John Carter (1) (1905–1975)

I finally took the opportunity to read John Carter's ABC for Book Collectors all the way through - I've dipped into it for various reasons for years, but never actually sat and read the whole thing. It's a classic, and justifiably so. Carter's witty erudition and excellent ability to put the most complex bibliophilic terms into easily understandable language make this a must-have reference book for all bibliophiles. And beyond the usefulness, it's endlessly amusing (his entry on "misprints" show more is an absolute delight). If you don't have a copy on your shelf, order one today. Or, collect all the different editions ... show less

I finally sat down and read through this tremendously important book instead of just using it spottily for reference, and I sure wish I hadn't waited so long. It's a tour de force, and the additional notes and material by Barker and Collins, plus the later epilogue by Carter and Pollard, adds much to the narrative.

Not only is this a terrific glossary for those interested in book collecting and those who just love books, it's like a mini-history of book-collecting. Interspersed with short anecdotes and occasionally tart commentary, it's the perfect book to flip through while waiting to fall asleep. The only drawback to that plan is that, like a bowl of peanuts, there is no such thing as, "just one". You'll end up staying awake longer than you intended and finishing the whole thing.

An ABC collated by a perfectionist must, almost by definition, be a five star. I simply refuse to give this the full five stars because Carter must have missed something. seriously, this is the best synopsis of a Bookman's language I've run across. please note the entry for "misprint" as you breeze throiugh it.