THE FUTURE OF THE MANUSCRIPT AND RARE BOOK BUSINESS

Abstract

Winston Churchill is often, though erroneously, quoted as saying that those who don’t read history will be condemned to relive it. This is true in many senses and is based on human beings reacting in natural and predictable ways regardless of the time frame. In considering the future of the manuscript and rare book world, however, it is important to understand its history partly because many assumptions of today’s dealers are based on what was, not on what is and what will be. Every aspect of the business has changed dramatically in recent times. I emphasize the business—not the love . . .