NY, Holt, (1995). Two copies of his highly praised volume on book collecting and book collectors, which became something of a bestseller, being reprinted numerous times, and was also a National Book Award nominee. The first copy (a second printing) is inscribed by Basbanes to a well-known book collector: "For ____ ____ - a collector of modern firsts whose reputation extends from Michigan across many state borders to New England, with thanks from the author for your interest in this book, and best wishes for many years of happy hunting. Nicholas A. Basbanes/ North Grafton, Mass. 4. XII. 1995." And then there is the do-over copy (a first printing): Inscribed by Basbanes to the same collector, "For ____ ____ - a collector of modern first editions whose taste and determination are the stuff of legend. All best for many years of happy hunting. Nick Basbanes/ North Grafton, Mass. 2.II.1996." Laid in is an autograph note signed by Basbanes to a bookseller: "Even I checked the copyright page this time." Each copy is fine in a fine dust jacket. A nice set of what amount to good association copies between Basbanes, probably the preeminent writer on matters of book collecting in the U.S., and one of the country's premier collectors of modern firsts. A little-known fact about this book is that each of the eight hardcover printings the book went through is textually distinct; there is material in this first printing that was taken out of later printings. [#914611] $500

All books are first printings of first editions or first American editions unless otherwise noted.