Rare Books Uncovered: True Stories of Fantastic Finds in Unlikely Places Hardcover – December 1, 2015

"Rare Books Uncovered" is a book that bibliophiles will enjoy time and again as it collects stories of rare finds in the world of book collecting. It contains a foreword by eminent bibliophile, Nicholas A. Basbanes (whose books on book-collecting are a must-read), followed by chapter after delightful chapter on the most amazing finds and acquisitions of rare books and manuscripts, not only by chance, but also by book collectors' penchant for sniffing out a rare gem. As an amateur collector myself (though I have yet to unearth a truly rare find, I consider some of my acquisitions to be well-worth the effort), I found these stories entertaining and inspiring.The chapters can be read in order or selected at will - with intriguing chapter titles like "A Textbook Turned Lipstick Blotter", "Mark Twain Stashed in a Barrel", "Mendelssohn, for a Song" and more, this is a book that will warm any bibliophile's heart and continue to entertain for ages.

What a "rare" treat to read this collection of stories of rare book finds. Not being a collector of books myself, I appreciated the brief description and/or definition of common words or phrases that us common folk wouldn't know. I found the stories very interesting, anxiously anticipating what would be discovered and what the estimated worth was. It also reminded me how precious classic literature is in preserving those significant eras in history. I'll tell you one thing...I will forever be inclined to open up that "old" book and check the edition or whether it is inscribed inside!

An amazing collection of biblio-finds, also called "sleepers" and "brags," stories of amazing books found in the oddest of places or gotten for the cheapest of prices. The author, Rebecca Rego Barry, has done yeoman service in collecting these yarns for those of us who thrive on such tales. My only regret is that I didn't wait till Christmas to open the package, but I guess I could rewrap the book, open it on Christmas morning, and delight in this fabulous book all over again.

Those who know the pleasure of book-hunting (a.k.a. "skulking") for first editions in used book stores, yard sales, estate sales, thrift stores, garage sales, public library basements, church "jumble" sales, and other such venues always seek--and surprisingly often find--some unexpected rarity, some unrecognized first edition, or some long-out-of-print "I've-always-wanted-that" volume. As Nicholas Basbanes has so aptly described this bibliomania, it is truly "A Fine Madness"--and Rebecca Rego Barry's collection of amazing book finds provides "strength for the journey" for those engaged in such "rescue missions." The cardinal rule is that "Anything Can Turn Up Anywhere" and fortunes can of course be made with a lucky find or two, but the real fun is in the pursuit (and the education gained thereby) as much as in the acquisition. This is a fine testimonial to both of such pleasures.

The stories are of spectacular interest. It gets three stars for that. The remaining two stars are not awarded for the distracting elements in the writing and printing.1) The script (font, Garamond) chosen is distracting. Yes, its stylish, but in this font the digit 1 (one) is rendered like the upper case I. Dates look like eye-925 (1925), and eye-nineteen-twenty-eye (1921), and eye-nineteen-eye-eye (1911). Not the best choice of font if an author will be frequently quoting dates.2) The author refers to "old and rare bookshops" when you know she must mean old and rare book shops. The books are what's old and rare. The shops are neither.3) Parenthetical insertions (too many, too often). They're not necessary (and distracting!) They go beyond style to annoyance (not cute when there's one in nearly every paragraph!)The author is an editor at Fine Books & Collections magazine. Surely she must know a good proof reader and book designer. 'Should have used 'em.

I started collecting books when I was very young but, growing up in a small town, rare book dealing never seemed like a viable career or, in fact, a career at all. My few years working at Waldenbooks in the 1990’s ultimately depressed me and drove me away from any connection to the book business other than as a customer. Reading Ms. Barry’s book of fantastic finds in the book world made me think again of roads not taken.In Rare Books Uncovered, Ms. Barry gives us 52 anecdotes of what she calls “true stories of fantastic finds in unlikely places”. Like many books with different stories like this, it’s a mixed bag, and a number of stories are about documents that are not books but letters, playing cards, and posters (Stay Calm and Read Books anyone?), though, generally, there is a book connection. (The playing cards were found in a book binding and the poster at the bottom of a box of books.) Also, as someone who follows the trade a bit, I was familiar with some of these stories.What I think I like best about this book, however, is that the finds are all comparatively recent, within the last 40 years, and most in the twenty-first century. It makes one feel that there are always discoveries to be made, even today, as Ms. Barry likes to remind us.Like most anyone who has trolled used bookstores, flea markets, and auction houses, I, too, have my stories of great finds. Nothing that would let me retire or start my own business. Still, as Ms. Barry makes clear, for most book lovers, it is not the profit that is memorable, it’s the discovery. Some of the tales she tells here only netted a few hundred dollars; and yet, they are still stories worth telling.

I absolutely loved this book! It was exciting to read about how people were able to uncover valuable and rare books. The stories were just great and it really is true that you never know WHAT you might run across when you are a dedicated book hunter. Fun!