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Burdette Renaissance of American Coinage books-- treasure trove footnotes, but are the masses appre
Longacre
Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
I have been slowly reading the newest edition of Burdette’s Renaissance of American Coinage book (the 1905-1908 edition). I’ve put up posts in the past dealing with how well researched the book is, and the book has received rave reviews for its groundbreaking findings on some topics that have been incorrectly reported repeatedly for generations. For those of you who do not have the book, the footnotes contain a treasure trove of information for future researchers. For example, there are tons of footnotes that provide cites to source material contained in specific boxes, folders, etc. in the national archives. This book makes it a lot easier for future researchers to find information.
My question centers on whether the masses are truly appreciative of such a groundbreaking work. I can’t imagine the countless hours that the author spent in the bowels of some government chamber, transcribing early 20th century documents by candlelight. Although I appreciate the immense time that it took to write the book “the right way”, I wonder how many people in the numismatic world (and most certainly in the “regular world”), just slough off the book as just another coin book and then move on to their analysis of the PCGS population reports? What benefit did Burdette get out of making it easier for future researchers to do their job? For those of you who know numismatic researchers, are they truly appreciative of this groundbreaking study?
My question centers on whether the masses are truly appreciative of such a groundbreaking work. I can’t imagine the countless hours that the author spent in the bowels of some government chamber, transcribing early 20th century documents by candlelight. Although I appreciate the immense time that it took to write the book “the right way”, I wonder how many people in the numismatic world (and most certainly in the “regular world”), just slough off the book as just another coin book and then move on to their analysis of the PCGS population reports? What benefit did Burdette get out of making it easier for future researchers to do their job? For those of you who know numismatic researchers, are they truly appreciative of this groundbreaking study?
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
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Second, general thoughts on your first question. I think you are on the right track that the masses are not truly appreciative of these works. From my observations from being around coins over 20 years many folks are focused on the price and rarity of a coin much more so than the in-depth background of how it came to be in existence. Most of us probably will never visit any government archives. Of course, there are a great number of exceptions to my observation.
If this book were next to the new encyclopedia of gold coins on the bookshelf at Borders I'd bet the encyclopedia would fly off the shelves in comparison because it has pricing information, rarity information, pictures, and is divided into short and easy to read sections. I know once I get one of the Renaissance books it will not be an easy and fast read but it will hopefully be rewarding. Just my thoughts….
<< <i>First, a question. Longacre, where can one find the 1905-1908 book? I see the later book on a couple of web site but not this one?…. >>
Here is the ordering information and review below. Your other points are spot on.
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In 1905 amid the elegance of diplomacy and art, President Theodore Roosevelt and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens began a political-creative collaboration that was to change the face of American coinage. This is the beginning of our nation’s Golden Age of numismatic art – a Renaissance of American Coinage design that would last until 1921.
In nearly 400 pages of carefully researched text and images – including more than one hundred never before published letters and designs – author Roger W. Burdette brings to life the complete story of America’s most beautiful coins.
Renaissance of American Coinage 1905-1908 explores this singular artistic partnership through extensive research and integration with contemporary historical events. Among many revelations are: the artist’s original coin designs, how and when the stunning Extremely High Relief patterns were made and who owned them, two new Saint-Gaudens $10 patterns, how and when the high relief $20 coins were struck and much more. Extensive information is provided on initial production (including identity the of person who actually cut the first hubs), origin of the low relief double eagle design, abandoned one-cent designs, and include a list of more than one hundred original purchasers of the special collector’s coins. The book also describes the design and production of Bela Pratt’s innovative $5 and $2.50 gold coins in 1908, his struggles with Presidential-friend William Sturgis Bigelow, and two missing Indian head patterns.
Authoritative text, extensive illustrations and thorough referencing make Renaissance of American Coinage 1905-1908 the only comprehensive source for this important, but poorly understood aspect of American art and numismatics. This book will be of special interest to historians of the early 20th century, coin collectors and fine art sculptors. It is intended to become a standard reference for libraries and historical research facilities.
Renaissance of American Coinage 1905-1908 is the second of three books exploring the coinage redesign of 1907-1921. A companion volume covering the 1916-1921 period (ISBN 0-9768986-0-8, available from the publisher.) was released in October 2005, and a third volume covering 1909-1915 is planned for release in 2007.
The book is available direct from Seneca Mill Press LLC, PO Box 1423, Great Falls VA 22066 for $64.95 plus $4.50 postage
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Since I'm sure that the press runs of the RoAC books are pretty small, I'd say that Mr. Burdette's major benefit is that of a job well done and perhaps a lasting place in American numismatics.
By the way, what "masses" are you speaking of? I wouldn't be surprised if 95% of coin collectors don't own more than three or four numismatic books (including the Red Book and Photograde).
Check out the Southern Gold Society