Rosenbach: A Biography

by Edwin Wolf II, John Fleming

Genres: Biography, Books About Books, Nonfiction

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though this massive biography certainly details the fame Rosenbach made for himself as a book dealer in the first half of the twentieth century, it somehow manages to do so with very little intrigue or fun. Instead, as Wolf apologizes for in his preface, it is filled with exacting details regarding the prices Rosenbach purchased items for, and then the higher prices he managed to sell them for. At the moments it discusses the possible conflicts between Rosenbach's love for books and his desire to sell them, it treads on interesting territory. However, these moments (as well as other shimmering anecdotes regarding his excessive whiskey consumption or his forays into libraries around the world) are few and far between in this 600-page tome. While reading it fills in some necessary details in this history of the great book collectors and dealers in America, I wish its information hadn't been so hard-won.

[Brian Quast · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2 out of 5 Stars and a B- grade from me.

[Terry Morris]

Got a little draggy towards the end but great otherwise