Excellent and collector-quality books in a refined atmosphere. There are a variety of subject areas and price ranges, ranging from the inexpensive to true rarities. An excellent resource for any collectors looking for quality history of California materials, books about books, literature, Western Americana and other fine material. Barry is a very knowledgeable and friendly guy, makes you feel welcome and shares his love of books with everyone. I highly recommend a visit here.
I had some old but excellent condition books ranging from the late 17th Century to early 20th Century but the proprietor refused to look at what I had and wouldn't offer so much as the time of day; his scowls and complaints could sour fresh milk. I thought him rude but the proprietress was the soul of courtesy and good manners; I loved her smile. She suggested another vendor to whom I visited among several others but my books were too old and rare for their establishments. I finally located a collector via a friend of a friend referral and received high three and four digit sums for each of my tomes. Barry Cassidy, you missed out. I give five stars for the nice lady and the professional appearance the shop and dock three stars for the less than cordial gentleman and his poor business etiquette.
We had a signed copy of V. Griswold Morley's photographic essay from 1937-1938, Covered Bridges of California, which he had given to my parents, Dr. Marian Reeve and Dr. Roger Reeve, when they were at Cal Berkeley (Mother hadn't earned her PhD yet, and wouldn't for several years, about when I was 2.) in about 1938. They shared an interests in photography, drama, and poetry, among other things. He would visit the house in the afternoons until he was about 90, and I was always happy to see the gentleman, although I had to go outside, usually, so that they could have a quieter time in the living room if I were not just reading.
We lost the copy when moving contents of my folks' home, and feared that although the book was set aside, that somehow a helper moved it to one of the boxes of books that was to be donated or sold by a known house gleaner, whom we had paid to take what the family didn't want.
Cut to yesterday when, on return from a short trip, there was a box from Barry Cassidy Rare Books in the mail for me, as ordered by my wife, and found on Amazon. Although this was not the copy given to my parents, it did have the bonus of two medium format proof prints of one bridge, contemporary with the different view of that bridge's truss, tucked in the pages. It must have been from another person who knew the gentleman. We'll put in it other pictures of Mr. Morley that we have around.
The book's advertised condition was most accurate, the shipping swift, and the packaging for shipping was perfect. I was extremely satisfied!
Paul
Thanks for the 5-star review!
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