Rating: 
Summary: Already a classic - A delight for lovers and booklovers
Review: This is a fun read by the Nick and Nora Charles of book collecting. This was their initial book on the subject, a labor of love, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Their books that follow are good, but not as good, because they are becoming pillars of the establishment rather than treasure hunters. There is less spark to their work now, less sense of discovery, more serious, less fun. Fortunately, for fun I can always come back and read this one again, and John Baxter's marvelously bookish A POUND OF PAPER, and of course, Dashiell Hammett's original Nick and Nora Charles.
Rating: 
Summary: A Mostly Charming Introduction to Book Collecting
Review: This is a guidebook written by two novelists. The book is superficially about the training and discovery process experienced by new book collectors, but it is also about its authors, Nancy and Larry Goldstone, and the odd people they meet in search of the perfect library. As other reviewers have indicated, it is a graceful and charming story -- not a textbook, and almost a novel. In fact, I am dubious about the extended quotes that fill the book with a pulse normally missing from books about books. I expect material inside quotation marks to be precisely the words of the person to whom they are attributed, and there is no way that the Goldstones meet that standard -- unless they had a recorder running during their visits to bookstores. These quotes are an important part of the story because the Goldstones describe real people in real places in ways that are sometimes VERY unflattering. One lady in a New York used bookstore is presented as a rude and habitual liar. I wonder what she thinks of seeing her name and store presented in such a way, and what her version of the story might be. But such material adds drama and substance to what could be a deadly dull read. As a collector of very unusual books myself, USED AND RARE was informative and inspirational. I just went out and spent another few hundred bucks on obscure titles in poor condition.
Rating:
Summary: Travel along with the Goldstones
Review: This is the first of three books by the Goldstones about their experiences in the world of used books and book collecting. It is the most well-balanced of the series (the second and third are Slightly Chipped and Warmly Inscribed, respectively). The Goldstones take you along with them as they learn about collecting classics and modern first editions (modern firsts being books of the twentieth/twenty-first century). Along the way you meet an array of charming (and not so charming), eccentric used booksellers and antiquarian book dealers. Also thrown into the bargain are several very entertaining digressions into the pages and authors of many classic books of the twentieth century. It managed to fill in some gaps as well as show me some new authors that I knew little or nothing about. The writing style is effortless and informal, almost like you're listening in on one of their bookstore conversations. Anyone who loves books and enjoys trips to used bookstores will be in for a treat with this book.
Rating:
Summary: Travel along with the Goldstones
Review: This is the first of three books by the Goldstones about their experiences in the world of used books and book collecting. It is the most well-balanced of the series (the second and third are Slightly Chipped and Warmly Inscribed, respectively). The Goldstones take you along with them as they learn about collecting classics and modern first editions (modern firsts being books of the twentieth/twenty-first century). Along the way you meet an array of charming (and not so charming), eccentric used booksellers and antiquarian book dealers. Also thrown into the bargain are several very entertaining digressions into the pages and authors of many classic books of the twentieth century. It managed to fill in some gaps as well as show me some new authors that I knew little or nothing about. The writing style is effortless and informal, almost like you're listening in on one of their bookstore conversations. Anyone who loves books and enjoys trips to used bookstores will be in for a treat with this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Book-collectors' porn
Review: This not unpleasant memoir tells the story of a yuppie couple's gradual immersion in the world of book collecting. I found the second half -- when the authors get beyond the "gee-whiz" phase -- far preferable to the first. It is in the second half that they finally provide some informative descriptions -- of visits to high-end shops in Boston and New York, and of bidding at two auctions. However, throughout the book (and much more so in the first half), there runs a strain of naivete that I found, frankly, not credible, especially given the authors' apparent levels of education and their backgrounds as writers. In the first chapter, for example, one of them describes her (his?) reaction when someone suggested buying a used book as a gift: "'A *used* book?' Buying a used book sounded worse than buying a paperback." Likewise, in Chapter 13, the authors appear to be surprised and incensed that they needed to demonstrate a bona fide scholarly interest before they would be permitted to handle volumes from the rare book collection at the Boston Public Library. Not only is it hard to believe that people with their credentials would not know this (or take the trouble to investigate in advance), but it is also irresponsible of them to ignore the library's duty to protect the rare and valuable holdings entrusted to it from over-handling by the curious. For those who prefer a higher ratio of useful information to fluff, I would recommend (like another reviewer) Basbanes's *Gentle Madness,* which is also in paperback. Nonetheless, the Goldstones' book does convey a genuine appreciation for literature and will probably do more good than harm to the complete novice. (And they get an extra star for praising, with apparent sincerity, Henry James.)
Rating:
Summary: Very interesting foray into the world of book collecting
Review: This was the first book on Book Collecting by the Goldstones and I am glad I read them in the wrong order. I walk away liking their writing much more than I would have had I read them in the order they were written. This book starts with a search for a nice, hardcover version of War and Peace for less than ten dollars. This leads Nancy to a used book store where she hears terms and statements that she had never heard before. The Goldstones were used to going to new book stores where if you had a choice between editions of a work, it was hardcover or paperback. They had stumbled into the world of editions and states and translations. The book goes through the many different dealers in the NE states that the Goldstones visit, as well as visits to her Uncle in Chicago who has been buying rare books since before WWII. As the Goldstones learn about book collecting, the reader learns. This book deals in the hunt, and learning while hunting. In each of the sections, we find what they are looking for, or interested in. Then there is the learning curve that they go through with explanations from the dealers. They learn about dust covers and their importance. They learn about the importance of the First Edition, First State of a book. You can have two different versions or States of the First Edition; this was news to me. This detailing of each hunt does not seem like the filler that descriptions of the work did in Slightly Chipped. It is for this reason that this book was that much more enjoyable and the reason I give this one 4 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Don't worry, others share your madness
Review: Used and Rare is the story of a decent in to a wonderful form of madness - the madness of book collecting. After a birthday agreement over the cost of presents drives the wife of this partnership to buy a used book, the Goldstones are slowly drawn into the world of book collecting, learning about modern-firsts, foxing and binding.
