Episode 2: Did American Literature begin with a con?

In this episode we discuss a wonderfully strange 1809 first edition that just might be the founding work of American literature … Jeremy then takes the conversation in a different direction by making a comparison with this book and the much-coveted and exceptionally valuable 1623 Shakespeare first folio, the first collected edition of Shakespeare, and then we look at the current market for this strange 1809 book and find that, compared to other foundational works, it’s surprisingly affordable. As always, please check our website for links to the books we discuss. Enjoy!

What is Rare Book Chat?

Dive deep into the fascinating world of rare books with Rare Book Chat. Hosted by Michael DiRuggiero and Jeremy O'Connor, the co-founders of The Manhattan Rare Book Company, this twice-weekly podcast explores the unique and often valuable items that fill the world of rare books, manuscripts, letters, photographs, archives, and more.

From historical documents to literary first editions, we'll discuss the stories behind these one-of-a-kind treasures. Join us as we explore the intricacies of the rare book trade and discover the hidden gems that await.