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The Best Books to Gift this Holiday Season
Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Dr. Kalika Sands shares gift-giving tips for the book-lover in your life, from first edition novels to library accoutrements.
W hen the weather cools, there’s nothing cozier than a good book – and in the heart of winter there’s nothing cozier then a well-stocked library. A book is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give a friend or family member, but it’s also one of the hardest to get right. Fortunately, there are a few tips to ensure your gift is well-received – for example, even someone who’s read a novel a hundred times will surely appreciate a first edition. Here, Sotheby’s own Dr. Kalika Sands, an international specialist and head of sale with years of experience in Oxford and New York, shares her tips on finding the perfect tome to gift this holiday season.
Cozy Winter Novels
“As the days grow darker and colder, curling up with a books that offers a sense of comfort or indulgence can be a be a particular luxury. From Agatha Christie to John Le Carré and Harry Potter, modern first editions offer a rich world of characters and intrigue to escape to. Whether revisiting a much-loved narrative or finding a new protagonist to take you on a journey, a modern first can be an ideal read.”
Appreciating the Classics
“The holiday season can be the ideal time to delve into a sprawling classic. After all, Charles Dickens is now regarded as “the man who invented Christmas” (or, perhaps more accurately, the man who revived the spirit of it). Dickens’ amusing and affecting The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, his scathing critique of society conveyed through Hard Times and Our Mutual Friend, his last completed novel, are each page-turners. Indeed, the author’s panoramic view of society remains just as relevant now as it was 150 years ago.”
A Well-Appointed Library
“The best libraries inspire a sense of wonder and engender a spirit of creativity. Maps that both inform and expand horizons, celestial charts that animate the skies and botanical prints illustrating exotic species are just a few examples of the sorts of works that find their natural home in a setting intended for intellectual exploration. And as your ideas ruminate, you can reach for your favorite Montblanc or Cartier pen – the ideal library accessory.”
Holiday Blockbuster Memorabilia
“In a season defined by nostalgia, classic films often become touchstones we revisit time and again. From James Bond to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, these vintage posters offer not only a striking aesthetic, they also conjure memories of the films that have served as points of inspiration and connection.”
