It is a treasure hunt. They had so many hardcover SF books at the back of the store on the first floor. Could have been there hours trying to look through them. Unique store, love to return someday.
The bevelled edge of the Pan Lozenge: sheer delight. That Tiptree is very uncommon in that condition. Those Crown hardcovers were published by Robinson in the Uk, but they never issued the later ones- 'The Paradox Men' is one I'd love in that livery, but there are none in the UK, but quite a few in North America. I have lots in that series myself and used to sell some of them back in the 80s. NESFA are joy for the completist.
When you talk about NESFA Press books, I smile a little smile, and feel a bit like an old pusher watching a new addict. Just saying, as a 20 year addict, myself. Congratulations on finding all three of the Anthony Villiers books. You now have four of the five SF novels that Alexei Panshin wrote. I didn't find them quite as fascinating as 'Rite of Passage' but, I'll admit, that I read that one at the perfect time, as a senior in high school. I discovered E.E. "Doc" Smith's Lensmen books in junior high school, which was the perfect time. They had just been released in a new set of paperbacks and I devoured them. They didn't impress me as much when I read them again 20 years later so be sure to put on your adolescent self before reading them.
I frequently go to the Write Bookshop in St Catharines, but I somehow missed that copy of Star of The Unborn. So, congrats on that. I have a great collection of classic Silverbergs (late 60s - early 70s of course) gathered from their shelves.
That trip looks like it was fun! Congrats on the Star of the Unborn. I was lucky to already have a copy before Bookpilled started promoting it, so I got mine for a similar price. I'm looking forward to reading it as well! Great video!
Nice haul! You've latched on to some books I really enjoyed - The Paradox Men, Greener Than You Think...and especially The Ragged Astronauts. Happy reading!
Great choices, Richard! You lucky man. I applaud your "carpe diem" approach. Eggleston's cover art reminds me of Chesley Bonestell. A fine trip you took sir, thanks so much for sharing. Cheers.
Congratulations on a great haul Richard! Most of those books seem to be in great shape. Two authors popped out to me. Doc Smith of course as he's one of my favorite authors. I admit that he isn't for everyone, but he was one of my early influences in life as a SF reader. Although I have many different editions of his stories including some from the pulps. I never got those SFBC collections. I envy you for those. I also noticed that you found some books by Chad Oliver. Although I haven't read anything by him in years, I remember finding his stories very interesting. I look forward to your next video haul.
Ira from SF Words of Wonder has read both Oliver and Harness so that was why I was interested in the Crown SF books in the first place. Looking forward to reading both. Saw all three Doc Smith books in the St. Catharines bookstore as well if you happen to live in the area.
Chad Oliver was an interesting guy. Taught anthropology at University of Texas and used to appear at conventions in Texas. He had a hilarious story about saving Harlan Ellison from being cut up in a saber duel with a cadet at Texas A&M.
The Paradox Men by Charles Harness was one of my big surprise hits of this year so far. So much fun and so many ideas thrown out in that one, reminded me of Bester's writing but it was a lot easier to root for the main characters. Great haul.
I’ve only been there once but I hope to find a way to include it on a future trip, preferably when I’m driving so I can bring back a boat load of books!
Great to see such awesome vintage book stores alive and well over there - I fear that such things are drying up here in the UK. I did chuckle though when you held up your copy of The Ruins of Earth as I literally got that exact book in the post today via ebay.
Hi Richard. Nice trip, nice haul especially the lozenge Tiptree Jr. The book hunting experience in the States is totally different to that in the UK. We don't have those huge warehouses and tons of rare used bookshops. At least not in the North East of England where I live. Bit of an SF wasteland to be honest. Maybe I'll move to the US.
The warehouses are few and far between. We've had a lot of used book stores close in the last 5 years. That said, United States would be lucky to have a class gentleman like you immigrate!
SF Heaven indeed! And a Rare SF room??? I've been inside John K. King twice but had no idea there was a rare SF room. It's a fantastic store. And John K. King AND the Brattle in one trip! Amazing!!! And then Star of the Unborn??? Epic! (I would really love to hear your take on Star of the Unborn)
FYI, if you ever go through Syracuse again, there’s another book store down the street from Books End called Books and Melodies that has a darn good Sci-Fi section. It’s not open on Sunday or Monday.
