Some Recent Reviews

Check out these excellent reviews of books published or distributed by Oak Knoll Press that have been recently featured in some of the leading journals in the field of books.

Other People’s Books: Association Copies and the Stories They Tell

Other People’s Books: Association Copies and the Stories They Tell is the ultimate book about books: richly illustrated essays about famous association copies of rare books. Bibliophiles can only be grateful for such an artistically produced, scholarly, entertaining book on tell-tale copies that continues to be, in the digital half-world, still filled with devotion and awe for the printed book. —Pradeep Sebastian, The Hindu

Aun Aprendo: A Comprehensive Bibliography of the Writings of Aldous Leonard Huxley by David Bromer—

Aun Aprendo was obviously assembled with ease of use in mind. Pages are uncrowded and crisply presented, with generous spacing and margens. Collectors, librarians, and booksellers will find this work indispensible. It is unquestionably now the standard work on the publications of Huxley.—Brian Cassidy, Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America Newsletter

The Last of the Great Swashbucklers: A Bio-Bibliography of Rafael Sabatini by Jesse F. Knight and Stephen Darley

I must shout my praise to the rooftops for Darley’s detailed descriptions of those jackets he had to hand. The main entries are very clear and detailed, and everything that anyone would hope for…To conclude, the bibliography has catered very well for the rational collector, and will prove to be an excellent addition to his shelves. —George Locke, Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association Newsletter

Books as History: The Importance of Books Beyond Their Texts by David Pearson

Even if you have read the first edition I highly recommend this revised one. —Sandy Cohen, Guild of Book Workers Newsletter

What he does, in eight lavishly illustrated chapters—is demolish the idea, current with the digital faithful, that physical books are passe, that they have been merely text all dressed up, now with no place to go. That book lovers will adore Books as History is a given, I believe. It’s a joy to behold, read, and digest. —Stephen J. Gertz—Booktryst Blog

This chapter, like all of the others, is gorgeously illustrated with full-color images of bindings, bookplates, pages of print, pages of manuscript, dust jackets, advertisements, and book art; reading the captions alone would impress the unconverted. Pearson succeeds in providing a history of the book that is serious and though provoking without begin pedantic. In a perfect world, Books as History would be required reading for students of history, contemporary culture, literature, and library science. —Rebecca Rego Barry, Fine Books & Collections

Beautiful Bookbindings: A Thousand Years of the Bookbinder’s Art by P.J.M. Marks

The full-color photographs, especially the close-ups, are magnificent. Beautiful Bookbindings: A Thousand Years of the Bookbinder’s Art is a beautifully produced and printed art-book. The color photography is wonderful and the insights and occasional gossip fun. —Sandy Cohen, Guild of Book Workers Newsletter

Line, Shade and Shadow: The Fabrication and Preservation of Architectural Drawings by Lois Olcott Price

A labor of love for Price for over two decades, this work amply rewards those who have long awaited its publication. The abundance, large photographs by Jim Schenck compliment Price’s descriptive text. High praise goes to Price for clearly presenting a myriad of helpful solutions for a large array of materials and collections. It is nice to have information that was once missing, now all in one place. —Stephanie Watkins, WAAC Newsletter

The book is technical in its precision, full of excellent illustrated examples, and accessible in its straighforwardness. —L.E. Carranza, CHOICE

Congratulations again to Lois Olcott Price for being the winner of the 2011 Historic Preservation Book Prize!

Local library hosts book discussion for author of Last of the Great Swashbucklers

Photo from The North Haven Citizen

On April 14, Stephen Darley, author of The Last of the Great Swashbucklers: A Bio-Bibliography of Rafael Sabatini took part in a book discussion and signing at the North Haven Library.

Held in the library’s community room, family and friends attended the event as Darley discussed his book and its creation. He explained that the book was also authored by the late Jesse F. Knight—an avid fan of Sabatini. In addition, the library held an exhibition of The Last of the Great Swashbucklers and publications from Rafael Sabatini about a month earlier.

In 2009, Darley retired from his real estate development and construction business and began devoting time to his passions of reading and writing. He explained, “Lots of research and many hours are put into the writing of my books and magazine articles. I have written articles published in several magazines on a variety of authors as well historical figures and events in the Revolutionary War era. It’s been a positive experience and a learning experience.”

Click here for more information on The Last of the Great Swashbucklers and click here to read an article about the event posted in Darley’s local newspaper The North Haven Citizen.

The Last of the Great Swashbucklers on Display

Until March 1, the North Haven Public Library in Connecticut is displaying Oak Knoll’s publication, The Last of the Great Swashbucklers: A Bio-Bibliography of Rafael Sabatini by Steven Darley and the late Jesse F. Knight,  as well as other Rafael Sabatini material. Also accompanying the display is a photograph of author Steven Darley, a Connecticut resident. We are happy Darley’s local library is supporting our publication as well as Darley’s hard work in creating such a fascinating book.

As Rafael Sabatini was known and is still remembered for capturing the imagination of  many through his stories filled with intrigues, romantic loves, devilish plots, and sword play, this display is a tribute to Sabatini, the master of romantic historical novels, as well as to Mr. Darley and Mr. Knight. Thanks to their work, Sabatini’s life and works can be remembered and further understood.

Click here for more information on The Last of the Great Swashbucklers: A Bio-Bibliography of Rafael Sabatini.

The Last of the Great Swashbucklers Reviewed

Here is a recent review of The Last of the Great Swashbucklers: A Bio-Bibliography of Rafael Sabatini by Jesse F. Knight and Stephen Darley. The book was reviewed by Cindy Vallar of Pirates and Privateers The History of Maritime Piracy.

Thank you Ms. Vallar!

Click here to see what she had to say.