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Raptis Rare Books was recently featured in the May 10, 2026 issue of Florida Weekly: Celebrating 250 Years of America – Florida Weekly History comes to life this season on Worth Avenue, where Raptis Rare Books will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States with a remarkable exhibition of founding-era treasures. Set within the gallery’s…
In February of 1798, as the young American republic stood in a period of mounting political anxiety, Elkanah Watson sent a small book to Mount Vernon. Inside, on the front pastedown, he had written simply: “From the Author to General Washington.” On the facing leaf, he added a longer, more personal message: “New York, Feb.…
Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, remains a towering figure in American political history. Serving from 1981 to 1989, Reagan’s presidency was marked by a transformative approach to governance and a lasting impact on modern conservatism. Before ascending to the highest office in the land, Reagan’s career was far…
In the annals of American history, few relationships have been as complex and intriguing as that between President John F. Kennedy and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. From the outside, their interactions may have appeared cordial and professional, but beneath the surface lay a web of secrecy, suspicion, and mutual distrust. Let’s delve into the…
Born in the mid-1700s in relative poverty, Alexander Hamilton rose to prominence as one of America’s founding fathers and the first treasury secretary of the United States. He founded the nation’s financial system, the Federalist Party, the United States Coast Guard, the New York Post newspaper, and he was the main author of the economic…
Born in 1822, Ulysses S. Grant was an American military officer and politician who served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. As Commanding General, he led the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War in 1865 and thereafter briefly served as Secretary of War. Later, as president,…
The first President of the United States, George Washington served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and later presided over the 1787 convention that drafted the United States Constitution. He is popularly considered the driving force behind the nation’s establishment and came to be known as the “father of the…
Widely considered one of the most influential American Presidents to date, Ronald Wilson Reagan remains one of the most iconic figures within the American Republican Party. As the leader of the modern conservative movement, Reagan altered the the political dynamic of the United States and his policies and beliefs have been frequently invoked by several…
One of the most fascinating genres to collect, Americana encompasses a broad range of titles, the most rare and desirable being the earliest texts printed in America. Containing resounding messages that played a significant role in the foundation and political history of the United States, among the most important books in American history are Thomas…
Celebrated on the third Monday in February in honor of the first president of the United States, George Washington, President’s Day was first established as a federal holiday in 1879 by an Act of Congress and continues to be a day of celebration, commemorating the presidency as an institution and America’s Founding Fathers. In observance…
Please join us for a discussion with Dr. Alvin Felzenberg: “Hamilton and Madison: A Most Significant Partnership.” Dr. Alvin Felzenberg is a recognized expert on American politics, the American presidency, Congress, and political movements. Dr. Felzenberg served in two presidential administrations, was senior adviser to the Departments of State and Defense, and was principal…
In celebration of Independence Day we are pleased to share a selection of rare books and historic documents related to America’s great Founding Fathers, particularly those instrumental in drafting the United States Declaration of Independence. Adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, The United States Declaration of Independence announced the sovereignty of…
The 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt was a prolific and skilled writer, publishing over 40 books on a range of topics including military history, natural history, conservation, biography, and editorial commentary throughout his lifetime. Known for his vigorous, robustly masculine persona, Roosevelt embraced a strenuous lifestyle and led an adventurous and well-traveled…
Officially recognized as “Washington’s Birthday” by the Federal Government – President’s Day is an iconic American Holiday revolved around honoring the Commander in Chief of the United States of America. Traditionally celebrated on February 22, the actual date of Washington’s birthday, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved to the…
“I’m a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.” – Abraham Lincoln While President’s Day was originally begun to honor George Washington, another popular figurehead we honor on President’s Day is the renowned 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.…
Matthew Raptis was live on WPBF 25 News speaking on Presidential inauguration memorabilia. Here is the Transcript: WHEN DONALD TRUMP TAKES THE OATH OF OFFICE IT WILL– THERE WILL BE A LOT OF MEMENTOS.OF COURSE THERE ARE A LOT OF HISTORICAL ITEMS FROM PAST PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATIONS. JOINING US NOW TO TAKE A LOOK AT…
