Bookseller Profile

Abebooks' uniqueness is our network of independent booksellers who work with us to provide the most diverse selection of rare, used and out-of-print books on the Internet. Take a moment and meet our member booksellers from around the globe. It is these sellers, with their experience, commitment and love of the used and out-of-print book business who help all our buyers find that treasure they've been looking for.

How did you get started in bookselling?
1960 in Sullivan, Missouri I purchased a hole in the wall in a small midwestern town and from that moment it was love of books and learn, learn, learn.

Bookselling is not the easiest way to make a living. What keeps you doing it?
Off and on for 42 years, I have been operating or managing new or used bookstores. When I wasn't a manager, I owned a used store, when I'd take a break, I'd work for newspapers, still keeping into the field of publishing and advertising.

What is your specialty? How did you choose it?
My speciality is just finding the RIGHT BOOK FOR THE RIGHT PERSON. I feel if the book is listed somewhere in the world, I can find it. I especially like history in any part of the world. My personal wants are books about books, photos of old bookstsores and I purchase heavily on this subject. The specialty here in Florida is Floridian books, especailly of St. Augustine, Minorcan People and Huguenots, military books and golf books.

Do you collect anything besides books?
Who has room for anything else, my house is full of 4' shevles, lining the walls, the storage units are jammed packed, identified by numbers and subjects and my love of books will sustain me for the duration of my life.

Do you have a shop pet?
No shop pets. My shop pets are invited friends who sit and wonder at it all. However my lake does have ducks and they wake me in the morning with their vocal quacks. I can enjoy them from afar.

What is the most unusual book you ever bought?
I think a wooden book of the Revelation, published by R.H. Hinkley in Boston from the 1611 edition. Only 500 copies were ever printed. It is most unusual and I would love to have the whole set of 14 volumes. I have #141.

Do you have any legendary stories you tell about incidents in your store or as a bookseller?
Heavens, to fill a book! I find that the book business is still an art. That the people who keep their shops open or who are open to subjection and inquiries are the most interesting people still in service in any field. The stories start out like this: "I know you can't find this book but.....another is "I read this book when I was 6 (she's now 66) and I thought perhaps you could find it for me. I don't know the author and am not sure of the title but the story is.....";
And guess what....???I find it. Well not always.

What are your favourite books, or your recommendations?
I love mystical books, books about time travel such as Somewhere in Time, books about books and the various men and women who have contributed to this field, how they managed to keep order, how they managed to travel to Europe and England and purchase books and make money. One of my favorites is naturally 84 Charing Cross Road but another is The Legend of Tommy Morris By Ann Fisher of Savannah and of course In Tune With the Infinite by Ralph Waldo Trine and anything by Ralph Waldo Emerson. I am a simple woman and just love the things that keep my heart beating to the right tune. These books I often pick up and go to certain pages, then I get up and go to my computer and complete my day.

Any last words?
Yes, I would like to know who is coming to St. Augustine for holiday and if they would like to meet a likeminded bookseller. I can meet them in the Plaza of the Historic District

~ Bon, Ancient City Booksellers

The views of the author, expressed above, are not necessarily those of the Advanced Book Exchange