posted on April 24, 2001 08:33:55 PM new
I thought I had a copy of Sermons by the Devil, 1904, Rev. W.S. Harris, illustrations by Paul Krafft, "Sold by Subscription Only" in somewhat rough condition... but then I started noticing some page numbering anomalies:
Satan’s Sermon on Suicide starts on page 17 according to the Table of Contents, but the reverse of that page is 20; a right hand page numbered 252 but the reverse side is numbered 258; left hand page numbered 28 but its opposite right hand page is numbered 30 – and so forth.
Lo and behold, I end up counting the pages (no where near the 304 pages it's supposed to be, even tho it doesn't look like there are missing pages), and I finally notice that beyond page 304 is a sales pitch and price list for the three different bindings available and several blank pages where the subscription seller could record name, address and style of binding! I've never seen anything like it (not that I'm all that experienced with books!!!) --
So, my question is: Is the fact that this is a sample a GOOD thing, or does it make it of less value? None of the sermons appear complete, tho there are lots of illustrations. And it's still kinda a neat old book (ahh, aren't they all?)
Also -- is there a technical term for such a thing to use in the description? IOW, what should I call it? What else?
posted on April 24, 2001 09:12:41 PM new
A "salesman's sample" of an obscure book by an unremembered minister is not of any particular value. Hard to say how you could market it. If it was related to a specific demonination or written by a famous preacher, someone might possibly be interested, otherwise I pass it by.
posted on April 24, 2001 09:25:43 PM new
I looked his name up on Yahoo. Seems he was was minister of the Wesley Methodist United Church.
There is currently a book of his like the one you mentioned (a salesman's copy) up on Ebay. It has one bid a over $4 with reserve not met. It has a few more days to go though so there may be some interest.
posted on April 24, 2001 09:29:39 PM new
Quick follow up...there was one sold for over $20 but it doesn't seem to be a salesman copy...however they scanned lots of the pictures. They are very creepy and wild. Maybe by focusing on the art you can make a profit.
posted on April 24, 2001 09:48:17 PM new
I think there's a new category in religious collectibles on eBay for Pagan religions, maybe you could market it successfully there?
posted on April 24, 2001 09:48:17 PM new
I think there's a new category in religious collectibles on eBay for Pagan religions, maybe you could market it successfully there?
posted on April 25, 2001 06:29:10 AM newupriver - ????
I can't tell if you're being facetious, or just badly misinformed since the Devil is a Christian "invention."
angel -- If I sell it at all, I will pretty much have made a profit. This was in a box lot that was mucho cheapo.
Thanks, everyone. I ended up checking ABE for this and the other books that were in that box lot. ABE is just fascinating. Here I had this lot of 7 or so old, obscure, all-but-forgotten books, and there they all were -- 10 or sometimes many more of each one listed on ABE. Of course, that's not Yahoo or ebay, but at least it gives an indication of something. Also gave me more info about some of them. There was even a salesman's sample of this one (in better condition) -- listed at $28.00. (Again, I realize ABE isn't an auction site.)
And yes, I will take lotsa photos -- already had that planned.
Now what I need is a reference site that explains all the various parts and terms for those parts of a book.
This was in a box lot that was mucho cheapo.