New Mitchell Book

[Brian F.]

Just so that reel guys aren't left in the dark, this posted on Joe's by our own Penobscot Bill:

"Posted by Penobscot Bill [66.171.25.122] on Sunday, March 26, 2006 at 8:55PM :

good news folks, Dennis Roberts' new Mitchell book is hot off the presses-he will be bringing a limited supply of them to Lancaster-first come, first served-this is the first edition, first printing-I have seen a proof of this book and it is a blockbuster-if you love Mitchells, you'll want this book-THIS IS IMPORTANT-PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL DENNIS ABOUT THIS BOOK! I repeat-do not send him an email about getting a copy of this book-he has put in some long hours and lots of work into this book and now he and his wife are taking a well earned vacation right after the Lancaster show-the book will be available for sale through the mail, but not till April 15th-please respect his wishes-no emails
Bill"

I wonder if the earlier printing will still sell for $300+ now that this is out? I'm thinking nothing would have disappeared that was in the original, would it? Maybe bill can clarify if it's actually revised and why if it's new, it's referred to as the "first edition, first printing". Would that be "of the revised edition"?

[MatchReels]

Hello Brian:

I just read your reply to Bill regarding my new book. This book is not a revised or second edition of the first book. That book will never be duplicated as it was designed as a "coffee table" reference book and was made in limited quantities. I sold out of that book 5 years ago.

My new book's contents is a pictorial value guide designed as a spiral bound "field" book that provides approximately 400 pages of reference text, pictures and prices. The only simularity is that pages are formatted similar to my original book with pictures and reference data on the same page. This new book will also have a limited production run.

This book does not provide historical information about the company as the first book did, and I have added over 100 new reels to this publication. The first 100 books are the first printing, first edition. After this lot, there will be a second printing of the first edition, etc.

I am not taking emails or orders until after April 14 at which time interested buyers can contact me at .

Regards Dennis Roberts

[drexelantiques]

What is the purpose to only publishing limited editions of books on collectibles?

I thought the idea of writing a book was to share information with everyone, not keep it for just a few.

I think it would be far better to publish the book at a reasonable price and make it availible to as many folks as possible, rather than charging much more for it, and only publishing 100.

At the very least you can do a limited edition, say with special binding, or signed and numbered, then do a softbound unsigned edition so everyone can share the info.

[MatchReels]

Drexelantiques:

I indicated in my email to Brian, in answer to his question, that the first 100 books will be a limited first edition first printing. I think you misunderstood my email. All additional books will be a second printing of the book. I plan on releasing many books to address the interest and demand of collectors.

DR

[Brian F.]

Hi Dennis,

Long time no see and thank you for the clarification! Look forward to seeing the book and it appears many others do too.

[Penobscot Bill]

Brian was wondering if Dennis' first Mitchell book would still sell for big bucks and I believe it will because that is a completely different book and there are only so many copies available, and as we are finding out, there are many new Mitchell collectors joining the ranks every year. In fact, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it won't be long before that book tops $1000.00 at an auction somewhere. Sounds unrealistic to many I'm sure, but at one point so was $300.00 for that book-in retrospect, those were the good old days and the last sale price I'm aware of was over the $400.00 mark. Time will tell. I think his new book will be equally well received, judging by all the emails I've received. It is very well done, with lots of updated info and many more photos. Dennis has done a real service for Mitchell collectors worldwide. I remember the days when I seemed to be the only one interested Mitchells. I guess I qualify as an old geezer.

[Jim Madden]

Dennis, I've guarded my copy of that first edition of your book with my life. Thanks so much for your huge contribution to the hobby. I've got that April date marked on my calander. (Hope you were able to make some sense out of those serial numbers.) Mostly, I hope you'll monitor this board, now and then, and contribute when you have the time. It's good to hear from you. Jim Madden

[piscesman]

Thanks for clearing it up Dennis and Bill. Looking forward to the new book since we met in Allentown...
Kim cool-thumb cool-thumb