Too much of a good thing?

[Ed Rotondaro]

Hi all:

Well I finally decided to tally just how many history books I have. It took a long time and I'm not completely if I have the full count. By no means does it approach the legendary Mike Snyder library, but it is still respectable. As of this evening (I just got another Osprey campaign book today) the total of history/military history/military reference/uniform or painting guides tallies up at:

1,056 with the largest group being Osprey titles (at least 467 titles, I'm building a true database of the books). Please don't tell my wife, because I have at least 100 more books to add to the collection. Many of the books are pure reference books, only pulled out when I need an obscure fact. Believe me I have not read my Conways, or Janes, or other naval reference books cover to cover. The pure military histories generally get a thorough read and are kept handy for posting on the forums. Most of the Osprey Men at Arms books were used for painting references for miniatures and are only around out nostalgia (no book collector likes to part with their books).

Seriously folks, do I need help? Should I join Book Collectors Anonymous?:o

[john964]

Hi all:

Well I finally decided to tally just how many history books I have. It took a long time and I'm not completely if I have the full count. By no means does it approach the legendary Mike Snyder library, but it is still respectable. As of this evening (I just got another Osprey campaign book today) the total of history/military history/military reference/uniform or painting guides tallies up at:

1,056 with the largest group being Osprey titles (at least 467 titles, I'm building a true database of the books). Please don't tell my wife, because I have at least 100 more books to add to the collection. Many of the books are pure reference books, only pulled out when I need an obscure fact. Believe me I have not read my Conways, or Janes, or other naval reference books cover to cover. The pure military histories generally get a thorough read and are kept handy for posting on the forums. Most of the Osprey Men at Arms books were used for painting references for miniatures and are only around out nostalgia (no book collector likes to part with their books).

Seriously folks, do I need help? Should I join Book Collectors Anonymous?:o

Ed, I don't see that you have a problem, You should see my collection. I live in a small moble home 12x55 and my collection is pushing 800 books of all types I currently have stacks of books all over the place as I have run out of places to put bookshelves (11 4 and 5 shelf)

[Ed Rotondaro]

Ed, I don't see that you have a problem, You should see my collection. I live in a small moble home 12x55 and my collection is pushing 800 books of all types I currently have stacks of books all over the place as I have run out of places to put bookshelves (11 4 and 5 shelf)

John:

That's pushing it! There are several books that I just acquired because they were cheap or of interest. They really are not good references and I will probably do a ruthless inventory one of these days to cull out the ones I don't need. But just not today or this weekend;) Maybe all I need is more bookshelves and to unload some of my wife's books? (I'm in denial)

[clacton2]

Hi all:

Well I finally decided to tally just how many history books I have. It took a long time and I'm not completely if I have the full count. By no means does it approach the legendary Mike Snyder library, but it is still respectable. As of this evening (I just got another Osprey campaign book today) the total of history/military history/military reference/uniform or painting guides tallies up at:

1,056 with the largest group being Osprey titles (at least 467 titles, I'm building a true database of the books). Please don't tell my wife, because I have at least 100 more books to add to the collection. Many of the books are pure reference books, only pulled out when I need an obscure fact. Believe me I have not read my Conways, or Janes, or other naval reference books cover to cover. The pure military histories generally get a thorough read and are kept handy for posting on the forums. Most of the Osprey Men at Arms books were used for painting references for miniatures and are only around out nostalgia (no book collector likes to part with their books).

Seriously folks, do I need help? Should I join Book Collectors Anonymous?:o

Ed,
You definitely need some help there, I feel for your wife though, mine goes mad over the fact that I have a library of approx. 750 books, I think she would totally lose it if I had over 1,000.
Never mind, see you at the next book sale, after all, a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do. Just hope like me, that our good parts make up for the bad, and they won't divorce us.
Jon:eek:

[Ed Rotondaro]

Ed,
You definitely need some help there, I feel for your wife though, mine goes mad over the fact that I have a library of approx. 750 books, I think she would totally lose it if I had over 1,000.
Never mind, see you at the next book sale, after all, a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do. Just hope like me, that our good parts make up for the bad, and they won't divorce us.
Jon:eek:

Jon:

Thanks my friend. I didn't even tally in her books (considerable) or my science fiction and fantasy books (quite respectable) that are boxed and stored in the attic. Well so far my wife has put up with me for 11 plus years and probably won't dump until my kids finish school.

