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In one of the oldest and most renowned bookstores, Sotheran’s, founded in 1761, its newsletter in August (August 15, 2025) featured a captivating declaration: "We are custodians of history." The story behind this statement is just as intriguing. It turns out that in a copy of ”The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer”, printed in 1687 and found within their collection, there was a small stamp from Sotheran’s on the front endpaper. This tiny mark proved that the book had at least once passed through their hands, linking the present to centuries of preserved literary heritage.

In the Le Monde series “Letters from America,” writer and journalist Thomas Chatterton Williams offers a thought-provoking reflection in his article titled “The books we accumulate but will never read are less a burden than a form of wealth” (August 22, 2025). He explores the enduring value of printed books and personal collections, even if they remain unread for a lifetime. Williams insightfully notes that books serve various purposes — whether for inspiration, reference, or simply the joy of ownership. As he eloquently states, “The man with an ever-expanding library understands the importance of remaining curious and open to new ideas.” This perspective invites us to view our books not just as potential reading material but as symbols of curiosity and ongoing growth.

At The IK Foundation, our publishing pursuits are driven by a dual passion: to share profound knowledge and to celebrate the timeless art of books through editorial skills, exquisite design, thoughtfully chosen paper, and masterful bookbinding. Each book is a vessel of knowledge, inspiration and beauty, crafted to endure and inspire for generations to come.

At the same time, it is worth highlighting that IK has been a trailblazer in harnessing the digital world. We have embraced this technology by publishing digital iBOOKS of some of our printed titles. Currently, approximately 7,000 pages are available for free under a Creative Commons license, making our content accessible to a global audience.

We encourage everyone to champion their local libraries and booksellers, and to immerse themselves in the wealth of knowledge quoted from Sotheran’s and Le Monde. Plus, explore IK’s diverse BOOKS & ART departments, which are open around the clock, 24 hours a day! — each offering unique treasures. And remember, as an iFELLOW, you will enjoy exclusive discounts on your orders.

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THE RENOWNED ENGLISH poet and philosopher Alexander Pope was a man of remarkable literary insight. His extensive book collection, brimming with annotated works, served as both a treasure trove of knowledge and a testament to his lifelong passion for learning. He also became one of the most frequently portrayed persons of his generation, which, among other things, provides interesting insight into the functional garments he wore. He was frequently portrayed in meticulously crafted, crisp white linen shirts without collars, plush banyans, or simple, elegant coats. In a new iTEXTILIS essay, textile historian Viveka Hansen discusses this style alongside a rare embroidery depicting the late Mr. Pope's house in Twickenham, London.

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PRESS RELEASE | SUBJECT: The IK Foundation announces the release of a new book titled “Naturae Observatio SPITSBERGEN Science Expeditions”. It is a significant monograph that explores Spitsbergen’s Arctic heritage and contemporary scientific research.

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The IK Foundation proudly introduces ”Naturae Observatio SPITSBERGEN Science Expeditions”, a pioneering monograph that connects four centuries of Arctic exploration, science, and cultural history.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER? As the relentless march of climate change reshapes the Arctic, “Naturae Observatio SPITSBERGEN Science Expeditions” stands as both a poignant record of vanishing knowledge and a call to action. It beckons us to cherish the delicate balance of one of Earth’s last wild frontiers and inspires future scientists, historians, and conservationists to safeguard its future.

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