Just checking the story list against 'The Best of Murray Leinster'. Only four overlapping stories and "Exploration Team" is not one of them. (Welcome back Matt!)
I have one of those Crown editions (no. 3), in its UK version published by Robson, they're quite smart and a neat and tidy size too. Great haul Richard I really like the look of the NESFA editions they look really smart.👍📚
For those interested in reading Star of the Unborn, the Internet Archive offers a copy that you can access. You can create a free account, borrow books for one-hour periods, and the reading section works well on both phones and tablets. I'd love to own a copy of Star of the Unborn, but the paperback is selling for 200 pounds each in the UK!
Nice! I'm from the Detroit area and very familiar with John King Books -- both the downtown location you went to and the suburban location in Ferndale. Actually, Metro Detroit has several excellent bookstores. My favorites may be Toadvine in Berkley, Library Bookstore in Ferndale and Classic Books in Royal Oak (suggestions for your next visit). That's hilarious that you found The Star of the Unborn. I think all existing copies will soon be owned by Booktubers!
Copying and pasting your recommendations into a note of future bookstores to visit. This might be the start of a compilation of recommended bookstores.
The meteorite in the Detroit's bookshop fell in the province of Chaco in Argentina where my wife is from. In fact it fell very near the city where she did live.
Hey, Richard: Another fun video featuring some great book finds at those cool bookstores. Regarding Franz Werfel... Like many readers I knew about his novel "The song of Bernadette," which I have not read, but had no clue that he wrote a Science Fiction novel. When you do your featured piece on Werfel you might want to spend a minute or two reading about his wife Alma Mahler-Werfel. Alma is worth a featured film of her own and she is famous, aside from being an accomplished composer, for marrying three members of the cultured class: Franz Werfel, novelist and screen writer; Gustav Mahler, noted music composer; and Walter Gropius, renowned architect. She must have lived quite the life! I will await your review of the Werfel science fiction novel with considerable anticipation.
Thank you for the heads up regarding Alma Mahler-Werfel. I’m thinking the author bio and historical context may be more interesting than the book itself. Hopefully I’m wrong and both are fascinating.
@@vintagesf P.S. I formerly worked in an office tower that was designed by Walter Gropius in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, so that is when I first heard about Ms. Alma!
What amazing scores from your haul! I have often wondered about that warehouse bookstore in Detroit, I'm taking it the prices were agreeable and it was a big thumbs up? Also, I was beginning to worry that you would leave Boston without going to the Brattle. Catastrophe averted! I hope you gave everything outside in the lot of good luck though. . .
John K. King's prices were very reasonable. The NESFA and Crown books averaged $8.50 each and the paperbacks averaged less than $5.00 each. I found Brattle a bit overwhelming. I didn't really understand how it was organized outside, although there were some signs. It was difficult finding books in that part. Inside they had a great vintage section with so many Ace books. Very tempting but in the end I decided to just walk away with a few Crown books from the SF shelves.
Picked up 3 of the Classics of Modern Science Fiction in one bundle last year - I'd never seen ir heard of the series before. I got volume 1 the Eric Frank Russell, volume 4 The Classic Philip Jise Farmer 1952-1964, and volume 6 The Forgotten Planet by Murray Leinster. Would love to pick up the rest. I have just seen an eBay listing for 9 of the 10 but unfortunately it was from the US so postage made it prohibitive (though the initial price of £67 wasn't bad - shame. Look forward to your video on the series.
You have 2/3s of Bob Shaw's Land and Overland trilogy. The third book is the Fugitive Worlds. I've only read a little of v1, but the society and world seems rather strange, and the world building is quite interesting!
It would make sense that such a wonderful bookstore would exist in a place like Detroit. At one time, it was one of the wealthiest cities in America (thanks to the auto industry). Finding it must have been like braving a post-apocalyptic wasteland and then entering a world of lovingly preserved artifacts. I wonder what other treasures like this Detroit might have. Too bad it's so far away from me. Pretty awesome, Richard. By the way, not like it matters a great deal, but it's pronounced ma-nha-nah, in Spanish.
Always appreciate help with pronunciation. It didn't connect that it was Spanish, but now that you've said it I'm sure I've heard it many times before. So the title could be translated as 'More Than Tomorrow'? On another note, the area of downtown Detroit I walked in wasn't exactly an apocalyptic wasteland. It was actually quite beautiful with early 20th century buildings. Not a lot of people though for a weekday morning.
