Posted By:
Bruce Dorskind
Rob, if you are truly interested in understanding the history of card collecting
we suggest you begin with Sir Wharton-Tigar's legendary five volume "World Index"
which was published from 1956-1990 by the Cartophillic Society of Great Britain.
It presents the most comprehensive history of tobacco cards ever published.
Most of the volumes are available for purchase from Murray's Cards in London, UK.
We would also acquire an original printing of the Burdick's American Card Catalog
which first appeared in 1939. Whilst a bit pricey, nothing beats the original.
We would suggest you acquire a copy of Richard Egan's notes on E cards.
Burt Sugar's first book adds some value as does a rarely mentioned book called
Stirling Sports Card Catalog -privately published by John Stirling in 1977.
The first Beckett Guide, "The 1979 Sport Americana Baseball Price Guide" authored by
Dr. James Beckett & Dennis Eckes provides historic and collecting insights not found
in other published works..
The Lipset Encyclopedia, whilst comprehensive, certainly needs to be updated.
As for Zeenuts- one may have to dig deep and work hard, but we urge to acquire Jim Horne's legandery
work, Zeenuts 1911- 1938. This book was privately published but is available from a few distinguished
West Coast dealers.
Once you have completed an in-depth review of the aforementioned, our final suggestion would
be to sign up for a year's membership on Vintage Card Prices and study the site on a daily or weekly
basis.
At the end of this exercise, you will no longer be a novice collector.
Good luck in your venture.
Bruce Dorskind
America's Toughest Want List