1 comments about The Care of Fine Books.

1. I wish everybody had the enthusiasm for caring for books that Jane Greenfield does. Too many are classic, valuable tomes thrown into used bookstores and decimated over time. This book is an excellent guide to caring for your books, and making them valuable over time.

2 comments about An Introduction to Book History.

1. Finklestein and McCleery's "An Introduction to Book History" is a very good introduction to the history of books, book production and the history of reading. I really enjoyed how the author's summarized and provided conclusions for each chapter of the book. Though a short text there is a wealth of information about the origins of both writing and books. The authors also provided citations to other, more specific works on book history.
   
   What I did not like however, is that Finklestein and McCleery focus almost exclusively on the "history of the theory of book history". Though I suppose for an introductory text this is to be expected. I felt there was not enough focus on how the book has changed throughout history. There is information on how people consumed books, but there is only scant on how books were produced.
   
   Overall, I felt this was a worthwhile introduction to book history but was lacking due to its brevity in the treatment of certain topics in book history. Having used this book for a grad school course I kept it mostly for its references to other works on book history.



2. An "Introduction to Book History" is meant to be a companion text to "The Book History Reader," which is, of course, edited by Finklestein and McCleery. Knowing this before I read An Introduction to Book History made me a bit suspicious. The idea of "companion texts" seems to be more of a marketing scheme and of dubious value to the reader. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Finkelstein and McCleery have summarized the most important components of Book History in a readable and well-organized format. Some readers might find the format a bit pedantic, but this format will probably be helpful for undergraduate readers being introduced to Book History for the first time or for those readers who want a general overview of the field. At the beginning of each chapter, Finkelstein and McCleery clearly state their goals for the chapter in question, "This chapter covers the main theories and general themes that have developed in the Book History studies over the past century....After a brief summary of the terminology now commonly used to describe book history at work, the chapter looks at how book historians have characterized different stages in the history of books in Western European culture...."(7). Pedantic? Absolutely, but as I mentioned earlier, this will probably be helpful to the reader making their first encounter with Book History. Readers already familiar with the ins and outs of book history will, undoubtedly, find this book dull and repetitive. But those already familiar with the subject are clearly not the intended audience of "An Introduction to Book History." Chapters address the shift from orality to literacy, the impact of print, the relationship between printers, booksellers, publishers, and agents, and the history of readers and reading. The authors also include a glossary and a fairly detailed bibliography. "An Introduction to Book History" is a slim volume and can easily be read in a single sitting. It will be a good resource for those teaching book history to undergraduates. It is a shame that it is marketed as a "companion text," because it clearly can stand on its own.

5 comments about Used and Rare: Travels in the Book World.

1. I really enjoy this series and following the authors on their journey collecting books. The travels and booklore that they share are interesting and enjoyable to read.



2. I discovered this book quite by accident years ago. I was in a used bookstore for a long time, and eventually I shyly inquired about a Limited Editions Club book. It would have been my first purchase of a used book that was nicer - and more expensive - than a new book. The shop owner helped me, and then suggested that I might get a kick of this book. Much like another reviewer, I devoured it in less than 24 hours.
   
   Sometimes, I felt the authors were making me more comfortable in a world new to me. At other times, I felt I was being made fun of, for loving old books, and my willingness to consider paying a lot of money for them. To disagree with another review, I don't think it was mean spirited, but rather the authors candidly reveal their emotions as they evolved during the narrative. Sometimes they felt truly excited, and sometimes they felt a little embarrassed and obsessed. Even scared - as when they first bid in an auction. All book lovers have friends that don't understand the appeal. I love the book because I often feel alone in alternating between those same emotions. Even when the authors came on a little strong, and I wanted to come to the defense of some of the characters, I kept reading. The book pulls you in, even when you might disagree.



3. I first read this book a decade ago, and have re-read it many times since, that's the appeal of this book, especially if you're a book lover or book collector. Reading the Goldstones' adventures as they journey through the marvelous world of antiquarian, rare & used books, I got the feeling that I was going along with them on their journeys, and being a book collector myself, truly empathised with their vacillations on whether to purchase a book or not. In the end, it is a love story: between two people who are brought even closer by their love of books, and for the love of collecting books. Its a warm, funny, and witty book. I look forward to re-reading this book for many more years to come!



4. In "Used and Rare", the Goldstones are a kindred spirit. Reading along with their discovery of the wonders of the used book and the stores you experience in the pursuit of their acquisition was an experience in self actualization.
   
