Catholic Transcript Online

BLOOMFIELD – Author and book collector Michael C. Dooling will present the program “The World of Rare Books” from 10:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 20 at the   Archbishop O’Brien Library, located in the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave. A collector and dealer of rare books and manuscripts for 35 years, Mr. Dooling will provide  an overview of the rare book world and will have books and manuscripts as examples from various periods. His illustrations will show a wide variety of manuscripts and books – from the Vulgate Bible, written in the 13th century, to a selection of 20 th century Hardy Boys dust jackets. Attendees may bring books they would like to discuss. Some or all will be selected for discussion. Mr. Dooling will identify features that make books collectible and rare.

Topics include medieval manuscripts, vellum and paper, the history of printing, first editions, bindings, book terminology, color plates and maps, illustration and dust jackets.

Registration for Mr. Dooling’s presentation may be arranged by calling the library at (860) 242-5573, ext. 115/114. The program is open to the public. The donation is $4.