My beloved Leica library

[Pecole]

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When starting my Fontenelle Leica Collection, I just had the first Lager's book. But I immediately realized I needed more, and started looking for books just like for cameras and accessories. I must say that my bookshelves are quite impressive (fortunately enough, I now have an apart office building in the garden, and my wife is not complaining any more!).

When I was 75 (I am now 82...), I started selling my camera collection, but I kept the library, and drafted a detailed descriptive list of all the items.

When on holidays with us last week, one of our (nine) grand-children told me that as far as he knew, no one in my lineage was interested, and it was a pity to envisage the dispersion of this treasure. Well, I started to be shocked that he evoked the problem (of my disappearance...), then I thought...

 

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[dkCambridgeshire]

When starting my Fontenelle Leica Collection, I just had the first Lager's book. But I immediately realized I needed more, and started looking for books just like for cameras and accessories. I must say that my bookshelves are quite impressive (fortunately enough, I now have an apart office building in the garden, and my wife is not complaining any more!).

When I was 75 (I am now 82...), I started selling my camera collection, but I kept the library, and drafted a detailed descriptive list of all the items.

When on holidays with us last week, one of our (nine) grand-children told me that as far as he knew, no one in my lineage was interested, and it was a pity to envisage the dispersion of this treasure. Well, I started to be shocked that he evoked the problem (of my disappearance...), then I thought...

 

 

Other Leica enthusiasts likely face the same dilemmas but maybe not on the same scale. Options include: 1) leave their books to family, 2) rely on our executor(s) to sell them, or 3) dispose of them during our lifetimes.  Executors would likely approach a book dealer or camera dealer or auctioneer and be forced to sell for € low/little; at a specialist book auction the whole lot would likely sell for relatively little. Selling the books ourselves could be achieved via Ebay but would be a lengthy process. Donating to a charity e.g. OXFAM or British Heart Foundation would ensure the proceeds benefit others. Donating to a specialist museum might be another possibility. Personally I'd be tempted to try and sell them at a camera fair(s) to realise the best prices - but unlikely all would sell. Another possible avenue would be to advertise in a magazine or an online forum and invite prospective purchasers to request an email list of the titles and prices. Whatever is decided will be a difficult decision - and could involve considerable time and effort especially with packing and posting. 

 

Best wishes

 

dunk 

Edited September 12, 2016 by dkCambridgeshire

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[pgk]

Executors would likely approach a book dealer or camera dealer or auctioneer and be forced to sell for € low/little; at a specialist book auction the whole lot would likely sell for relatively little. Selling the books ourselves could be achieved via Ebay but would be a lengthy process. Donating to a charity e.g. OXFAM or British Heart Foundation would ensure the proceeds benefit others. Donating to a specialist museum might be another possibility.

 

Having just helped in a similar situation, the following may be of interest. Quality, rarity, condition still sells - and auctioneers know their business! Lesser books are now decreasing in value though. In the past, pre-internet days, finding a book was a long process and involved a hunt which was of course a part of the fun. These days finding a book is very easy via a search engine and the quality of the copy purchased is only limited to one's pocket's ability to fork out for it. This in itself has devalued all but the 'best' copies. We have some very 'rare' books left but in 'poor' condition and this really limits their sale and value.

 

Lastly, one has to be realistic. Listing vast quantities of anything on ebay could easily become a full time job in itself. Donations are much appreciated especially by specialist museums, but be aware that common paperback books may even end up being pulped though if donated to a charity this will attract some income at least. That's my experience. Far better with specialist material to find an enthusiastic new owner who can appreciate them sooner rather than be forced to dispose of them in a hurry whoever this may be.

[skucera]

Maybe you've got a college or university nearby with an art program that might benefit from your library?  The university I went to would have fallen all over themselves to get a bequest like your library for the Architecture & Allied Arts library.

 

Scott

[michaelwj]

I would enjoy them while I could.

 

After you're gone (hopefully not for a long time!) who really cares? We can't take it with us and we can't choose our family! The best case (apart from a sudden Leica interest form within the family) is a little money comes from it and it helps someone out a bit.

 

The best case for us is of course that you keep sharing your expansive knowledge and pictures with us forever!

 

Thanks,

Michael

[Pecole]

Many thanks, especially to both Dunk and pgk (Paul?). After thinking to the various solutions - it is what explains the delay to react - I believe I will finally offer in some specialized supports (including this Leica Forum, of course) to mail a detailed list of my library, confirming that I do not look for a "business", but for a reasonable offer (including transport costs) from a real amateur. I am not in a hurry (if God allows...), and will wait and see.

Anyhow, many thanks to you all for your valuable remarks.

[IWC Doppel]

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Many thanks, especially to both Dunk and pgk (Paul?). After thinking to the various solutions - it is what explains the delay to react - I believe I will finally offer in some specialized supports (including this Leica Forum, of course) to mail a detailed list of my library, confirming that I do not look for a "business", but for a reasonable offer (including transport costs) from a real amateur. I am not in a hurry (if God allows...), and will wait and see.

Anyhow, many thanks to you all for your valuable remarks.

 

 

After a scary time, I have completed a will and listed some Chattels valuable to me and hopefully friends. There must be someone that would appreciate the books, you know well and would raise a glass to you if the worst happens. Better to make someone smile than necessarily pass on to those who would sell and not appreciate their 'worth' ?

 

My Summaron is destined for a friend who has always liked it, my watch to another friend and so on. Enough left in the pot for closer family

[Pecole]

After a scary time, I have completed a will and listed some Chattels valuable to me and hopefully friends. There must be someone that would appreciate the books, you know well and would raise a glass to you if the worst happens. Better to make someone smile than necessarily pass on to those who would sell and not appreciate their 'worth' ?

 

My Summaron is destined for a friend who has always liked it, my watch to another friend and so on. Enough left in the pot for closer family

 

A suggestion worth thinking about. Thanks.