Dakota Beacon

Definition of collectors: Amateur gatherers with a minor obsession.

Whether attracted to stamps, coins, baseball cards or other items, collectors are not just ordinary hobbyists but gatherers smitten with the thrill of the hunt. They are a special breed unto themselves.

I know. I am one.

The hunt, the chase, the thrill of tracking down the illusive. Finally comes the gratification of bagging the object of attraction. This trait is inherent in the makeup of mankind. Our ancestors’ hunt for animals yesterday translates to the hobbyists’ hunt for collectibles today.

I spent many a blissful hour engrossed in different collections. At one time I was fascinated with early American copper coins. This is a very specialized field of collectibles, elusive and rich in historical value. Such coins will not be found in pocket change!

Regardless of material collected, standard rules of thumb apply to guide the collector. Knowing how to grade material is fundamental to buying quality in any realm of collecting. Grading the condition of an item is an art and professional guidelines are available for various categories of collectibles. Working with reputable dealers is an obvious safeguard. Age of an item is not necessarily a criterion for value. Scarcity is a much better criteria. Gaining as much knowledge about a field of interest enhances the pleasure of the hunt.

In recent years a new field captured my attention, blossomed and grew. A particular series of books caught my eye. I have always been a book lover and reader. Book collecting became an extension of my infatuation with the printed word.

Specifically, the Oxford World Classics series published by Oxford University Press (OUP), holds a special allure. Measuring 4” by 6”, a single book fits comfortably in palm, purse or coat pocket. The print on fine paper of the miniature book is easily read. Gilded lettering embossed on the spine of the dark blue binding is characteristic of the series as is the small OUP emblem on the front board.

Grant Richards Publishers began the series in 1901 publishing the first volumes. They continued publishing until 1906 when the firm went bankrupt and OUP acquired the series. In 1979, OUP printed the last volume and discontinued the series.

I first learned of the series as a freshman in college over fifty years ago. A philosophy professor listed Leo Tolstoy’s “Confession” among the required readings for his course. Tolstoy’s essay was included in one of the OUP World Classics volumes. The binding and fine paper as well as the contents fascinated me. I kept the book after the course concluded rather than sell it back to the bookstore. The fondness lingered over time.

As chance would have it, I met a gentleman, a former curator at the Library of Congress. When I met Ray Geselbracht he was with the Truman Library in Missouri. It was he who introduced me to the delights of book collecting. His specialty? You guessed it -- The Oxford World Classics series. He capitalized on his library science skills to write a scholarly article for the London journal “Antiquarian Book Monthly Review.” The article discussed the Oxford World Classics and included a list of every numbered volume. He knew more about the series than anyone else except the publisher.

My brief encounter with Ray proved to be as valuable an acquaintance as ever a collector might desire. During our brief conversations, he imparted to me enough knowledge about the series to launch me on my way. For this I am grateful.

Ray had chased down only 450 of the 619 volumes in the series. His collection, short several volumes though it was, nevertheless gave him much pleasure. Some items in his collection were neither first editions nor were they in very good a condition. A poorer copy served as a place holder until he could acquire a better copy.

From my introduction to Ray and the Oxford World Classics until now the thrill of the hunt persists. Though not of obsessive proportions, nevertheless I have periods of marked preoccupation. I seldom travel without a plan to scout out used book stores. I leave no stone unturned as my quest leads me down varied paths. In dingy book shops of cities and foreign countries and on major internet sites I have pursued these miniature volumes.

Of all the joys my collection brings, reading the small books is the greatest. Not a major classical piece of literature is omitted. There is a lifetime of worthwhile reading found in those pages.

Collectors attract collectors. Those who experience the thrill of the hunt know what I mean. I welcome hearing from interested bibliophiles who share similar interests.

And the chase goes on.

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at P. O. Box 337, Stanley, ND 58784 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).