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Author : Ian C. Ellis
Edition : 3
Number of Pages : 336
Publisher : Perigee Trade
List Price : $15.95
Amazon Price : $7.43
Used Price : $7.07 |
Product Description An updated edition of the essential insider's resource. For the experienced collector or someone embarking on a new hobby, this newly revised and updated edition of Book Finds reveals the secrets of locating rare and valuable books. Includes information on first editions and reader's copies, auctions and catalogs, avoiding costly and common beginner mistakes, strategies of professional "book scouts," and buying and selling on the Internet. Customer reviews Outdated  by .. Chris Robert (Torrance, CA)
Without more extensive coverage of the internet marketplace, this book can only be considered out-of-date. For the most part, the kind of selling and trading presented here no longer exists as a profitable endeavor.
Without peer  by .. Paul Bogosian (Birthplace of Vermont)
The author loves his work and shares that love and knowledge in an immediately understandable way.
Book Finds, 3rd Edition: How to Find, Buy and Sell Used and Rare Books by .. Shirley A Hickey (Green Bay, WI)
Excellent book for either the new seller or those already doing so. Information included is useful to help become an even better seller.
The Best Yet! by .. carefuldesigns_com (IL)
This book is the best one that I have found so far for a new collector. I ordered many of the books on Amazon about book collecting recently. Although I haven't read all of them yet, so far this book is the most helpful. It is not dry and still has a wealth of information. This is important to me as I am easily bored. Just in the first chapter I learned many terms used to describe the different parts of a book and some of the history of books. I am really enjoying this book and I hope you try it too!
PROBABLY WORTH FOUR STARS, BUT.......  by .. D. Blankenship (The Ozarks)
I have enjoyed this work and have indeed found parts of it to be quite useful. I have been collecting, buying, selling and trading books for quite a number of years now, and did indeed pick up some good information and hints from this particular book. It does have it's flaws though. The first, and most major, is that it simply does not address the internet as it should. So much of the information found in this book is simply outdated due to that fact. Now granted, once you have the actual book in hand, then this work becomes more useful. But finding the book is a whole different ball game than it was just a few years ago. The second problem with the book is that we all simply do not live on the East Coast of the United States and specifically, New York City. Pity, I know, but that is just a fact. Third, the author can come across as being just a bit stuffy at times, which, at best, is a bit annoying.
The negative being said, this is quite a good work to get yourself started. The author does give some great information as to the anatomy of a book, what to look for, what to avoid when purchasing or selling. This is valuable information. The chapters alone that discuss the various conditions of books and what it does to their price is probably worth the price of the book alone.
Overall, I do recommend this one, but with some reservations. There are a lot of resources out there now, and the reader, collector, seller needs to be aware of them all. This is not an easy business, and is probably not as easy as the author would make it seem.
Related Search : books , find buy , sell rare  |
Author : Madeline B. Stern
Number of Pages : 292
Release Date : 1998-06-01
Publisher : Main Street Books
List Price : $19.00
Amazon Price : $4.99
Used Price : $0.61 |
Product Description Louisa May Alcott once wrote that she had taken her pen for a bridegroom. Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern, friends and business partners for fifty years, have in many ways taken up their pens and passion for literature much in the same way. The "Holmes & Watson" of the rare book business, Rostenberg and Stern are renowned for unlocking the hidden secret of Louisa May Alcott's life when they discovered her pseudonym, A.M. Barnard, along with her anonymously published "blood and thunder" stories on subjects like transvestitism, hashish smoking, and feminism. Old Books, Rare Friends describes their mutual passion for books and literary sleuthing as they take us on their earliest European book buying jaunts. Using what they call Finger-spitzengefühl, the art of evaluating antiquarian books by handling, experience, and instinct, we are treated to some of their greatest discoveries amid the mildewed basements of London's booksellers after the Blitz. We experience the thrill of finding one of the earliest known books printed in America between 1617-1619 by the Pilgrim Press and learn about the influential role of publisher-printers from the fifteenth century. Like a precious gem, Old Books, Rare Friends is a book to treasure about the companionship of two rare friends and their shared passion for old books. Customer reviews Old Books, Rare Friends Satisfies Booklovers by .. Dale C. Storms (Upstate New York)
For those of us who lust after books about books, as well as the history of successful booksellers, this book is one of the best. "Old Books, Rare Friends" details the struggles and triumps of two of the most famous women in bookselling during the twentieth century. They include lots of stories about tracking those elusive hidden gems overlooked by other more successful book dealers. They also describe each woman's scholarly adventures, successes and failures. I read this when it was first published, but wanted to own it so I could re-read it from time to time. If you love books you can't go wrong with Madeleine and Leona's story.
'Finger-Spitzengefühl' by .. E. A. Lovitt (Gladwin, MI USA)
Sometimes I will fall in love with an author's life as perceived through her books, and read all of her works for other glimpses into her private paradise. Authors such as Will and Ariel Durant, Edwin Way Teale, Stephen Jay Gould, and Oliver Sacks have shared their curiosity, astonishment, and joy with me. These authors are endlessly inquisitive. Each new discovery in their world, whether it is a fern, a skull, or an anecdote about a long-dead king is greeted with joy and eagerly shared with the reader.
Now in the dusty corner of bibliomania, I have found two more authors who are willing to share their joy of discovery with me. They even have a name for it: 'Finger-Spitzengefühl'--"the electrifying alertness to what is unusual or important in an early printed book. When 'Finger-Spitzengefühl' is coupled with serendipity, the gates of paradise open for the dealer in old and rare [books]."
Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern share their "thrill of the chase and the joy of the find," as well as a seven-decade-long partnership in life--"the partnership of 'Faithful Friends' who share 'a deep, deep love.'"
I have to admit I had trouble getting into this book. I read some of the earlier pages six or seven times because I kept falling asleep and losing my place. However, once the authors were out of childhood recollections and into the chase--first of all for the works that Louisa May Alcott had published under a pseudonym--then I was hooked.
These authors have illuminated many once-obscure corners of history through their curiosity and devotion. They deplore collectors who pursue rare books as an investment, much as I would deplore a physician who is in practice 'only for the money.' Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern have devoted their lives to the search for the old and rare, and their love, curiosity, and wisdom show through on almost every page of this book.
Old Books, Rare Friends are marvelous. by .. Rebecca Brown (Clallam Bay, WA United States)
Given to me as a birthday present on a misty Northwest beach,the whimsical allure of these charmingly self-possessed women residingin one of the toughest cities in the world, drew me into its first pages even as the rest of my party sat around on logs, barbecuing fine local viands & feeding the camp dogs. From their student years, surviving the Depression & WWII; to studying & getting published through the exciting times of starting a company & their book-hunting jaunts to musty basements in faraway places this is a lively, lovely duet by two voices weaving a deeply evocative memoir...
Loving books and each other  by .. Onno de Zwart (steffens@bart.nl) (Rotterdam, the Netherlands)
For everyone loving books, history and detectives this book is a great pleasure to read. With great enthusiasm Leona & Madeleine write about their lives and the books which they bought and sold. It makes one jealous of times when rare books could still be found under piles of dust instead of being sold for fortunes. So stop reading the reviews and start reading this book now.
Unusual and delightful lives by .. ()
Those who love books and the history of the written word have benefitted from these devoted "literary sleuths" who not only devoted themselves to located lost treasures, but who pioneered the rights of women in academe. A story of how devotede friends could pool their talents to rescue lost arts and discover the literary secrets of groundbreaking authors. A suprisingly exciting read.
Related Search : sleuths shared , old books , rare friends  |
Author : Lawrence Goldstone
Number of Pages : 224
Publisher : St. Martin's Griffin
List Price : $14.95
Amazon Price : $6.34
Used Price : $2.98 |
Product Description When Nancy Goldstone bought a vintage copy of "War and Peace" to win a birthday bet with co-author Larry, the couple began their journey into the world of book collecting, meeting a hilarious cast of eccentrics along the way. Part travel story, part love story, and part memoir, this book provides a delightful love letter to book lovers everywhere. Customer reviews Poignant tale of book collecting novices by .. J.W. Posey (South Carolina)
I just finished this book and I found the stories wonderful. This book is obviously aimed it the beginning book collector. It details the adventures of the authors as they began to dip their feet into the world of rare books and collecting. The stories detail the adventures of the authors as they haphazardly jump into collecting books. As a somewhat novice book collector I found the stories both humorous and reassuring. I could see myself in many of the stories. There is a pull to collecting that sometimes overrides good judgment. I highly recommend this book.
Excellent foray into book collecting by .. Edward DeVere (Franklin, TN USA)
This is very well done and enjoyable. It is a light treatment of the subject prompted by my journey through the Bookman Series by Dunning.
Trifling, but a few hours' entertainment by .. Librum (CA, USA)
Though I found the opening chapters of URTBW greatly annoying (had the two professional-novelist authors of this book really never been to a used bookstore before they moved to the Berkshires? Did they really have no idea what pleasure used/antiquarian/rare books might hold for booklovers?), and the stereotyped description of book-dealers throughout tiresome (nearly every one an eccentric, an ego-maniac, or both; even if true, no need to make the point over and over), in the end I found URTBW pleasurable enough. Sure, it's the lightest of fair. But what booklover and die-hard-haunter-of-used-bookstores wouldn't relate to the authors' exciting adventures? URTBW is neither learned nor particularly well-crafted. But once one gets past the first couple of chapters, it's a good bit of fun. I'm happy to count the Goldstones among my fellow travelers in Booklandia.
Delightful! by .. W (Long Beach, CA)
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.
Agree or Disagree .. it is a page turner by .. Keith McCormick (North Carolina, USA)
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.
Related Search : book world , rare travels  |
Author : Martin Pasko
Edition : Spi
Number of Pages : 192
Publisher : Running Press
List Price : $49.95
Amazon Price : $30.96
Used Price : $32.59 |
Product Description In 1935, popular culture was forever transformed when DC Comics published the first book of “all new, all original” comic material. To the delight of millions of readers everywhere, the modern comic book was born, and from its pages came leaping an exhilarating cast of characters. Now The DC Vault unlocks DC Comics’ most fascinating secrets and deeply buried treasures, presenting a colorful array of historic and never-before-published memorabilia, including early sketches, covers, memos, press materials, and much more. From a working reproduction of a 1942 Junior Justice Society of America decoder, to a series of Public Service Announcements starring Superman and Batman, to the original pencils and inks for Wonder Woman #63, this dazzling chronicle contains more than 25 plastic-encased archival pieces for readers to pull out and examine—all while learning about the artists, writers, and world-famous super heroes that make up the DC Universe. Whether you’ve been collecting Superman comics since the ’40s or have just discovered the amazing Sandman saga, you’ll revel in this vibrant treasury! Customer reviews dc comic by .. Heather A. Cattanach ()
I bought this for my husband who is very much into comics. He loved it!
Vault of Excelence by .. Tim Lasiuta (Red Deer, Alberta)
The DC Vault
All I can say is WOW!
The team of Martin Pasko and DC Comics (Paul Levitz provides the foreword) has produced a truly remarkable book with few faults. From a historical viewpoint, Mr Pasko has managed to shed new light on the murky origins of Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholsons' company. The 'new' information not only includes what little we know of the various publisher mergings, but what fascinated me was the licensing impetus/juggernaut that grew out of DC Comcs/National Publications. With Dr No, the licensing arm behind the scenes kicked into high gear and with the merger of Kinney into a Time-Warner Corporation, DC was not only a publishing company, but a licensing monster!
As comic fans and readers, all we saw was the amazing array of products that came out of the mythcal offices we saw four color images of the heroes who saved the fictional universe again and again. DC swallowed Fawcett in the 1950's, and along with that, the amazing Captain Marvel franchise. Charlton Comics, oncde a major competitor, was also absorbed in the 1980's. The forays of DC Comics into network TV with the Adventures of Superman, Batman (West et al) and Superman films is referenced, but the Flash and Wonder Woman have been glossed over. Major talent movements from Marvel to DC (late 1960's), and the DC Implosion (1977/78) that purged the publishers low selling ranks, are covered by Pasko in a thoughtful, matter of factual manner.
Probably the greatest feature of this book is the wealth of 'vault' material included. Art pulled from files that never published, and actual copies of rare promotional items turn this into a true page turner. Items like the Ashcan Double Action #2, the Batman mask from 1943, the JSA Decoder, Superman's Buddy comic, and the History of the DC Universe poster are stunning. Even my 15 year old daughter was thrilled with the jewels in this publishing crown.
If there is a weakness to the book, it's the last couple of chapters that covers DC Comics from 1980 to present in 20 plus pages. The history of DC is complex, and the last nearly 3 decades is full of developments could fill a book on its' own. Dealing with issues of creators rights, the major Crisis, and DC Universe re-organization, and recently, the creation of specialty imprints such as Wildstorm, and the rise of exclusive creator contracts is either not discussed, or glossed over.
I do love the extensive use of high quality graphics 1935 to 1996 in the book and archive pieces. This is a true hands on book that could easily have been 200 more pages. Alex Ross fans will love the cover, and the note from Alex to Neal Adams.
The big question is, how can you expect to cover the history of such a company in so few pages? And secondarily, why do we nitpick so much. This is a labor of passion, and as such, should be read that way. Enjoy the glimpses into the files that only Paul Levitz can provide. Just enjoy.
Www.runningpress.com
Tim Lasiuta
A must buy for all DC Comics fans! by .. Richard Guion (CASTRO VALLEY, CA USA)
I like this even more than the Marvel Vault, which came out last year. The DC Vault has better content as far as the history of DC is concerned, starting with More Fun comics and leading up to recent history. Martin Pasko, who many longtime DC fans will remember as a key writer during the 1970s, wrote the text that accompanies the multitude of pictures and collectibles. He includes numerous typed and handwritten memos from DC Comics writers and editors that give us a fascinating inside look at how certain decisions were made.
The collectibles that are reproduced here are really, really sweet.
For starters, the cover of the DC Vault is a reproduction of Dick Sprang's "Secrets of the Batcave" lithograph that he produced in 1994. Some of the 1940s items are the Junior Justice Society Decoder Wheel, a Wonder Woman Sensation Comics button, and a Batman 1943 mask that announces the newspaper comic strip. There are some never-before seen items, like Neal Adams concept drawings for a "Superman-land" amusement park, where we could have explored the World of Krypton. A sticker reproduces the "Shazam Is Coming" button that announced Captain Marvel's 1970 comeback into the DC Universe. My favorite reproduction is the History of the DC Universe Jam Poster (shown above), where a few dozen DC artists collaborated to draw their famous characters: Carmine Infantino on the Flash, Neal Adams on Deadman, Joe Kubert on Hawkman, Walt Simonson on Manhunter, Curt Swan on Superman, etc. I had this poster when it originally came out and somehow lost it, glad to have it back now. It even has Dave Gibbons doing Rorschach, which must make Alan Moore's head spin around.
If this wasn't enough, the DC Vault contains tons of preliminary cover and character sketches. There's a really cool Hawkman concept cover sketch by Kubert, as well as a Ragman character description. Brian Bolland's pencils to one of his famous Wonder Woman covers is included. There are a number of covers which had to be altered from their original state, and Pasko speculates on the editors reasons for doing so. There's so much in here that I can't possibly describe...if you're any kind of DC fan, you need to buy this book, now. Nuff said.
Related Search : with rare , dc universe , collectibles from  |
Author : Richard Russell
Edition : 2
Number of Pages : 448
Publisher : Krause Publications
List Price : $24.99
Amazon Price : $7.31
Used Price : $3.47 |
Product Description -Strong presence in online auction market -- majority of auctions feature pre-1950s editions -Appeals to serious collectors by featuring a list of classic rarities in each collecting category -Only full color guide to book collecting Book collecting may have started in the 15th century, but it's definitely a hobby that's alive and well today. Readers will quickly discover this new reference is the most complete resource of its kind. Antique Trader Book Collector's Guide delivers: -One-of-a-kind pseudonym guide to help collectors unearth books written by famous authors under different names -Diverse categories of books such as Americana, banned, fantasy, horror and science fiction, childrens, mystery, occult and paranormal, and philosophy and religion. -More than 6,000 current values to aid collectors with purchases and sales Whether collector, dealer or basic book enthusiast, Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide is a valuable reference and interesting read. Customer reviews Makes it quick and easy to use this as a take-along tote for flea market ventures. by .. Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
The expanded new edition of a classic book collector's market guide provides full color and plenty of detail, updating prices for over 5,000 books and using charts to help identify first editions --which can be a tricky process, as publisher's marks vary from publisher to publisher. A new chapter on children's books has been added, while Top Ten lists of rarities and an alpha listing by author makes it quick and easy to use this as a take-along tote for flea market ventures.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Title Misleading  by .. Charles R. Barnett (Santa Fe, NM USA)
I bought, then returned this book. It may be a fine book for some but the word "Antique" in the title is deceptive. I am interested in antique books. Considering the fact that books have been published for centuries, a shotgun listing of books of relatively recent vintage may serve some well but was useless to me. Sorry, Mr. Russell. Better lose the "Antique Trader" title if you have another printing.
A Good Addition.... by .. Michael S. Dobson (Sacramento, CA)
Lighten up a little, guys. The book is THREE years old, fer chrissakes! NO book, even Ahreans, is going to cover everything AND continually be up-to-date on the fluctuations of the market (and market values), but each reference book you purchase adds a little something to your knowledge based, and this one does as well. The chapter on pseud.s adds yet another dimension to the book seller's (and/or collector's) knowledge.
Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide by .. NBSbooks ()
This book is very helpful to me as I buy and sell used books.
A Guide That's Worth the Money by .. ()
So many times I have purchased books that promise the information I will need to be knowledgable about a subject. And so many times it is an empty promise. Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide makes no empty promises. It's filled with accessible information that informs the reader on this complex subject. I've not found one easier to use. If you are interested in collecting or selling books, this guide belongs in your library.
Related Search : guide , collectors price , book collector  |
Format : Bargain Price
Author : Nicholas A. Basbanes
Edition : 1
Number of Pages : 272
Publisher : Henry Holt and Co.
List Price : $25.00
Amazon Price : $21.99
Used Price : $11.36 |
Product Description A field guide for the modern book collector
From the author of A Gentle Madness-a book with more than seventy thousand copies in print that delighted bibliophiles everywhere-comes a twenty-first-century guide to book collecting that deals with both the traditional methods of acquisition and the electronic tools now available on the Internet.
Sharing the superb insight he has gathered from booksellers over the years, Nicholas Basbanes offers a refresher course on the fundamentals that endure, while questioning certain practices of doubtful validity. Topics include how to determine if a book is a first edition, how to spot book club editions, the importance of dust jackets, scouting the flea markets, how to work the book fairs, and the importance of handling the goods, as well as discussing less tangible issues like spotting trends and having a focus. Then he takes a long look at the pros and cons of Internet buying, illuminating how you can use these electronic tools to your advantage and making this the book no modern collector will want to be without.
Customer reviews "A shelf of books bespeaks the soul whose hands have put it there." by .. J. Guild (Toronto,Canada)
A wonderful read about the world of books by one of the preeminent writers on the subject of book collecting.Using the word 'subject' to describe the passion of books is akin to using 'subject' to describe love or any other passion.Blame that on me,if you will,not Nicholas.
It seems I never get enough of these books about books and this is one of the best.Here we are given a look in on the wonderful life the author has in the world of the High End Collectors.Those like me,and that means all but a very miniscule number,who can only dream of attending and partaking in those auctions,where single rare books sell for tens of thousands,and lots or even complete personal libraries sell for sums equalling the national treasury of small countries.That doesn't mean reading about that sort of thing isn't very interesting;and the author has the ability to make one feel they are part of that activity.What one gets from this book is that anyone can have the same desires,same enjoyment,and all the rest of what comes along with having a passsion for reading,collecting,owning,sharing,arranging,their personal collection whether it is a small number of favorite volumes or some huge ammassment--it's their collecion and is what they have the ability,desire and resources to call their own.I suppose many who work with books like booksellers or library staff can even imagine the books around them are their own.I remember once reading somewhere, something to the effect that nobody ever really owns a book,but only has the privilege of being its caretaker for a while until it eventually passes on as its "owner" is sure to do--it's only a matter of time.This idea comes through very clearly as the author shows how collectors spend lifetimes searching for books that eventually end up in university,library and other collections.
The author describes the personalities he encounters and we can identify with all of them as we pursue our passion with books.
In a nutshell you'll get from this book that the only real difference between your collection and the world he writes about is a matter of scale
A great read and highly recommended to anyone who loves books and reading.
A most enjoyable book about books by .. Chris (Australia)
This is a great book for anyone interested in collecting books, or who likes books, or even anyone just interested in what makes a book collectable. Different people adopt very different approaches and strategies to book collecting and Basbanes documents a number of them. The eccentric madness of it all is what makes it entertaining and I found that this quickly became a hard book to put down. After reading this I suspect that I will never look at books the same way again. The fundamentals of book collection are not unlike other forms of collection, so people who are self confessed "collectors" (You know who you are!) are likely to find this an exciting read. In among all the entertaining yarns is a pretty good starters guide to book collection, and this book contains a number of practical pointers to web sites and book sellers to get the novice started. Overall it was really enjoyable to read and very much a page turner.
An Indispensable Resource for Any Serious Book Collector by .. Janefpl (West Orange, New Jersey United States)
In "Among the Gently Mad," Basbanes declares, "the more you read or read about reading, the more you will uncover about other books." And, the more, it seems, you will get to know an ever-expanding circle of people who collect and/or sell books. All their stories are here...what they collect, how they collect them, how much they spend and on and on until the value of this book is almost hidden under their weight. However, if you are serious about book collecting, "Among the Gently Mad" is a tremendous resource. Reading between the lines of other book collectors' stories, you will find out which web sites, bookstores, dealers, book fairs, organizations and other sources can help you fill out your collection. By the way, this is not just a book for those who collect rare books. An antiquarian book is simply described as any book that is worth more now than when first published. Basbanes's first rule of collecting books is to focus on subjects that hold your interest and, in fact, your collection should contain books you actually want to read. If you are gently mad, that is "taking delight in the pleasant touching of books long coveted," this book is an indispensable tool to fulfilling your own madness.
Couldn't put it down by .. BuzS (ny, ny)
In rapturous, elegant prose, the author envelops the reader in his consuming passion for books and the people who love to collect them; as the hours flew by while I curled up with Basbanes, I assuaged my guilt at forsaking mundane tasks with the right-on lines that end the book's first chapter: "... a sentiment that I confess I savor on a daily basis: Books are not Life, But then what is?"
Wonderful reading, as always by .. Michael K. Smith (Gonzales, Louisiana)
Reading Basbanes is like engaging in a long, relaxed conversation over coffee in your living room with a very knowledgeable friend. In this third volume of his slightly rambling but always fascinating and well-informed discussions of books, book collectors, booksellers and dealers, and all the periperal subjects they engender, he combines advice on bibliophily in the age of the Internet with reminiscence on how collecting used to be done, and what the old and the new still have in common. As a small-time collector of limited resources myself, I enjoy reading abut the fabulous collections built up by those who not only have money to spend but also the intelligence and passion to add value to what they hunt down and acquire by adding to the accretion of knowledge. In fact, as Basbanes makes clear, becoming personally involved with books and other "stuff" is what separates collectors from mere accumulators. In fact, I find I have also become a collector of Nick Basbanes. . . .
Related Search : perspectives book , hunter 21st , among gently
Author : Association of College and Research Libr
Edition : 2
Number of Pages : 135
Publisher : Association of College & Research Libraries
List Price : $50.00
Amazon Price : $50.00
Used Price : $92.57 |
Related Search : rare books , examples accompany , descriptive cataloging  |
Author : Gregory Gibson
Edition : 1
Number of Pages : 288
Publisher : Harcourt
List Price : $24.00
Amazon Price : $9.25
Used Price : $8.95 |
Product Description Bob Langmuir is an obsessive dealer with a remarkable eye for treasure who makes the discovery of a lifetime when he chances upon a trove of never-before-seen prints by the legendary Diane Arbus. From the moment he purchases a trunk containing the archive of Hubert’s Dime Museum and Flea Circus—a midcentury Times Square freak show frequented by Arbus—and discovers some intriguing photographs, he knows he’s on to something. Furthermore, he begins to suspect that what he’s found may add a pivotal chapter to what is now known about Arbus and the “old weird America,” in Greil Marcus’s phrase, that Hubert’s inhabited. Langmuir’s ensuing adventure, filled with bizarre coincidences, turns into a roller-coaster ride that takes him from memorabilia shows to the curator’s office at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Will the photos be authenticated? How will the Arbus estate react? most important, can Bob, who has seen more than a few promising deals head south, finally make his one big score? Customer reviews premature ending by .. peppysfriend (eastern shore Lake Ontario)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and Mr. Gibson's style of writing. Mr. Langmuir's story, in regards to the Hubert's/Arbus find and the resulting paths he takes to completion are intriguing.
The main problem is that the book comes to a screeching halt of an ending. Shame on Mr. Gibson for allowing it, and for the publishers for calling for it. This story is ongoing- it was abruptly ended by the author at the urging of the publisher, to be in stores and ready for sales that could result from the interest generated by the auction of Mr. Langmuir's collection.
Smart marketing, too bad the auction was called off at the last minute due to lawsuits regarding who deserves to share in the profits of the sale of the Arbus photos. Mr. Gibson, could you send us the end of the book???
So far, an intriguing trip through Bob Langmuir's dysfunctional world filled with admirable persistance mixed with stunning gifts from the universe. I wish him well! Mr. Gibson, the later chapters on meeting with Woogie's present day "family" were senseless and added nothing to the story. It reads as an attempt to insert yourself into this drama somehow.... they were repulsive and added nothing to the story. Those chapters could be totally removed to make way for a real ending.
For anyone searching for a bit more of the story, start with the photos and links from [...]. Be sure to watch Mr. Gibson's reading from the book at [...]! He gets some flak from a few of the players in this story...... priceless!
Excellent writing and good grasp of cultural environment by .. Frank O' (Roanoke, Virginia)
To be honest, I am not a major fan of Arbus. However I have read two other books by Gibson and was taken by the clean writing and the way he ties things together. Well, it turned out to be not about her, but about a book collector who developed a fixation with collecting and with the posthumous papers and photos of the well-regarded photographer of unusual people. It is also about the workings of the art world, high-end auction houses, and the collectors who feed material into art commerce.
There are also some interesting and cogent sections on certain parts of american culture, for example, the dime freak shows that employed Arbus' subjects and the urban folk culture of the 60's.
Hubert's Freaks has a great deal of interesting material. And the pacing makes it easy to take it all in.
I've read it twice.
Frank O'Brien
Truth is Better than Fiction in this Twisted Story by .. BookWoman/BookMan TV REVIEWS (Nashville, Tn United States)
"Truth really is stranger than fiction in this book about how an off the wall rare book dealer discovers a fabulous treasure trove of lost Diane Arbus photographs when he buys a trunk from a guy claiming to be a member of the Nigerian Royal family."
An encounter with the shadow side... by .. Kathleen Valentine (Gloucester, Massachusetts)
I suspect that if Carl Jung were alive today he would have gladly contributed a blurb to Gibson's book. One of the things today's contemporary culture has an ambivalence toward is what Jung referred to as our shadow-side, the dark underbelly of consciousness that drives our obsessions, fascinations, perversions, and behaviors in ways we don't always want to own. Diane Arbus was a photographer who was keenly attuned to the shadow in all of us and especially in the culture of her era. In Hubert's Freaks, Gibson has tuned into that strange, dark, fascinating and alluring realm --- both through the subject matter and through the character of his hero/anti-hero Bob Langmuir, a man with more than a nodding acquaintance with his own shadow-side.
In addition to the main story of how Langmuir came to acquire the Arbus photos, his trials and tribulations in authenticating them, and the circuitous route to making a profit from them, there is the equally fascinating side stories of the people of Hubert's Museums. The "freaks", some with their own physical anomalies, others with an ability to tantalize the shadow-side of Americans willing to trade 25 cents for a few minutes in their presence.
This is the sort of book that you start wondering what you will find and finish wondering where you have been --- a world of freaks and the photos that immortalize them from a time that seems long ago but is as close as the world wide web. Fascinating.
An outstanding novel packed with unusual twists and turns by .. Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
An outstanding novel packed with unusual twists and turns, HUBERT'S FREAKS revolves around obsessive antiques dealer and treasure hunter Bob Langmuir, who uncovers unique prints by the legendary Diane Arbus, in the process discovering a new side of not only artist Arbus but the 'weird America' she captured in film. His survey of antiques, freak show exhibits, and more evolves into a catchy road show of discovery in a novel packed with adventure, and highly recommended as a fine leisure read.
Related Search : hubert s , freaks rare , times square  |
Author : Bauman David
Number of Pages : 106
Publisher : Bauman Rare Books
List Price : $12.95
Amazon Price : $6.92
Used Price : $5.50 |
Product Description Rare Finds is a friendly, wide-ranging introduction to the world of rare book collecting. It is intended for those with a budding interest in this exciting field rather than simply professional booksellers and librarians. The guide contains an easy-to-use Glossary as well as sections devoted to Frequently Asked Questions, Book Production, and Format. Lavishly illustrated, it includes chapters on all major collecting areas. Customer reviews Insufficient depth by .. Robert A. Moss MD (Fountain Valley, CA United States)
Since David Bauman represents the pinnacle of commercial rare book dealers I expected a bit more from this all too superficial book. He describes various types of rare books from different times and places which is certainly interesting for someone just thinking about collecting rare books, but I would have liked to hear more of his own experiences with some of the extraordinary volumes he's come across. Bauman's weekly add in the NY Times Book Review, while just a tempting little more than a listing, nonetheless has always struck me with a palpable sense of how books are a valued (often very highly valued) part of our culture. You get a liitle of this from Rare Finds and certainly some nice pictures, but just not enough of the human side of what these books mean to someone like Bauman and, in turn, what they should mean to us as collectors. How does he acquire such valuable works? How are they stored? Who buys a signed First Edition of Tender is the Night for $75,000? What do some great private libraries contain? and why? Unfortunately these and similar questions aren't addressed. Instead, Rare Finds is a rather brief, pedestrian tour of book collecting in general with little to excite the reader.
Related Search : guide book , collecting , rare finds |
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