Antiquarian Bookselling in the United States: A History from the Origins to the 1940s

(Hardback)

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This first formal history of antiquarian bookselling in the United States begins with the colonial origins and ends with the 1940s, when World War II changed the nature of the trade in this country. The author examines the nature of the book trade, its early combination with printing and publishing, its areas of specialization, its encouragement of regional interests, and its cultural impact. Stern shows that the antiquarian booksellers' passionate love of books, prodigious memories, and untiring efforts helped individuals and libraries throughout the country build lasting collections and preserved much of what might have been lost. Large libraries should acquire this volume, and anyone interested in the role of books and bookselling in American social histry will want to read it.-Library Journal
This is not a history of antiquarian bookselling but rather a summary, from the secondary literature, of facts and "flavor" about individual antiquarian booksellers in nine major American cities, plus briefer accounts of "cities to the south" and five "lone stars." ... By assembling this material in one volume Stern has provided a useful quick reference to the field for future historians or for those seeking clues about particular individuals, especially obscure ones. Large public library and university collections.-Choice
"This is not a history of antiquarian bookselling but rather a summary, from the secondary literature, of facts and "flavor" about individual antiquarian booksellers in nine major American cities, plus briefer accounts of "cities to the south" and five "lone stars." ... By assembling this material in one volume Stern has provided a useful quick reference to the field for future historians or for those seeking clues about particular individuals, especially obscure ones. Large public library and university collections."-Choice
"This first formal history of antiquarian bookselling in the United States begins with the colonial origins and ends with the 1940s, when World War II changed the nature of the trade in this country. The author examines the nature of the book trade, its early combination with printing and publishing, its areas of specialization, its encouragement of regional interests, and its cultural impact. Stern shows that the antiquarian booksellers' passionate love of books, prodigious memories, and untiring efforts helped individuals and libraries throughout the country build lasting collections and preserved much of what might have been lost. Large libraries should acquire this volume, and anyone interested in the role of books and bookselling in American social histry will want to read it."-Library Journal

Author Bio

ern /f Madeleine /i B.