The
mere sight of an ex-library copy on the bookshelf of a serious collector is
usually met with disdain by other aficionados.
Let the book be bound in a sturdy library buckram binding with call
numbers on the spine and the disdain becomes palpable. The collector can be somewhat excused if it
is a rare item and the book is merely
holding a spot for the “upgraded” copy yet to come. This leniency is heightened a bit if the
collector assumes an apologetic tone.
Ex-library copies are held in
disfavor by collectors for a number of reasons.
The physical “mutilation” of the ex-library book is most troubling. Distasteful ownership markings of all types
are usually combined with missing endpapers, battered bindings, and utilitarian
repairs. This doesn’t suit a collector’s
temperament for books in original condition or fine bindings. There are other psychological factors
involved but that is the nut of it.
Ex-library copies are inferior in the eyes of collectors and no amount
of therapy, rationalization, or browbeating is going to change this rule of the
book collecting game. Rules however can
be successfully bent if not broken.
Writer and friend Nicholas Basbanes
calls his own gathering of ex-library copies his “Orphan Collection.” Scattered throughout my shelves are a number
of ex-library orphans that are not only integral to my collection but also hold
an honored place. A brief description
of some of them can provide a new perspective on the most humble of books. My personal collection focuses on association
copies related to the history of American book collecting. A little imagination on the part of
collectors of other areas could well raise their own occasional ex-library
encounter to a higher level of appreciation.
Librarians may also view their holdings in a different light.
Not long ago I acquired an
ex-library copy for the price of a fast food lunch. This example formerly resided in the Free
Library of Philadelphia. The book was
A.S.W. Rosenbach’s Books and Bidders
(1927), an autobiographical account of Rosenbach’s adventures in dealing. “Rosy” (1876-1952) was knowledgeable,
enthusiastic, shrewd, and personable, never missing a chance to promote book
collecting. He dominated the antiquarian
book trade in the first half of the 20th century and helped build
many important collections including those of Henry Huntington, Henry and Emily
Folger, and Pierpont Morgan. I already
owned copies of Books and Bidders inscribed
by Rosenbach to various notables. What
intrigued me however about this association was Rosenbach’s close connection to
the Free Library. Rosenbach, a
Philadelphian, supported the library throughout his long career. He served on the board of trustees, hosted
exhibits and talks at the library, raised funds to purchase material for their
rare book collections, and most importantly, donated his private collection of
rare early American children’s books to the library. The nucleus of this sentimental collection
was inherited from his favorite uncle and mentor, Moses Polock, a Philadelphia
bookseller. The Free Library of
Philadelphia was probably closer to Rosenbach’s heart than any other
institution.
