes a quest to prove the provenance of a mysterious painting that just might be the one.