The Book Collector: Autumn 1970 (Volume 19, No. 3), Nicolas Barker (Editor)
In stock
Shipping is calculated at checkout.
The Book Collector: Autumn 1970 (Volume 19, No. 3), Nicolas Barker (Editor) — First Edition
Publication: London, The Collector Ltd, 1970
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 297-432, [plus plates].
Condition Report: Very Good. In the original printed stiff green paper wrappers, the binding remains remarkably firm and square, maintaining its structural integrity without any splitting to the spine. The exterior shows some modest, expected shelf-wear, including minor rubbing to the corners and a degree of typical age-toning, with the backstrip having faded evenly over time. The front wrapper bears a standard previous owner's ink signature in the upper blank space, which does not intrude upon the typography. Internally, the text block is highly commendable; the pages are clean, bright, and free from foxing or significant blemishes, with the period advertisements wonderfully well-preserved. Overall, a very presentable, solid copy that firmly justifies its grade through its tight binding and immaculate internals despite the external fading.
Catalogue Note: This is the original Autumn 1970 issue of the preeminent British bibliophile journal. It features a range of important scholarly articles, most notably Richard Colles Johnson's "An Attempt at a Union List of Editions of Melville, 1846-91" and Robert J. Dobell's study, "Bertram Dobell and T. J. Wise," which draws upon primary diary entries to explore the infamous forger's business dealings.
The volume is illustrated and of particular appeal are the extensive contemporary antiquarian bookseller advertisements bound at the front and rear, featuring beautifully typeset notices from legendary firms such as John F. Fleming, Peter Murray Hill, Bernard Quaritch, and Henry Sotheran.
Aside from the contemporary owner's signature to the cover, the provenance is standard. As a widely distributed quarterly journal, this particular issue remains relatively common on the open market, though it is highly sought after by Melville scholars and those interested in the 20th-century book trade.
Immerse yourself in the world of 20th-century bibliophilia with the Autumn 1970 issue of The Book Collector. This volume offers a fascinating array of scholarly essays, including a deep dive into the early editions of Herman Melville and an exploration of the business dealings of Thomas J. Wise. Complete with its original, evocative bookseller advertisements and traditional period typography, this issue serves not only as an important bibliographical reference but also as a charming time capsule of the mid-century antiquarian book trade.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: Nicolas Barker (Editor)
Book Publisher: The Collector Ltd
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Education
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 136
Book Publication Year: 1970
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Softcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: The Book Collector
Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage. |
| As New | The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years. |
| Fine | The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked. |
| Near Fine | The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition. |
| Very Good | The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present. |
| Good | A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy. |
| Fair | A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity. |
| Poor | A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance. |
Get in touch
You may also like
Join the Broadhurst Archive
Be the first to hear about rare new arrivals, signed editions, and literary events. A century of stories delivered straight to your inbox.