@@vintagesf I've never been to Detroit; I've only seen YT videos of the bombed-out-looking areas. I've seen, though, where they're trying to revive the downtown area. Those beautiful buildings you are reminders of its wealthy past; it was for a time the epicenter of American automotive industry. As for the lack of people/emptiness you saw, I'm wondering if that has something to do with population implosion. Anyway, I've veered way off topic. I've never read The Masque of Mañana/The Masque of Tomorrow, but I liked what short stories I've read by him. After I post this comment, I'm going online to see if maybe John K. King mail-orders. Thanks again, Richard.
there's a rare SF section at the King?! WHAT?! I'm a Michigander, but I live on the west side of the state. I was just there last year. Had no idea they had that.
I go to the Write Bookshop all the time. Finding a specific book there can be like playing hide and seek.
It is a treasure hunt. They had so many hardcover SF books at the back of the store on the first floor. Could have been there hours trying to look through them. Unique store, love to return someday.
A fantastical haul, I feel jealous!
The bevelled edge of the Pan Lozenge: sheer delight. That Tiptree is very uncommon in that condition. Those Crown hardcovers were published by Robinson in the Uk, but they never issued the later ones- 'The Paradox Men' is one I'd love in that livery, but there are none in the UK, but quite a few in North America. I have lots in that series myself and used to sell some of them back in the 80s. NESFA are joy for the completist.
I may have some good news for you!
When you talk about NESFA Press books, I smile a little smile, and feel a bit like an old pusher watching a new addict. Just saying, as a 20 year addict, myself.
Congratulations on finding all three of the Anthony Villiers books. You now have four of the five SF novels that Alexei Panshin wrote. I didn't find them quite as fascinating as 'Rite of Passage' but, I'll admit, that I read that one at the perfect time, as a senior in high school.
I discovered E.E. "Doc" Smith's Lensmen books in junior high school, which was the perfect time. They had just been released in a new set of paperbacks and I devoured them. They didn't impress me as much when I read them again 20 years later so be sure to put on your adolescent self before reading them.
I find that adolescent self every time I watch a Godzilla movie. Always new things to discover and not enough time to read.
I never took off my adolescent self, so I reread them repeatedly. 🤣🤣🤣
I frequently go to the Write Bookshop in St Catharines, but I somehow missed that copy of Star of The Unborn. So, congrats on that. I have a great collection of classic Silverbergs (late 60s - early 70s of course) gathered from their shelves.
That trip looks like it was fun! Congrats on the Star of the Unborn. I was lucky to already have a copy before Bookpilled started promoting it, so I got mine for a similar price. I'm looking forward to reading it as well! Great video!
Nice haul! You've latched on to some books I really enjoyed - The Paradox Men, Greener Than You Think...and especially The Ragged Astronauts. Happy reading!
Really excited for all three.
Great choices, Richard! You lucky man. I applaud your "carpe diem" approach. Eggleston's cover art reminds me of Chesley Bonestell. A fine trip you took sir, thanks so much for sharing. Cheers.
Thanks Rick. It sure was fun!
Congratulations on a great haul Richard! Most of those books seem to be in great shape. Two authors popped out to me. Doc Smith of course as he's one of my favorite authors. I admit that he isn't for everyone, but he was one of my early influences in life as a SF reader. Although I have many different editions of his stories including some from the pulps. I never got those SFBC collections. I envy you for those. I also noticed that you found some books by Chad Oliver. Although I haven't read anything by him in years, I remember finding his stories very interesting.
I look forward to your next video haul.
Ira from SF Words of Wonder has read both Oliver and Harness so that was why I was interested in the Crown SF books in the first place. Looking forward to reading both. Saw all three Doc Smith books in the St. Catharines bookstore as well if you happen to live in the area.
Chad Oliver was an interesting guy. Taught anthropology at University of Texas and used to appear at conventions in Texas. He had a hilarious story about saving Harlan Ellison from being cut up in a saber duel with a cadet at Texas A&M.
@@paulcooper3611Seems like a lot of interesting writers came from the southwest US.
The Paradox Men by Charles Harness was one of my big surprise hits of this year so far. So much fun and so many ideas thrown out in that one, reminded me of Bester's writing but it was a lot easier to root for the main characters. Great haul.
