Used and Rare: Travels in the Book World

Used and Rare chronicles a couple's transformation from casual readers into serious book collectors. Nancy and Larry Goldstone begin their journey when they decide to give each other first editions as gifts, leading them into the specialized world of rare book collecting. The narrative follows their education in the antiquarian book trade as they visit shops and attend auctions throughout New England. They encounter dealers, fellow collectors, and experts who introduce them to the intricacies of identifying first editions, understanding condition grades, and navigating the rare book marketplace. Through their experiences, the Goldstones reveal the culture and economics of rare book collecting at the end of the 20th century. The book combines elements of memoir, travelogue, and reference guide while documenting their growing appreciation for books as physical objects. The work explores themes of obsession and the way objects can gain meaning beyond their practical value. It presents book collecting as both an intellectual pursuit and a process of personal discovery.

Book collectors and casual readers found this memoir authentic and relatable, drawn to the authors' journey from novice collectors to knowledgeable book hunters. Readers liked: - Personal, conversational writing style - Educational content about book collecting without being dry - Real interactions with booksellers and fellow collectors - Clear explanations of book terminology and pricing - Balance of humor and information Readers disliked: - Some found the authors' initial snobbery off-putting - Story loses momentum in later chapters - Limited focus on Northeast U.S. bookstores - Too much emphasis on monetary value vs. reading Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (130+ ratings) Reader quote: "Like sitting down with friends who are sharing their newfound passion" - Goodreads reviewer Critical quote: "Too much about the hunt and not enough about the books themselves" - Amazon reviewer

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📚 This book began as a friendly competition between Lawrence Goldstone and his wife Nancy to find birthday gifts for each other, with a $20 limit per book. 🔍 The authors discovered their rare book obsession while searching for a specific edition of War and Peace, which led them into the fascinating world of book collecting. 💰 Throughout their journey, the Goldstones learned that small defects like slightly torn dust jackets could reduce a book's value by thousands of dollars. ✍️ Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone went on to co-author several other books about book collecting and literary history, including Out of the Flames and Warmly Inscribed. 🏛️ The book provides an insider's view of the rare book trade in New England during the 1990s, featuring colorful portraits of eccentric dealers and collectors in locations from Manhattan to rural Massachusetts.