Reference Books
First Editions: A Guide to Identification
Zempel, Edward N. & Verkler, Linda A. (Editors)
The Spoon River Press, 1984
This one is an invaluable quick reference to hundreds of world publishers and their unique identification systems of printing and edition details.
Collected Books: The Guide to Values
Ahearn, Allen & Patricia
Putnam Books, 2001. Revised edition of the original 1998 edition.
A great reference and training tool. However, prices change quite often, and we are due for another installment with more up-to-date pricing.
Official Price Guide to Collecting Books (6th Edition)
Tedford, Marie & Goudey, Pat
Random House, 2008.
This book is one of our favorites. Pat and Marie always put great stories from experienced professionals alongside an amazing list of important books and the information you need when buying them. Please note that we cannot always depend on the market prices in this guide, or any other for that matter, as prices change quickly on a lot of the rare books included.
The Sanders Price Guide to Autographs
Saffro, Dr. Richard (et all)
Alexander Books, 2003
A great quick reference on autographs, with worthy articles on book collecting, quality, condition and auction buying.
In the Presence of History: The Authoritative Guide to Historical Autographs for Collectors, History Enthusiasts and Investors
Raab, Steven & Jonas
The Diamond Press, 2009
It features hundreds of color scans and provides great information on the history of the hobby, forgeries and all things autograph. This is by far the best book on the history of the autographs.
American Autographs: Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War Leaders, Presidents
Hamilton, Charles
University of Oklahoma Press, 1983
This is a massive two-volume set that contains over 2000 facsimiles of documents and letters from the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It provides the basic groundwork for determining the authenticity of a signature, including authentic examples and information on autopens and known secretarial signatures. We love this set and cannot speak highly enough about these books.
Collecting Autographs and Manuscripts
Hamilton, Charles
University of Oklahoma Press, 1961
Another great book on autographs by Hamilton, this one contains hundreds of facsimiles and is one of the favorites in our reference library.
Autographs of the Confederacy: A Collection of Handwriting of Men Who Led the Confederacy
Reese II, Michael
Cohasco Publication, 1981
A must-have for any collector of Civil War books and related autographs. It includes hundreds of scans of the autographs of the members of the Confederate Cabinet, as well as Confederate Generals and many other individuals associated with the Confederacy. When researching Civil War notes and documents, this is the book that we reach for first.
Civil War Autographs & Manuscripts: A Guide to Autographs and Manuscripts of the War Between the States
Seagrave, Ronald Roy
Seagrave, 1992
A wonderful quick guide to Civil War personalities and their autographs. As with most price guides, the dollar amounts are a little off, but the information is still worth the investment in this book. The first edition of this book was issued in a limited edition of 1000 copies signed by the author in 1992. The paperback, or in wraps, edition was issued in 1994 and is the most commonly found version.
How to Read the Handwriting and Records of Early America
Kirkham, E. Kay
Deseret Book Company, 1965
This guide to early American documents will help you decipher even the most difficult-to-read handwriting. It's a tough book to locate, but worth every penny when you find it.
Dictionary of American Biography
Johnson, Allen (Editor)
Scribners, 1928
With multiple printings and supplements under its belt, this set that started with 20 volumes has become a definitive work on American personalities. Looking for information on someone that you can't find on Wikipedia or Yahoo? Try this set.
A Biographical Dictionary: American Generals of the Revolutionary War
Broadwater, Robert P.
McFarland & Company, 2007
This book is a great reference on both the known generals of the Revolutionary War and those of high ranking in state militias. Similar to the Generals in Blue and Generals in Grey below, this is a great listing and short biography of these men, most of them of little fame today.
Encyclopedia of the American Revolution
Boatner III, Mark M.
McKay, 1966
An impressive little book with over 1000 pages of text on the important men, battles and activities of the Revolutionary War. It is a great quick reference and starting point for researching almost anything pertaining to the Revolutionary War in America. This book handles the consolidation of the information better than any book we have ever used.
Generals in Blue: Lives of the Union Commanders
Warner, Ezra J.
Louisiana State University Press, 1964
Another essential for the Civil War collector. Warner gives a brief description and photograph of nearly every known Union General. This was the first book Mike ever used when researching generals of the Civil War, and he calls it the best quick reference in his library.
Generals in Gray: Lives of the Confederate Commanders
Warner, Ezra J.
Louisiana State University Press, 1959
The sister volume to Generals in Blue above, and also a must-have for the Civil War collector.
Maps and Map-Makers
Tooley, RV
Dorset Press, 1949
An invaluable introduction and guide to the world of map collecting. This guide features dozens of images, facsimiles and informative sketches. If you buy only one guide to collecting rare and antique maps, make it this one.
Yankee Bookseller: Being the Reminiscences of Charles Goodspeed
Goodspeed, Charles
Houghton Mifflin Co., 1937
This fabulous read recounts the life of a man who worked in the book selling industry in the early 20th century. His hunt for treasure and passion for the hobby have become monumentally renowned in the industry.
Is there a book you would like to see added to the list? Email Store Manager Mike Cotter at mikecotter@yeomansinthefork.com with your suggestion.