Thought of your review when I found the book. I have high hopes for the series. The books sound like entertaining reads.
I grew up in Windsor and went to school in Detroit. I used to go to King's at least once a month, I miss it!
I’ve only been there once but I hope to find a way to include it on a future trip, preferably when I’m driving so I can bring back a boat load of books!
Great to see such awesome vintage book stores alive and well over there - I fear that such things are drying up here in the UK. I did chuckle though when you held up your copy of The Ruins of Earth as I literally got that exact book in the post today via ebay.
The odds seem astronomical. The universe aligns.
Hi Richard. Nice trip, nice haul especially the lozenge Tiptree Jr. The book hunting experience in the States is totally different to that in the UK. We don't have those huge warehouses and tons of rare used bookshops. At least not in the North East of England where I live. Bit of an SF wasteland to be honest. Maybe I'll move to the US.
The warehouses are few and far between. We've had a lot of used book stores close in the last 5 years. That said, United States would be lucky to have a class gentleman like you immigrate!
SF Heaven indeed! And a Rare SF room??? I've been inside John K. King twice but had no idea there was a rare SF room. It's a fantastic store. And John K. King AND the Brattle in one trip! Amazing!!! And then Star of the Unborn??? Epic! (I would really love to hear your take on Star of the Unborn)
Upcoming video on 'Star of the Unborn' probably in about two and a half weeks.
FYI, if you ever go through Syracuse again, there’s another book store down the street from Books End called Books and Melodies that has a darn good Sci-Fi section. It’s not open on Sunday or Monday.
@@alanzimmerman3289 Just added to my notes about used bookstores to visit. Thanks!
Exploration Team by Murray Leinster is awesome.
Just checking the story list against 'The Best of Murray Leinster'. Only four overlapping stories and "Exploration Team" is not one of them. (Welcome back Matt!)
@@vintagesf Strange the best of wouldn't include a Hugo winning story. So far its my favourite of his i've read.
@@sciencefictionreads It is a little suspect. I don't know if it goes by another name.
I have one of those Crown editions (no. 3), in its UK version published by Robson, they're quite smart and a neat and tidy size too. Great haul Richard I really like the look of the NESFA editions they look really smart.👍📚
I've strayed into hardback territory. It's like a black hole, irresistibly drawing me in!
@@vintagesf oh very much so. I've spent quite a bit of time this week wrapping a bunch of dust jackets in clear wrap. Makes such a difference!
For those interested in reading Star of the Unborn, the Internet Archive offers a copy that you can access. You can create a free account, borrow books for one-hour periods, and the reading section works well on both phones and tablets. I'd love to own a copy of Star of the Unborn, but the paperback is selling for 200 pounds each in the UK!
The Internet Archive is a great resource for out of print books. I first read 'Other Days, Other Eyes' there.
Nice! I'm from the Detroit area and very familiar with John King Books -- both the downtown location you went to and the suburban location in Ferndale. Actually, Metro Detroit has several excellent bookstores. My favorites may be Toadvine in Berkley, Library Bookstore in Ferndale and Classic Books in Royal Oak (suggestions for your next visit). That's hilarious that you found The Star of the Unborn. I think all existing copies will soon be owned by Booktubers!
Copying and pasting your recommendations into a note of future bookstores to visit. This might be the start of a compilation of recommended bookstores.
Book Beat in Oak Park is good too, but for new books only.
The meteorite in the Detroit's bookshop fell in the province of Chaco in Argentina where my wife is from. In fact it fell very near the city where she did live.
Wow. The internet connects people in unexpected ways.
Hey, Richard: Another fun video featuring some great book finds at those cool bookstores. Regarding Franz Werfel... Like many readers I knew about his novel "The song of Bernadette," which I have not read, but had no clue that he wrote a Science Fiction novel. When you do your featured piece on Werfel you might want to spend a minute or two reading about his wife Alma Mahler-Werfel. Alma is worth a featured film of her own and she is famous, aside from being an accomplished composer, for marrying three members of the cultured class: Franz Werfel, novelist and screen writer; Gustav Mahler, noted music composer; and Walter Gropius, renowned architect. She must have lived quite the life! I will await your review of the Werfel science fiction novel with considerable anticipation.