   With a simple rule about limiting the value of gift exchanges, husband and wife Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone started their used book adventure with simple purchases such as a definitive edition of Tolstoy's War and Peace that features fold-out color illustrations and maps acquired for a mere $10; from there, the Goldstones embark on a journey of discovery and book worship that leads to large expenditures of hundreds of dollars of single volumes. This book is a loving tribute to those of us with a disease - bibliophilia; bibliophilia is the unhealthy love of books (unhealthy when they take up too much space, cost a big chunk of our paycheck, are too much work to move, and can cause serious issues in an otherwise loving relationship when only one has the disease).
   
   When I originally read this book more than seven years ago, my love of books had mimicked the journey of discover that the Goldstones relate in this book: finding that awesome used copy of a book that seemed more worthy than the price implied - a bargain! The search for better version of the books I already owned - a paperback isn't good enough, you need the first edition hardcover! Searching for a copy of a book long since read, but not owned - you must own everything that has been read! Reading along with the Goldstones, I was thrilled to read about people just like me!
   
   This is a wonderful travel narrative for the world of books, bookstores, and book lovers.
   
   >>>>>>><<<<<<<
   
   A Guide to my Book Rating System:
   
   1 star = The wood pulp would have been better utilized as toilet paper.
   2 stars = Don't bother, clean your bathroom instead.
   3 stars = Wasn't a waste of time, but it was time wasted.
   4 stars = Good book, but not life altering.
   5 stars = This book changed my world in at least some small way.



5. This is the first book I have picked up and read from start to finish within 24 hours, I was so engrossed. I listen to books on tape usually so I can do more than one thing at a time, but this was recommended by a list serve for book makers and book artists, but was only in hard copy.
   
   What I enjoyed was listening to their growing "obsession" which I have experienced with collecting, their astute analysing of the market after they got the lay of the land, their emotional connections to the books, and their decisions about what part of the used and rare book market they wanted to collect based on type of writing, authors, condition of books, price of books, and even the purchasing experience they liked best.
   
   In the end we collectors all decide for ourselves just what we can collect based on some emotion, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt, whether it is $1 junk or million dollar paintings.

1 comments about The Evolution of the Book.

1. I should begin by pointing out that the "book," as Kilgour defines it, is not only the codex. This includes tablets, scrolls and the electronic book, as well.

   Kilgour divides the history of the book into several "punctuated equilibria." A term he stole from evolutionary biologists, this means points in time when major changes happened quickly. For example, when the codex came into existence, or when Gutenburg invented (for the West) printing. This is an effective method, as the reader gets a good deal of information on the important developments, and it's clear what is important.

   However, Kilgour does include info on the minor changes that occurred in between, and these often turn into laundry lists. It's obvious from the structure of the book that these are not especially important, but they're there, anyway. And they get dull. My one other major criticism is that the book could use more pictures (e.g., Kilgour describes the Book of Kells, but a picture is worth 1000 words).

   Overall, though, I recommend this book to someone looking for a complete and generally easy to follow history of the book.

No comments about Antique Trader Collectible Paperback Price Guide (Antique Trader).

5 comments about ABC for Book Collectors.

1. This book can be hard to come by (you can order it from Amazon but just try to actually GET it from them--I gave up after 4 months and used an Amazon 3rd party seller). But it's worth hunting for. A wealth of information and handy reference volume for the serious collector and serious bookseller.



2. Written by bibliographer John Carter (1905-1975), and originally published in 1952, this 232-page compendium of information and insights has long been considered the "how-to bible" for dedicated antiquarians, bibliophiles, and specialty lib-rarians with respect to locating, evaluating, and acquiring rare and out-of-print titles. Now in a completely revised, expanded, and re-set eighth edition, the ABC For Book Collectors is additionally enhanced with an informative introduction by Nicolas Barker (a personal friend of the late John Carter and the man who is responsible for the updates and revisions of this eighth edition). Among the subject authoritatively covered (and arranged in more than 490 alphabetically presented entries) are technical terms used in book collecting and bibliography; auctions, book conditions, facsimiles and fakes, "points", rarity, and more. This new addition provides up-to-date information on web-based book collecting (including eBay sales). The ABC For Book Collectors is a seminal and essential reference shelf component for dealers and collectors, and will prove of immense interest to authors, publishers, librarians, bibliophiles, bibliographers, and reviewers as well!