[clacton2]

Jon:

Thanks my friend. I didn't even tally in her books (considerable) or my science fiction and fantasy books (quite respectable) that are boxed and stored in the attic. Well so far my wife has put up with me for 11 plus years and probably won't dump until my kids finish school.

Ed,
Good point, never thought to tally up her collection, might have a go at that. Alison has now put up with me for almost 28 years including moving around the world during my service days, having 2 kids, that have flown the nest now, so I suppose we'll stick together for the duration now.
Jon:)

[old_pop2000]

I've estimated my library at around 200 books, not including 120 pocket books. My library doesn't grow that much in total books. I eliminate books to the library, as I have stated. I have 20 books, now, that probably could be moved out. :cool:

[john964]

John:

That's pushing it! There are several books that I just acquired because they were cheap or of interest. They really are not good references and I will probably do a ruthless inventory one of these days to cull out the ones I don't need. But just not today or this weekend;) Maybe all I need is more bookshelves and to unload some of my wife's books? (I'm in denial)Ed I don't think your pushing it, until you start to behave like the fictonal caractor in several of Clive Cussler novels St Julian Perlmutter. As described in several books his house is filled with books. He has books on shelves, on the floor on tables, on the piano, under the tables, under the piano, on his bed, in the bathroom.

[asnrobert]

I probably have a couple hundred books, although not all are military related. Today I went to the bookstore and got three more: Ship of Ghosts, about the USS Houston, Shattered Sword (I hear it is very good) and WW1 by S.L.A. Marshall.

[Ed Rotondaro]

Ed I don't think your pushing it, until you start to behave like the fictonal caractor in several of Clive Cussler novels St Julian Perlmutter. As described in several books his house is filled with books. He has books on shelves, on the floor on tables, on the piano, under the tables, under the piano, on his bed, in the bathroom.

Hi John:

I am a fan of Cussler and love his supporting characters. Perlmutter was a favorite. I have not kept up with the more recent novels though.

[Ed Rotondaro]

I probably have a couple hundred books, although not all are military related. Today I went to the bookstore and got three more: Ship of Ghosts, about the USS Houston, Shattered Sword (I hear it is very good) and WW1 by S.L.A. Marshall.

Robert:

Got the first two and Shattered Sword is excellent. I haven't read Ship of Ghosts yet, but I like Hornfischer and believe it will be highly readable. Marshall is highly regarded as a historian.

[asnrobert]

Robert:

Got the first two and Shattered Sword is excellent. I haven't read Ship of Ghosts yet, but I like Hornfischer and believe it will be highly readable. Marshall is highly regarded as a historian.

I read Hornfischer's Lat Stand of the Tin Can Sailors- excellent book.

[Ed Rotondaro]

I read Hornfischer's Lat Stand of the Tin Can Sailors- excellent book.

Robert:

I agree, it may be the best account of the battle of Samar available.

[john964]

Hi John:

I am a fan of Cussler and love his supporting characters. Perlmutter was a favorite. I have not kept up with the more recent novels though.When did you stop keeping up, some of his more recent ones are his best like Black Wind, Tresure of the Khan and The Chase. Also his companyon books like his NUMA Files and Oregon Files are also good reads.

[keschofield]

Be thankful that all my books are in storage for lack of room. If I ever get them together again and count them, you guys will be trouble. :)

[Ed Rotondaro]

Be thankful that all my books are in storage for lack of room. If I ever get them together again and count them, you guys will be trouble. :)

Kurt:

Good to know that I'm not the only old fart with a book addiction LOL! Happy Easter old friend. It's still cold around here.:D

[Ed Rotondaro]

When did you stop keeping up, some of his more recent ones are his best like Black Wind, Tresure of the Khan and The Chase. Also his companyon books like his NUMA Files and Oregon Files are also good reads.

John:

It may have been the last novel with Dirk as the hero. Been reading too much history since I came on board the NWS team. The things I do for the boss.:rolleyes:

[Mike Malanaphy]

John:

That's pushing it! There are several books that I just acquired because they were cheap or of interest. They really are not good references and I will probably do a ruthless inventory one of these days to cull out the ones I don't need. But just not today or this weekend;) Maybe all I need is more bookshelves and to unload some of my wife's books? (I'm in denial)

Hi Guys,

I feel your pain. Been collecting books for about 35 years here. I have about 800 hard back books plus about 200 in paperback. I have been fortunate to get together most of the classic naval references, including Conways, Janes, most of Friedman, Raven and Roberts, R.A. Burt, Parkes and Trottier. All I'm really lacking is Groener. The internet has been a godsend over the last 14 years or so to round out my library. It's very hard to put a value on the joy and knowledge they have given me over the years.

