Video Fridays: Bite-Sized Book History
We’re beginning a new series called “Video Fridays” in order to share and signal-boost some great videos from the rare book world. (Have a suggestion? Add in comments below, or email me directly.)
First up is the inaugural episode of Allie Alvis’ new series, “Bite-Sized Book History.” Alvis, aka @book_historia on Twitter, is a rare book reference librarian based in Washington, D.C. In 2018, we profiled her in the Bright Young Librarians series.






![Origen of Alexandria (c. 185–253) Homilia in Genesim, Homiliae in Exodum, in Latin, translation by Rufinus, decorated manuscript on parchment [Austria, Lambach Abbey? c. 1150–1175]. Estimate: $150,000-$200,000.](/sites/default/files/styles/category_card/public/media-images/2026-06/origen.jpeg?itok=0V_4_Lt2)



