Posted By:
Dave HornishIf I may, I'd like to re-hijack this thread.
I think any of the later ACC reprints would be fine for an aspiring vintage collector, along with the Lipset 3 in 1 Encyclopedia Reprint plus a Standard Catalog and a Beckett Almanac. If current prices are not needed there are older versions of the Standard Catalog that reference more vintage sets than the current edition. Forbes' and Mitchell's American Tobacco Cards is also a great reference, with a lot of historical information, although it is non-sports in nature.
It appears the World Index is in the process of being updated and new editions issued. That would be something if they can pull it off and if you are a novice now, then by the time you might need them, they might be published. Serendipity.
The Cartophilic Society Books and Pamphlets are really good generally, but not for everybody. I have a number of their publications, although not the line-by-line Indexes, and refer to them frequently. They are the SABR of the hobby and I wish we had a US version that would issue a regular newsletter, monographs and the occasional gigantic guide.
A good set of alphabetical and team guides is a necessity I find, especially if you collect one player or (especially) team. I use two very old Sport Americana ones and need to find an updated version of the team book someday but they have served me well for 25 years.
If you will use it enough, VCP is also a good investment of funds.
Horne's Zeenuts book is great but if you don't collect Zeenuts or hobby references, is really not necessary.
I also recommend a subscription to Old Cardboard Magazine and urge you to look at the wealth of information on their website.
I have never seen Egan's guides but would love to add one to my collection someday,even though I suspect it's wisdom is replicated elesehwere now.
That's about it I think.