Because of their weight, commercial bookshelves don't work, so I have the old plank and cinder block shelves 12' long with 6 levels though respectably finished.. Most of my paperbacks are in boxes in a closet.

One way I get around the wife is to show her the value of the book. : ) I show her one of Burt's British battleship volumes where it sells for $350 and I paid $35.00 new and she sees stars. Not that I would ever sell them. : ) Perhaps she just sees the wisdom that this is cheaper than a Harley or a ski boat or a red sports car.

Book collectors anonymous? I shiver at the thought. I feel a bender coming on. : )

[Ed Rotondaro]

Hi Guys,

I feel your pain. Been collecting books for about 35 years here. I have about 800 hard back books plus about 200 in paperback. I have been fortunate to get together most of the classic naval references, including Conways, Janes, most of Friedman, Raven and Roberts, R.A. Burt, Parkes and Trottier. All I'm really lacking is Groener. The internet has been a godsend over the last 14 years or so to round out my library. It's very hard to put a value on the joy and knowledge they have given me over the years.

Because of their weight, commercial bookshelves don't work, so I have the old plank and cinder block shelves 12' long with 6 levels though respectably finished.. Most of my paperbacks are in boxes in a closet.

One way I get around the wife is to show her their value of the book. : ) I show her one of Burt's British battleship volumes where it sells for $350 and I paid $35.00 new and she sees stars. Not that I would ever sell them. : ) Perhaps she just sees the wisdom that this is cheaper than a Harley or a ski boat or a red sports car.

Book collectors anonymous? I shiver at the thought. I feel a bender coming on. : )

Mike:

You are truly an ossifer and a gruntleman LOL! I envy you some of the rare titles. I also depend heavily on the internet for OOP books at reasonable prices. And my bookshelves are sagging noticeably.

[john964]

Hi Guys,

I feel your pain. Been collecting books for about 35 years here. I have about 800 hard back books plus about 200 in paperback. I have been fortunate to get together most of the classic naval references, including Conways, Janes, most of Friedman, Raven and Roberts, R.A. Burt, Parkes and Trottier. All I'm really lacking is Groener. The internet has been a godsend over the last 14 years or so to round out my library. It's very hard to put a value on the joy and knowledge they have given me over the years.

Because of their weight, commercial bookshelves don't work, so I have the old plank and cinder block shelves 12' long with 6 levels though respectably finished.. Most of my paperbacks are in boxes in a closet.

One way I get around the wife is to show her the value of the book. : ) I show her one of Burt's British battleship volumes where it sells for $350 and I paid $35.00 new and she sees stars. Not that I would ever sell them. : ) Perhaps she just sees the wisdom that this is cheaper than a Harley or a ski boat or a red sports car.

Book collectors anonymous? I shiver at the thought. I feel a bender coming on. : )

On my commercial bookshelves to prevent saging and side to side wobbles I put on a backing of 1/8 or 1/4 inch plywood on and run my nails about every 6 to 8 inchs it does wonders for stablesation.

[Mike Malanaphy]

Mike:

You are truly an ossifer and a gruntleman LOL! I envy you some of the rare titles. I also depend heavily on the internet for OOP books at reasonable prices. And my bookshelves are sagging noticeably.

Hi Ed,

I was just very fortunate to buy them when they were published. I stared at 14 with the old Doubleday "Navies of the Second World" series and another Doubleday set on navies of WW I and WW II. I still have them. Dreadnought really got me hooked and like Dennis, I spent a lot of saturdays in the library looking at the Janes and other titles. One of my favorites was "Battleships at War" by H. W. Wilson. Had it on continuous check out. : )

The 70s and early 80s was a golden age of naval publishing and I was very fortunate to have a good bookstore and USNIP. The great thing about the internet was the access, I have two books from Australia, a dozen or so from Great Britain including a copy of "The Drama of the Scharnhorst" by Busch from Bruce Frasier's library signed by the servants that gave it to him ( don't know of it's true though ), South Africa and Germany.

