Ocassionally, we generate or get access to some helpful reference information related to books and collecting. In addition, our research on our books sometimes develops information beyond the book description fields in our proprietary database.

We thought we’d write up some of the research we perform on the books that especially interest us and archive it on our web site. This way we can build up some useful material that will still be here after we have sold the volume that caused us to dig up some of this stuff. We hope you enjoy browsing this material; if you have any comments or ideas, please let us know.

You can see when extra information is available when there is a button on the details page for that book. Please note that clicking on this button (on a book details page, not on this page) opens a new page that you can close to return to whatever book you are looking at.

Below is a list of all the extra information pages currently available. We hope you enjoy browsing this material; if you have any feedback please let us know, especially if you found that it was something particularly useful to you!

Eighteen Tips on the Preservation and Care of Your Books - by Deborah Evetts, Book Conservator

This document offers tips on the handling, storage and care of books for those who have old or rare books on their shelves. Our thanks to Deborah Evetts for permission to use this excellent document in our web site.

Samuel Wiggin - Poet and Executive Clerk to President Andrew Johnson and President Grant

We are currently offering a mini-collection for sale that started with our acquiring a handwritten set of poems. After some sleuthing we were able to identify the author, obtain a book of poetry by that author, and confirm that the holograph was indeed the author’s fair manuscript copy of a set of poems, many written in Poet’s Corner in the White House, prior to publication in his book. When we analyzed the poems in detail, we noted that of the two works. several were published in altered form and a few were not published at all, possibly because they were too personal. Before they passed out of our hands we compiled some information for posterity.

Samuel Adams Wiggin was a New Hampshire poet, born in Portsmouth in 1832. Our extra information on him focuses on biographical information as well as a comparison between the author’s fair copy of a book of poems and his self-published book of poetry, "Sprigs of Acacia". Acacia is traditionally tossed onto a coffin during burial ceremonies, so you can expect a number of the poems in Wiggin's book to be of a more somber nature. He also wrote several patriotic poems and military poems, some of which were published in the newspapers of the time. Indeed his book is dedicated to General William W. Dudley “a brave and gallant soldier of freedom”. However, the poet also has his humor and a lot of love, especially reflected in “A la Bismark” and his unpublished poems. While his poetry may be a bit corny by today’s standards, it does reflect the family life and spirit of the times in the mid-to-late 1800’s. We enjoy thinking about this Executive Clerk whiling away his spare hours in "Poet's Corner" in the White House.

The Railroad Series (Volumes 1-8 inclusive)

Sometimes called the "Ralph of the Railroad" series, the "Railroad Series" books began with "Ralph of the Roundhouse" first published in 1908.
From the DJ blurb: "In this line of books there is revealed the whole workings of the great railroad system. There are adventures in abundance--railroad wrecks, dashes through forest fires, the pursuit of a "wildcat" locomotive, the disappearance of a pay car with a large sum of money on board--but there is much more than this--the intense rivalry among railroads and railroad men, the working out of running schedules, the getting through "on time" in spite of all obstacles, and the manipulation of railroad securities by evil men who wish to rule or ruin." These books are vintage collectibles, overall reflecting noble values, albiet with some jargon and stereotypes from that period. This set will appeal to children's series book collectors and railroad enthusiasts. We have listed separately the details on the eight books currently offered for sale by Carpe Libris.