Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Leo Tolstoy.  Classic authors with books that open doors into enchanting worlds, unforgettable characters, and art which pours forth in words.  In our days of instant gratification at the touch of a button, novels which require nothing more than a tiny computer held in our hand, people nationwide are taking a pledge to read the printed word and collecting books in droves. 

These are people who feel that there is no scent better than that of musky old book pages, no activity more exciting than opening up a new book and disappearing into a story, a poem, or the wisdom of an artist from the past.  Libraries, used book stores, garage sales, big book stores and antique book auctions, all are gateways into adventure and thought galore. 

A recent book auction at Heritage Auctions in Beverly Hills, CA gives us a look at the fever spreading among book lovers to obtain and hold the greatest books in their private collections.  With classic books selling for remarkable prices, one going for as high as $68,500, the message has been sent loud and clear that not everyone is willing to trade in their beloved paper and hardbacks for a screen. 

Many at this particular auction were enthralled with classic American literature, Ernest Hemingway proving himself to be the great favorite.  Other authors with big sells were Lewis Carrol, Edgar Allen Poe, Willa Cather, and the brilliant, recently deceased Maurice Sendak. 

No matter what your forte, there are books out there for you.  Do not just settle for all the bells and whistles which technology has to offer, but open yourself to at least one special book that you can hold in your hands and sniff the pages of history!  You will not be disappointed.