Thank you for the heads up regarding Alma Mahler-Werfel. I’m thinking the author bio and historical context may be more interesting than the book itself. Hopefully I’m wrong and both are fascinating.
@@vintagesf So looking forward!!!
@@vintagesf P.S. I formerly worked in an office tower that was designed by Walter Gropius in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, so that is when I first heard about Ms. Alma!
What amazing scores from your haul! I have often wondered about that warehouse bookstore in Detroit, I'm taking it the prices were agreeable and it was a big thumbs up?
Also, I was beginning to worry that you would leave Boston without going to the Brattle. Catastrophe averted! I hope you gave everything outside in the lot of good luck though. . .
John K. King's prices were very reasonable. The NESFA and Crown books averaged $8.50 each and the paperbacks averaged less than $5.00 each. I found Brattle a bit overwhelming. I didn't really understand how it was organized outside, although there were some signs. It was difficult finding books in that part. Inside they had a great vintage section with so many Ace books. Very tempting but in the end I decided to just walk away with a few Crown books from the SF shelves.
@@vintagesf my understanding is the outside at Brattle is pretty much a rummage sale organized by Book price. But hey, I wasn't there. ;)
@@waltera13 Your description is about right.
I do really want to see your review of Star of the Unborn 🖖
Started reading it. I'm going to take my time with this one.
Picked up 3 of the Classics of Modern Science Fiction in one bundle last year - I'd never seen ir heard of the series before. I got volume 1 the Eric Frank Russell, volume 4 The Classic Philip Jise Farmer 1952-1964, and volume 6 The Forgotten Planet by Murray Leinster. Would love to pick up the rest. I have just seen an eBay listing for 9 of the 10 but unfortunately it was from the US so postage made it prohibitive (though the initial price of £67 wasn't bad - shame. Look forward to your video on the series.
They are very attractive books with easy to read font and interesting forwards and afterwards.
You have 2/3s of Bob Shaw's Land and Overland trilogy. The third book is the Fugitive Worlds. I've only read a little of v1, but the society and world seems rather strange, and the world building is quite interesting!
May have just ordered 'Fugitive Worlds' online. 😏
It would make sense that such a wonderful bookstore would exist in a place like Detroit. At one time, it was one of the wealthiest cities in America (thanks to the auto industry). Finding it must have been like braving a post-apocalyptic wasteland and then entering a world of lovingly preserved artifacts. I wonder what other treasures like this Detroit might have. Too bad it's so far away from me. Pretty awesome, Richard. By the way, not like it matters a great deal, but it's pronounced ma-nha-nah, in Spanish.
Always appreciate help with pronunciation. It didn't connect that it was Spanish, but now that you've said it I'm sure I've heard it many times before. So the title could be translated as 'More Than Tomorrow'? On another note, the area of downtown Detroit I walked in wasn't exactly an apocalyptic wasteland. It was actually quite beautiful with early 20th century buildings. Not a lot of people though for a weekday morning.
@@vintagesf I've never been to Detroit; I've only seen YT videos of the bombed-out-looking areas. I've seen, though, where they're trying to revive the downtown area. Those beautiful buildings you are reminders of its wealthy past; it was for a time the epicenter of American automotive industry. As for the lack of people/emptiness you saw, I'm wondering if that has something to do with population implosion. Anyway, I've veered way off topic. I've never read The Masque of Mañana/The Masque of Tomorrow, but I liked what short stories I've read by him. After I post this comment, I'm going online to see if maybe John K. King mail-orders. Thanks again, Richard.
there's a rare SF section at the King?! WHAT?! I'm a Michigander, but I live on the west side of the state. I was just there last year. Had no idea they had that.
Just ask to see the rare books annex. A staff member will take you there.
I found a copy of Star of the Unborn last weekend for $1.15! How crazy is that?
@@chamilton4577 Awesome! They’re out there.
Rad!!
You'd love John K. King's Used and Rare books.
@@vintagesf Also, you know Richard, Star of the Unborn only avails itself in the wild to the pure of heart. ;-)
@@thebookrapport-cx8kh 😇
Did the meteorite fit in your carry-on, oŕ did you have to check it in with your luggage?
Put it in my backpack. Looked like the hunchback of Notre Dame until I set off all sorts of security alarms in the airport. 😏
Hi Dad nr2 🖖
Fratele meu in SF. 🚀