3. Carter's book is not dated for me, but timeless. He has a droll and elliptical way of deflating the fatuous inclinations of book dealers. Yes, there is no index, and it is tough to find exact terminology sometimes. But this book is not a mere reference book, it is meant to be read and enjoyed and instruct you in the "what", but also the "why" and "how". Carter, in his manner and wit, shows a *way* of approaching rare books which I think is very healthy. His skewering of the term "mint condition" and his hilarious description of "issue mongers" have me revisiting this book for momentary pleasure again and again. I started in used books in a store about 8 years ago and when I was hired, my boss put this book in my hands. I have always appreciated that gesture. Any collector should find both pleasure and knowledge in this tome.



4. One of the earlier reviewers -- a history grad student -- noted that this book is "outdated and unorganized." Both of those claims are inaccurate. I'm a manuscripts curator by profession, and this text is certainly not outdated. Book knowledge, and the subtleties of collecting and discriminating among important texts, are the highest priorities of John Carter's book, and he imparts those things with great skill. Several reviewers also criticize the lack of an index or table of contents. Folks, it's an encyclopedia; each term has its own heading, in alphabetical order! The book IS the table of contents and the index. This book was required reading for the "Introduction to Descriptive Bibliography" calss when I first attended Rare Book School in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1998; I'm sure it still is.

   It's important for historians (grad student or no) to familiarize themselves with this terminology. "All the terms and abbreviation in the book can be found on the Internet," notes the aforementioned grad student. Whoa! The great hulking trash barge that is the Internet does indeed pull up search terms for all of Carter's entries, but I don't trust them to be accurate. Many book-collecting terms are highly subjective ("first edition," for instance) and I'd never rely on an unvetted digital source for an accurate description if I knew nothing of the subject. You can trust John Carter's book. It should be handy on the bookshelf of every bibliophile. You'll find yourself reaching for it a lot. -Dan Lewis, Ph.D., Curator of the History of Science, the Huntington Library.




5. Very informative, well written, witty and interesting. A good read for a reference book. Lack of an index keeps it from being a great book.

4 comments about The Smithsonian Book of Books.

1. I had been assigned this book for a college course on (duh) the history of books. Before the semester had started, I had actually read the entire book, really geeky yes, but it was a wonderful book! It was engaging and full of images. It made me forget that I was actually learning something! I would highly recommend this book to anyone.



2. This book is indispensible for any book lover who not only enjoys the contents of books but also gets a charge from simply being in the company of books.
   
   Though, at times, the author's opinion shines through and the topic matter can be somewhat dry (the history of fonts - yawn), it is generally an excellent, interesting and informative discussion of the life of the book.
   
   The reader is led on a journey that begins in a time documented on material plucked from mother earth and ends with a discussion of the modern book business. Along the way the reader is treated to hundreds of tidbits about the materials, fonts, type, inks, presses, people, processes and works that were instrumental in the evolution of the book into it's modern form.
   
   In addition, the real payoff is the inclusion of hundreds of beautiful and informative pictures and illustrations supporting the topic matter. The reader is richly rewarded with pictures of important books and people as well as many representations of covers, pages and detail from important books past and present.
   
   Will the average book reader be interested in reading this book? Doubtful. Most will likely just thumb through the pages and look at the grapics. Will the average book LOVER be interested in reading this book? Absolutely - It's an excellent resource for anyone who loves books as much for what's inside as for what is outside.



3. Gorgeously illustrated with pictures from library collections all over the world, "The Smithsonian Book of Books" is a bibliophile's paradise. As Michael Olmert shows us, books became one of the world's most powerful means of disseminating information and entertainment. Can anybody imagine life without books?

   We learn how books developed from the papyrus and parchment rolls of the Egyptians and Greeks to the Roman codex, which transformed the book into the shape we know today, and how "people of the Book" -- Christians, Jews and Muslims, produced glorious volumes meant to teach the word of God. But these masterpieces were made by hand, every word and every stitch; they weren't for the the great unwashed masses. The Middle Ages, with their gloriously illuminated religious tomes sandwiched between jeweled covers that were worth a prince's ransom, turned out books that were museum pieces; some more famous examples of illumination were the "Tres Riches Heures of Jean Duc of Berry", and the Irish "Book of Kells". The spread of handwritten books for keeping accounts made possible the development and spread of commerce during the Renaissance. But the Gutenberg revolution, the development of movable type, brought books down from the rarefied atmosphere of prized possessions for the rich alone, and made books and the dissemination of knowledge and information available to everyone.

   Olmert relates in detail how books were made, the development of different typefaces, and writes two fascinating chapters on the crafts of bookmaking and bookbinding. There are also chapters on the role of illustration in books by etching and engraving as well as drawing and painting, and how illustrations in texts were used to teach as well as embellish. There's a nice chapter on children's books and how picture books progressed from the woodcuts of the 17th century to "Where the Wild Things Are" in our own time. And a whole chapter is devoted to what Olmert considers the most important book ever written, and no, it's not the Bible -- it's the dictionary.

