Book Donations
First Principles Press is accepting book donations to add to the Ronald D. Ray Library of American History. Consider donating your personal or inherited collection to aid in the preservation of American history.
Add Your Book Collection to the Library
America is at a pivotal time as the very legitimacy of the nation is questioned in all of America’s institutions. Books are being censored and removed from library circulation as free speech is stifled by a growing “cancel culture.” This trend is concerning as dependence upon Big Tech grows. Once a wide breadth of information could be accessed, but today online searches yield little but a narrow narrative.
First Principles has scanned and archived Colonel Ray’s collection of books to preserve their content and original meaning. We hope to serve as an example for other groups and individuals seeking to preserve and digitize their own print collections, including those who would like to add their collections to ours for a more robust view of American History.
Lueke Book Collection
Approximately 1,000 books on American science and technology during the 20th Century were donated from another private collection and were added to the Library, thanks to the estate of Frank Lueke.
Frank Lueke was a mechanical engineer having graduated Summa Cum Laude from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Frank used his hands to create all his life. He acquired 27 US patents and published over 40 inventions and went on to start and sell two businesses, while taking great interest in stained glass, pianos, architecture and gardening. The Lueke residence in Oldham County, Kentucky today serves as a research facility for Yew Dell Gardens.
Over his lifetime, Frank collected books with a focus on early industrial and mechanical engineering and has a large cache of antique books on the early railroads including the transcontinental, steam and electric engines, Nikola Tesla, and airplanes.
Frank’s loving wife, JoAnn, donated a portion of his books to the Library in 2023. We are extremely grateful for the generosity and foresight of the Lueckes for their contribution to the Ronald D. Ray Library of American History. They surely will continue to fascinate, educate, instruct, and inspire young minds of the future.
Start Researching Today
We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with your research needs! Please allow 24-48 hours for a response from an FPP staff member.