Selling a book on Sellers

aerohydro · 23 September 2009, 01:00 AM

Look at what I have found: this is the new biography of Matthew Bacon Sellers, as written by his grand-daughter. The book is still in the throes of being published, and won't be on the market until November 2009. If you cannot wait that long, then there is a website where you can pre-order a copy. The site contains a number of nicely presented period photos, such as this one:

and this one:

Varese2002 · 23 September 2009, 09:13 AM

Thanks for the hint. Looks very interesting. I noted that the book amounts to 552 pages ! That is some way of biography.

Cheers

Kees

aerohydro · 23 September 2009, 10:30 PM

It is, unfortunately, also quite an expensive biography.

I may wait until the book becomes available, and see what the reviews are like, before shelling out any funds.

Without wanting to cast unnecessary aspersions on Barbara Sellers' work, I have seen biographies of early aviators, written by descendants or local historians, that really were little more than overenthusiastic compilations of material, and which really needed to have been brought to the attention of a good editor before they were ever published.

One aspect of the book that does tempt me to buy it now, instead of waiting, is that it contains "over 200 pictures with 100 of his original pictures of his quadraplanes, gliders and kites". That's quite a resource in its own right.

Varese2002 · 24 September 2009, 10:50 AM

Considering the size of the book (552 pages) and the estimated printing (maybe 500 - 1000 pieces), the price is probably market conform for the paper back ($ 49.95) or the hardcover ($ 74.95). A Schiffer book of this size would surely do more.

But all depends of course on the production, the quality of the paper and the printing of the (old) pictures. Hopefully not of postage size, but more like half page, if the quality permits it.

Cheers

Kees

aerohydro · 24 September 2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varese2002

But all depends of course on the production, the qiuality of the paper and the printing of the (old) pictures. Hopefully not of postage size, but more like half page, if the quality permits it.

Well, the book measures 8.5" x 11". Certainly, potentially, enough space on each page to accommodate generously sized images. I'll still bide my time, and wait for the reviews to come in, before forking out any funds.

Paul