   Olmert ends with the observation of the timeless of books. There is no "sell-by" date on any book, he tell us, because every book can tell future generations something about us. In a way, we are the sum of what we read.

   Books are so much a part of life now that they are available to everyone everywhere, from rare book sellers to the online supermarket to the corner newspaper store, and at every price from zillions of dollars for museum masterpieces to a few dollars for throwaway paperbacks. Only one kind of book is missing from this excellent volume and that is the development of the e-book. Olmert may not have seen it coming, as his book was published in 1992, but it's hard to see how scrolling through e-books will ever replace the fun of turning pages. How, on a rainy day, does one curl up with an e-book?




4. The contemporary books we buy today fill many categories, and while they may be special for a variety of reasons, their mass production that condemns them to a comparatively brief life, also is the cause of how visually dismal they are.

   There are some small private presses that still produce books as artisans, some even completely by hand, but the product is often well beyond the budgets of all but affluent collectors. Reading a work by Dickens is undeniably a thrill, but even Dickens believed his books were enhanced with imagery, so artists were part of his books, fellow craftsmen he chose to compliment his tales.

   This book by Michael Olmert is for people who love books for not just what they contain, but the manner in which they were presented. Mr. Olmert also provides a very readable history of books from long before Guttenberg printed his Bible, from a time when a book was done by hand, every letter, every stitch.

   This book presents some of the greatest rarities that have been preserved, so while you may covet a Book Of Hours, A Book Of Kells, or an illuminated page that rivals the art placed on canvas, your savings are safe. This is "The Smithsonian Book Of Books" so nobody can take any of these treasures home.

   Mr. Olmert states, "The book is perhaps humankind's most powerful intellectual creation". A rather daring claim, but this book backs it well.

2 comments about Antique Playing Cards: A Pictorial History.

1. Bought this as a gift for my brother--great color and black and white pictures throughout of "old" decks of cards. He loved it.



2. This Treasury of playing cards is sparse on text or history, but there is an abundance of beautiful pages full of playing cards to look at and admire. If you appreciate and admire the artwork of playing cards this is a wonderful book.

No comments about Books: A Memoir.

3 comments about Comic Book Checklist & Price Guide 2007: 1961 to Present (Comic Book Checklist and Price Guide).

1. Best title in its class!
   This Title has a very diverse collection of titles and values good for finding the value of an old unheard of comic. There is normally multiple dollar values for each comic edition and its associated grade on a scale of 1-10. All this book needs is some more guide lines on how to price out comics that are signed and have CGC authentication. They do have general rules for determing CGC (professionally graded comics from a new company) comic values but they seem a little off especially when combined with fractional grades.



2. very extencive and complet.



3. The Comic Book Checklist and Price Guide published by KP Books and the editors of the Comic Buyers Guide continues to be my comic price guide of choice. The 2007 edition is another 832 pages of prices and information from primarily1961 to the present. A more apt description may be from the beginning of the Silver Age to the present as if covers those DC books such as Showcase # 4 which kicked off what we know today as the Silver Age of Comic books.
   
   There are several things I love about this book. First, it can, if you wish, be used as a checklist. Rather than list comics in a run of issues (for example, Avengers 101 - 110) and listing one price for each issue in that run, this book lists each issue number individually with a check box next to it to check off if you own that issue. Hence the reason that it covers only the silver age to the present, otherwise it would be about 2000 pages instead of 800. I like this idea as a quick reference to one's own personal collection. Second, it lists only the near-mint price for each book with a grading guide to figure out prices for lesser condition books. Anyone who's been collecting comics for any length of time can easily do this right off the top of their heads and I've never found it necessary to list three different prices for comics.
   
   Another thing I like is that the book lists the month and year of each issue. This is a small tool that I think people overlook but that I have found to be very useful. But I think what the Comic Book Chcecklist Price Guide doesn't give you is just as important as what it does give you...namely it doesn't give you hundreds of pages of ads like Overstreet does. It also doesn't give you dozens of pages of stale market reports from dealers whose motives are somewhat dubious in what they report in terms of price information. Rather than rely on this `advisor' information this book has garnered real world data from auction services like eBay to provide what I feel is true pricing, black & white data and that's all I really need...not some dealer in Hoboken claiming to have sold book X for seven billion dollars.
   
   If you want a true price guide without all the vacuous fluff then this is the comic book price guide for you!
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson