By the 1960s a copy of Graham Greene's "Brighton Rock" without its dust jacket was worth about #500. But with its dust jacket more like #2000 - if you could find one. The last copy with a perfect jacket to come on the market changed hands at #50,000. "Brighton Rock" was a high-point, but first editions of other early Greene books weren't much less valuable. And then there were signed copies, foreign printings, limited editions, numbered and signed...John Baxter caught the collecting bug in the winter of 1978 when he found a ...
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By the 1960s a copy of Graham Greene's "Brighton Rock" without its dust jacket was worth about #500. But with its dust jacket more like #2000 - if you could find one. The last copy with a perfect jacket to come on the market changed hands at #50,000. "Brighton Rock" was a high-point, but first editions of other early Greene books weren't much less valuable. And then there were signed copies, foreign printings, limited editions, numbered and signed...John Baxter caught the collecting bug in the winter of 1978 when he found a rare copy of Greene's children's book "The Little Horse Bus" while browsing in a second-hand market in Swiss Cottage. It was going for 5p. It would also, fortuitously, be the day that he first encountered one of the legends of the bookselling world: Martin Stone. At various times cokehead, pothead, alchoholic, international fugitive from justice and professional rock musician (said to knock Eric Clapton into a cocked hat), he would become John's mentor and friend, and a central figure in this book. John Baxter introduces us to his world, the world of the fanatical collector: not only the kind who buys from catalogues or at auction and takes away the booty in bubble wrap to store in metal filing cabinets - but also the sleuth, the one who uses bluff and guile to hunt down his quarry. Along the way we meet a cast of eccentric characters like Driff Field who only collects books about suicide or by writers who have killed themselves; we meet the completists, the condition freaks, the rich and famous - from Barry Humphries and Harvey Weinstein to Sarah Michelle Gellar.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Ex-Library Book. Has usual library markings and stamps inside. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
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Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
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Very good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Used Good. Firefly Bookstore sells items online and in our store front. We try to add images and descriptions when we can, but if you need additional information or photos of the books we list, please contact us.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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As New in As New jacket. 12mo-over 6¾"-7¾" tall. "Confessions of a Book Addict. " Rare book already in multiple printings. Author's Autobiography about collecting and growing up in Australia. Mint copy.
Having just moved my personal library 1500 miles (which took three trips, using an old, gutted, Silver Streak trailer) the title was appealing and intriguing. The author presents an entertaining and enlightening glimpse into his literary life, rather than bemoan a pile-up of unread titles, which made me appreciate my collection all the more.