Holy smokes! Who says a bunch of birds aren’t a good investment? Today, John James Audubon’s “Birds of America” became the world’s most expensive printed book. Sold to anonymous bidder for 6,500,000 pounds ($10,270,000), the 19th Century masterpiece’s 435 hand drawn images are some of the major original contributions to the study of natural history. Each illustration measures more than 3 feet by 2 feet. Excuse us while we wipe up our drool…

Since a huge part of our job centers around shopping, we have become acutely aware of what makes a store, site or catalog unique. One of the best catalogs hands down is The J.Peterman Company’s catalog. Their items are antiquely illustrated and accompanied by tales of adventure and history. And, if not cool enough, the Company site hosts an online community that is basically an “interactive, daily newspaper focused on travel and curiosities.” Don’t forget to check out their classified section to plan your next trip to Africa or buy that Argentinian Winery you’ve been dreaming about.

Here are a few of our favorite finds: