Reviews of Books

Abstract

The object of this volume is to explain what rare books are and how to collect them: the theory of collecting, the traditional practices, the techniques and reference tools which can be used to achieve skill and enjoyment in the game. Since most book collectors usually proceed to acquire manuscripts related to their printed items, the authors have deemed it essential to include a chapter on this kind of material. Likewise, historical prints and old maps are discussed as a related type of document with special emphasis on maps as confirmatory evidence. The motives behind manuscript collecting are outlined and the fashions followed by noted collectors in the past are recounted. A half dozen pages are given to manuscript terminology, including a discussion of contemporary efforts to define archive. The concluding statements of the chapter encourage the collector to "let the archivist have the public papers, self-consciously written. The intimate, personal correspondence is certain to be more fascinating, and probably more valuable in interpreting events." One wishes there were some criteria offered to help the collector solve the thorny problem of how to differentiate between the personal and public papers of a public servant or official. No novel technical or scholarly discoveries are revealed in this work; however, curators of special collections may find it of assistance in stimulating new supporters or benefactors of their work. Although the authors have not intended the book to serve as a text or manual in bibliography, its chapter on that subject is most helpful. Lucid explanations of such words as edition, publication, issue and others, clarify terms which mystify beginners. Subsequent chapters dealing with buying and selling rare books, auction buying, and prices, explain the rules of the game and how it is played in the big leagues. Indeed, recurrent emphasis is given to the function and beneficent role of the dealer. Those who become devotees of this sport are frequently, and not quite incorrectly, termed "biblio-maniacs." Alas, to what depths the mania has carried some (see Chapter 14, "Fakes, Forgeries, Facsimiles and Thefts")! No, the book is not a text book: it is anecdotal, full of the history of collecting, charming in style, a seductive invitation. Do not say, ten years from now, that you were not warned of its wiles.