Except for a few, most are resonably priced and in good condition. I may have to learn some basic carpentry to build me some good ones. : )

[keschofield]

I may have to learn some basic carpentry to build me some good ones. : )


With all of the books I've had over the years and the many homes they've moved in and out of, I've never seen this design outperformed:

1" x 6" planks on cement blocks. Weight problems and sagging can be countered with a piece of wood, another block, or an encyclopedia volume. Not easy on the eyes but very serviceable. :)

[Kyle Holgate]

With all of the books I've had over the years and the many homes they've moved in and out of, I've never seen this design outperformed:

1" x 6" planks on cement blocks. Weight problems and sagging can be countered with a piece of wood, another block, or an encyclopedia volume. Not easy on the eyes but very serviceable. :)

Funny thing but I do that with my books. Of late I am contemplating changing the set-up somehow as I got thinking the other day - even a minor earthquake would likely bring down the shelves. Sometimes I'd rather I was blissfully ignorant of the seismic threats abounding rather than eying my collection of Conways and considering if they'll kill me if they all topple my way at once.

[Ed Rotondaro]

Hi Ed,

I was just very fortunate to buy them when they were published. I stared at 14 with the old Doubleday "Navies of the Second World" series and another Doubleday set on navies of WW I and WW II. I still have them. Dreadnought really got me hooked and like Dennis, I spent a lot of saturdays in the library looking at the Janes and other titles. One of my favorites was "Battleships at War" by H. W. Wilson. Had it on continuous check out. : )

The 70s and early 80s was a golden age of naval publishing and I was very fortunate to have a good bookstore and USNIP. The great thing about the internet was the access, I have two books from Australia, a dozen or so from Great Britain including a copy of "The Drama of the Scharnhorst" by Busch from Bruce Frasier's library signed by the servants that gave it to him ( don't know of it's true though ), South Africa and Germany.

Except for a few, most are resonably priced and in good condition. I may have to learn some basic carpentry to build me some good ones. : )

Mike:

I went thru a stretch where I wasn't collecting military history books since that wasn't cool. I instead bought vinyl records and science fiction novels. I began to get back into it when I started painting historical miniatures and discovered Osprey books on a trip to England in 1981. I slowly added books, but mostly covering medieval and Renaissance military history. The First Gulf war was an impetus to get more books and the Opsrey campaign series helped me start focusing on what books I wanted. Then I discovered NWS and their games and the rest is as they say history. Now I zig zag between naval history and ground based combat with a heavy emphasis on the 20th century. I'll still snag an interesting title when it shows up (I'm a sucker for Stephen Turnbull's books on the samurai).

[Mike Malanaphy]

Funny thing but I do that with my books. Of late I am contemplating changing the set-up somehow as I got thinking the other day - even a minor earthquake would likely bring down the shelves. Sometimes I'd rather I was blissfully ignorant of the seismic threats abounding rather than eying my collection of Conways and considering if they'll kill me if they all topple my way at once.

Hi Kyle,

Never thought about earthquakes....now moving them has come close to killing me several times though. :)

[old_pop2000]

Hi Kyle,

Never thought about earthquakes....now moving them has come close to killing me several times though. :)

In earthquake country, all heavy books are stored on the bottom of the shelves, not the top. My Janes books on the very bottom of my bookcase next to my desk. I don't intend to get conked on the head, by a tome.:D

[Saffron]

All I can say is ... when it comes to your libraries, remember me in your wills. :D

[john964]

Guys I just got a realy good deal yesterday I went to an estate sale and picked up 20 Janes Fighting Ships for the years 1930 - 1950 for a doller a book. These books are in very good condition for there age with some minor stains and water damage, 3 of them appear to be in near mint condition.

[Ed Rotondaro]

All I can say is ... when it comes to your libraries, remember me in your wills. :D

Saffy:

You need a bigger house or a barn like Mike S has.

[Ed Rotondaro]

Guys I just got a realy good deal yesterday I went to an estate sale and picked up 20 Janes Fighting Ships for the years 1930 - 1950 for a doller a book. These books are in very good condition for there age with some minor stains and water damage, 3 of them appear to be in near mint condition.

John:

Lucky man. I wonder if the more recent editions are more accurate than the classic ones covering WWI and WWII?