Books are still regularly banned, even here in the U.S. From Harry Potter to Huck Finn, controversial titles are pulled from library shelves when content is considered "inappropriate" or "inflammatory." These titles may seem like classic favorites or juveniles literature , but all have had their share of social controversy.

Have you ever picked up a book just because the title was so outrageous? Or been so intrigued by its ambiguity that you just had to read the book jacket ? Each one of the books in this collection has a title that begs a curious second look.

First editions , often the purest form of an author's work, are the first and most undiluted attempt at literary greatness. When combined with an inscription , these editions are a personalized piece of an author's greatness. The books in this collection truly showcase a love of the written word.

Enjoying rare & collectible books  doesn't have to be expensive. There are countless affordable titles - from from modern first editions  to signed copies - for less than $150. These make thoughtful and valuable gifts, or they can be the beginning of your own personal collection.

The Folio Society produces exquisitely crafted books, taking great care when selecting the typography, illustrations, paper, printing and binding design. Each title is individually illustrated either with contemporary prints, paintings and photographs, or with specially commissioned original art – often from award-winning artists. Every book has a proper sewn binding, and is protected by a handsome slipcase . A shelf of Folio Society books is a beautiful feature of any room.

If you love either bestsellers or the most popular writers, you can build your collection with these prized titles, from modern first editions , to classics, to book club editions . All of them have their popularity in common: no matter what their publication date or edition, each book in this collection was once a favorite.

BN.com, KirtasBooks, and The Boston Public Library are thrilled to present The John Adams Library Collection - now available for Print on Demand . You can own exact replicas of President John Adams' personal libary of almost 2,500 books, including hundreds with Adams' signature and extensive annotations . You can browse through his most heavily annotated and most loved, his many presentation copies , or even his childhood favorites.

Here at BN.com, we love all authors – from bestsellers to the self-published to the hypermodern . Yet sometimes, certain authors are extraordinary from their first books: beautiful, engrossing, and impossible to put down. We expect great things from these writers.

Sometimes the struggle in a story is epic, consuming, and overwhelming; it isn't just part of the plot, but rather is the entire plot. Whether a fight is against nature, self, or society, the pain and grief in these books shows the ability of human nature to face and overcome all obstacles.

The darker side of the written word has created some of the most beautiful tales of mystery, crime, vengeance, and betrayal. This collection focuses on works that leave you asking questions about human nature and its capacity for good and evil - works that will leave your heart pounding and your palms sweaty.

The beauty of young adult novels is inescapable: the nostalgia, the escapism, the pure, raw emotion. These books - often part of an ongoing series  where we fall in love with the characters - remind us of our youth, our dreams, and our ability to connect with their coming of age transformations.

Though the most extraordinary love stories don't always have happy endings, they always have epic, memorable love: Catherine and Heathcliff, Lancelot and Guinevere, Othello and Desdemona. The pursuit (and loss) of love has been the subject great stories since the beginning of the written word, from incunabula  to sonnets - and is the true heart of any romantic's collection.

Have you ever looked at your bookshelves and thought, "Wow, all of those novels are in my head"? Being able to see the critical mass of what you've read is beautiful, impressive, and full of memories - whether it's a bookshelf of worn spines , the virtual shelf of an eReader, or like here, in a collection of meaningful favorites.

Working at BN is a dream come true for many of us: it means that our lives are centered around books. As avid readers, we love when customers ask us for recommendations or our favorites - not just so you'll buy books, but because, like you, we love to read, share, and talk about books too.

You can build a personal library of amazing books – whether you read bestsellers or classics, or whether you want to spend $100 or $1000. If you're new to rare & collectible books , this collection shows you how easy it is to fall in love with the most extraordinary version of your favorites – whether it's signed, a first edition , or just something that you've been dreaming about owning.