If you love stories about book collecting and the unexpected connections books can bring, I’ve been sharing more over on my Collector’s Blog ? It’s a space where I write about the books I find, the people I meet, and the joy of collecting meaningful editions.
When an interesting old book comes through Ash Tree Books, I often find myself wanting to know more than simply its publication date and edition. I like gathering the pieces: the publishing history, the story behind the author, how the book was originally presented…
I recently posted a little vintage booklet called Basic Pyramid Experimental Guide Book by Bill Kerrel and Kathy Goggin, and it got me thinking about vintage pamphlets and booklets in general — and some of the wonderfully varied examples I currently have here at…
I’ve started something new at Ash Tree Books. At the fairs and markets I attend, I’m going to be bringing along a Magical Suitcase — a suitcase dedicated to a different themed collection of books at each event. The suitcase itself is an old,…
I recently took a short break from preparing for the Pagan Fair to talk about something that has been weighing on my mind. Recent reporting has brought attention to AI companies and their intermediaries purchasing physical books in enormous quantities for AI training data.…
People often ask me where I find the books for Ash Tree Books. The honest answer is… it’s something different every time. Sometimes I hear about a community book sale on an island I’ve never visited before. Sometimes someone contacts me because they’re downsizing…
There was something special about walking to the corner store as a kid and seeing the newest Archie comics waiting on the spinner rack. 😊 1975–1986 Vintage Archie Comics Lot – image 1 of 3 When I was growing up, my older brother and…
I haven’t gotten around to listing these yet—plain and simple. 😅 https://youtu.be/cHjmVS-8xMA?si=Xl8_JPU9OPXG5AvA Gardening books are one of my favourite categories to come across. I’m especially drawn to the illustrations—you see so much care in them. There’s also something interesting in how many women were…
A closer look at Tolkien’s use of runic language and the role it plays in The Hobbit. Upper front panel up close – 1966 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – Collector’s Edition in Slipcase Tolkien’s work has always stood out to me, but not…
There are certain objects that seem to belong with books. Not because they were made for books, necessarily, but because they live well among them — on shelves, desks, and reading tables, quietly sharing space with the stories we keep. Today I’m introducing a…
Reginald Farrer: Finding Solace in Nature This is a moment to pause with my latest book post and spend some time with the person behind it — Reginald Farrer (1880–1920). 1928 English Rock Garden by Reginald Farrer — Complete Two-Volume Set – fourth impression…