This is not a book on how to. Rather, it is the story of people buying books for the love of owning books, rather than as investments or to make money. Many readers and collectors out there will identify with the Goldstones, and their disappointment with the world of bookdealing for money. I have only two points of issue with this book (and it shows what a great book it is when the two points i have are so minor)
1. The written speech of the New Zealand - once was funny, after that it gets annoying (anyone who has read the book will know what i am talking about). Actually, i found it a bit patronising, but that is just me.
2. Whole monologues are 'repeated' in the book, and i find it amazing that the Goldstones could remember large passages of what people said, supposedly verbatim, years later.
But really, these are only minor quibbles. This is a fantastic book. I have two copies - one for myself, and one the in-laws are getting for Xmas. They are *almost* serious book collectors, and i think they will identify with much in this book. Have a read and see if you do too.
Rating:
Summary: A review from one who worked in a respected Boston bookshop.
Review: Used and Rare...I picked it up at the Pierpont Morgan Library gift shop in NYC. Figured that if they sold it, it might be good. It is. The book is a lovely read, especially easy to put down and pick up again, to carry along with you, and to learn from (without any effort). It's like reading a magazine article. When I was a freshman in high school, I read a magazine article about why the Red Badge of Courage was not only valuable in the world of literature but also as a financial investment. That article started me off as a collector, and now, years later, I have a fine collection of rare books that I adore, that I'll never sell, but that are wonderful investments. The writing in this book is very light, magazine-like, but pleasant. It's a fine introduction for those who are interested in this topic; a primer. Far from a scholarly work, this book gives you a gentle lesson about the world of highly intellectual, high-end collecting. It will inspire you to read, to learn why some books are important in history - while others are not. It will also give you a few new terms and a few hints as to the etiquette you need to acquire as you browse the stacks within shops and booths at the antiquarian book fairs. I ordered several editions of this book which I gave as gifts to friends who would like to learn more about rare book collecting. They have all enjoyed it.
Rating:
Summary: A fun quick read for book lovers.
Review: What a rich little book. It is such a fun read. It has revived my love of book shopping. My wife and I went out this past weekend to hunt for new finds. It is also a good reference. I will keep it handy in my book hunting. It is well worth the small price.
Rating:
Summary: Although not rare, this book is a treasure.
Review: What an uncommonly wonderful book! For bibliophiles or those that enjoy reading about a passionate quest, USED AND RARE is a delight. This is a factual "novel" written by Larry and Nancy Goldstone relating their journey into the world of used and rare books. This is a story that began as a quest for a budget-based, inexpensive gift which ultimately turned to an exciting addiction. The inexpensive beginning was the search and purchase of a [amt] copy of Tolstoy's WAR AND PEACE, a complete translation which included maps and fold-out color illustrations. When it arrived in the mailed, the book included a business card from the bookseller which subsequently prompted the Goldstones to make their way to the bookstore on a lazy Sunday afternoon. There, they met David and Esther Kininmonth, the owners of the store. David enthralled the Goldstones with a oratory into the basics of the world of rare books, their value, illusion and mystery. It was with this visit and conversation that the Goldstone's were vaulted into a path that soon became a passionate obsession. Now intrigued and beset with an insatiable desire for new "quarry," the Goldstones began making as many trips as possible to various East Coast cities visting antiquarian book dealers and attending book fairs and auctions. Armed with a growing knowledge of this rather obscure industry, they diligently sought out first editions, single leather-bound volumes and sets, and rare out-of-print books. Along the way, they became as fascinated with the learning process associated with procuring rare books as much as by the books themselves. After spending quite a bit of time buying, reading and picking the brains of the experts, the Goldstones began to see through many of the games played by the dealers including pricing inconsistencies, show tactics and auction fax paus'. Although extremely frugal and budget-conscious, USED AND RARE tells the story of how the Goldstones began with that [amt] copy of WAR AND PEACE to owning a [amt] edition of Charles Dickens's MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT. In one passage, the Goldstones relate their visit to a book fair where they encounter a first edition of TARZAN, by Edgar Rice Burroughs for an astounding [amt]! They wonder how TARZAN can demand that kind of sum when, by their own standards, it is not necessarily considered great literature? As with most businesses, the Goldstones learn that the business of rare books is a BUSINESS. As such, demand drives prices and, as with antiques and collectibles, value is relative to the individual collector. The fervor behind this story and the common penchant for booklore displayed by the Goldstones' is contagious. This story provides an education to the reader and a behind-the-scenes view of many unheard-of books (at least to this reader) considered classic and collectible. Their story offers biblophiles/biblomaniacs an insight into the world of rare books and a lesson in the business of books. It is easy to see that they earned their way into the world of rare books while being gracious enough to share it with the reader. USED AND RARE is a strange combination of education, love, travel and the chase for the perfect buy....at the right price of course! I am immediately following this read with the sequel, SLIGHTLY CHIPPED, and have already ordered the third book in the series, WARMLY INSCRIBED. Anyone hooked on books should read USED AND RARE.
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