In The Presence of History: The Authoritative Guide to Historical Autographs For Collectors, History Enthusiasts and Investors 1st edition by Raab, Steven, Raab, Jonas (2009) Perfect Paperback
In the Presence of History is a large format, full color book with important advice, interesting facts and stories, and beautiful illustrations for those fascinated by historical autographs, whether collectors, history buffs, or investors. It offers a topical, behind-the-scenes look at history through the world of historical documents and autographs. Readers learn how to determine quality and value, what to seek out and buy, how to sell, what to avoid, and which types of autographs are the wisest investments. The book provides the tools people need to begin authenticating autographs for themselves. It also contains a thorough color study of the letters and documents of U.S. Presidents, with hundreds of color illustrations. Book * The authoritative guide to autographs, including how to buy, sell, authenticate and appreciate autographs. * The most comprehensive color study of the letters and documents of U.S. Presidents ever published. * Topical treatment of autographs on the Internet and autographs as investments. * Hundreds of full color illustrations, dynamically presented, and all from the Raab archives.
For some reason I've always liked reading about autograph collecting, although I don't own any. This is more a guide for those who do as opposed to the Charles Hamilton books ABOUT autograph collecting. So for an actual collector this would be a good tool. I liked the anecdotes, particularly those about forgers. Autograph forgers are fascinating, what a strange and complicated type of criminal behavior. And with so much time and effort put into the endeavor they will blow it with some stupid detail, like a letter from Abraham Lincoln mentioning the FIRST Battle of Bull Run-- dated before the second one had occurred. Or a program from the premiere of Gone with the Wind signed by all four main stars, plus...George Reeves. Of course George was an unknown who had a very small part, so why would they have sought out his signature? Because his autograph is now worth a fortune due to Superman collectors,(plus he died young and mysteriously) They refer to that as forgers "gilding the lily". (And was George even present at the premiere? Leslie Howard was not, he was in England preparing to get killed in WW2 so at what point did HE sign it, anyway --book doesn't mention that) Bottom line, if you want to collect autographs and not get stung, know A LOT about your chosen subject.