Has the price and sheer size of "A California Gold Rush History" caused it to be less reme

Longacre

I was reading the latest issue of Dave's Notes, and in it he makes a reference to "A California Gold Rush History". I added bold to the relevent text below. QDB notes that this book is one of the greatest research achievements of his entire career. For sure, the book is spectacular. However, do you think that the book does not get its due among the numismatic masses because of its hefty price tag and its sheer size?

In a recent thread, board member RYK gave away a copy of QDB's "The History of US Coinage". This book is also spectacular and one of my favorites. However, this book is dirt, dirt cheap, and a copy can be obtained for a song. So much so that every member of the numismatic unwashed can afford a copy. Because of its price, this book seems to get more "play" than the California Gold Rush book.

Do you think that the popularity of the California Gold Rush book has been hurt because of the rather large price tag, and the even larger physical size of the book?

Here is the copy of Dave's Notes for reference:

Thursday, April 3, 2008
Welcome to the latest edition of my “Notes.” Activity continues apace at Stack’s, with purchases from our recent sales being shipped to buyers, and other auctions in progress. We plan ahead, and although you probably do not have late summer on your mind, as an example, our specialist Michael Hodder has been knee-deep in researching and presenting one of the finest collections of Hard Times tokens ever to cross the auction block, scheduled for late July, right before the ANA Convention in Baltimore. I have been enjoying the collection as well. To our regular line of auctions are added our increasingly popular e-Vents, Internet-based, offering inexpensive ways to consign and sell coins at short notice, presented to our worldwide clientele. Beyond that, we are always buying for stock, to fill “Want Lists,” and more. When time comes for you to sell, either your main collection or series that you have completed, put Stack’s as NUMBER ONE on your list. No rare coin auction firm in American numismatic history has had such a record of success, or even close.

Lincoln cents have been very much in the news lately. Should they be abolished? Should the metal content be changed? What about the new designs for next year? If Lincoln cents are an interest, even casual, I highly recommend that you order a copy of my new Whitman title, A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents. You will learn all about how the cent was created, changes over the years, controversies, plus market information, rarity at different grade levels, and more. Spend an enjoyable couple of evenings or a weekend with this book, and I dare say that you will be an expert on the series—right up with the most knowledgeable collectors and dealers. And, the price is almost free. Not quite, but books are so inexpensive that there is no reason why you shouldn’t acquire as many useful titles as possible. Take advantage of our discount offer. Pick out three different titles and get a 30% discount from list—almost wholesale! And, each and every book you buy is absolutely guaranteed to satisfy.Among the books we offer are a few remaining copies of A California Gold Rush History featuring the treasure from the S. S. Central America, one of the great research projects of my life. This book, weighing over ten pounds (!), in full color, and deluxe hardbound, is virtually a library on the title subject plus territorial and pioneer gold coins, the Gold Rush, and more, all interwoven with the fantastic story of the treasure recovered from the S.S. Central America steamship. The book is expensive, to be sure, with a list price of $169. However, by ordering two other titles you get it at a 30% discount—a great opportunity if I have ever seen one! And, again, I know you will be delighted. However, be prepared to spend at least a week of spare time savoring its contents.

Thanks for being a friend of Stack’s.

Best Wishes,

RYK

In a recent thread, board member RYK gave away a copy of QDB's "The History of US Coinage". This book is also spectacular and one of my favorites. However, this book is dirt, dirt cheap, and a copy can be obtained for a song. So much so that every member of the numismatic unwashed can afford a copy. Because of its price, this book seems to get more "play" than the California Gold Rush book.

Two things keep from giving one of these away:

1. The price tag.

2. The fear of another give-away related lawsuit, when the winner drops the book on his toe or strains her back lifting it.

On a serious note, it is a great book, but I have heard that there were documented injuries related to attempting to read the book. I found it too cumbersome to read. I am small and weak--perhaps monsterman, or someone else with an NFL build, would have more success.

Coinosaurus

If you compare to Burdette's three volume tome, I like the multi-volume format better. It's more managable to use, and the different bindings look really swell on the bookshelf.

The contents of both works are of course first rate, I am just saying I think a multi-volume approach is better when you are considering a very large work.

Part of this might have been a marketing consideration - a lot of this was sold outside normal channels, and a single "big book" lends credibility in a way that multiple smaller books might not.

numisma

The colossal size of A California Gold Rush History is part of its unique charm. Sure, it is awkward and difficult to handle, but I refer to it often and appreciate the indexing and organized layout of the book. Together with Dan Owens' California Coiners and Assayers and Kagin's 1981 reference, Bowers' treatise pretty much covers everything you need to know about California gold coinage.

DaveG

I'd also mention two things:

1) Gold Rush History is something of a specialized field

2)The book has a ton of history in it

The combination of these two things makes the audience for the book a whole lot smaller than the audience for a book like The History of US Coinage. (I'd call it a "coffee table" book, except then Longacre would fly into a 'frothy frenzy'.)

I agree, the size works against the book, also - it's too big for me to read in the bathroom.

firstmint

I especially like the deluxe editions in red leather, but I couldn't afford the $5K for the restrike gold piece and the "free" accompanying book.

Even these approach four figues because they have the gold sample packets in the front.

Arizonadesertrat

I don't own a copy (yet). Admonishment accepted, and I will buy a copy ASAP. Right now, I guess I am just a member of the 'numismatic unwashed.'

Artist

I own "A California Gold Rush History."

I love it - but I do not think of it so much as a coin book, as I do a book about a period in history that is relevant to coins. That may be part of the reason it is not as popular or recognized among collectors.

ricko

Although it is a bit cumbersome, it is an excellent book and a thorough study on the topic. I am working my way through my 'signed' copy... and enjoying it immensely. Cheers, RickO

BBQnBLUES

I would **LOVE** to own the Leather edition too.... but agree that it would be best in a multiple volume set..

Perhaps the "Easton Press" should consider reprinting this book as a signed edition.. I'd buy one in a heartbeat !