Larry McMurtry is most widely known as an accomplished author, but his involvement in the literary field began when he started scouting rare books in the 1950s and 1960s. Even during his career as a writer and professor, he taught English and creative writing at Rice University, Larry continued his involvement in the rare book trade and opened up his own shop, Booked Up, in 1970. Larry is the author of numerous novels and essays, and penned several screenplays including 'Brokeback Mountain' for which he won an Academy Award. His novel 'Lonesome Dove' was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1986. ABAA Member from 1974-1993. Interviewed by James Bryant on January 8, 2014 in Tucson, AZ. Booked Up operates out of Archer City, TX and specializes in Literature, Travel, First Editions, and General Antiquarian books.
Bookseller Interviews
A few years ago, Michael Ginsberg embarked upon an archival journey for the ABAA. Recognizing the absence of member histories in the ABAA annals, Michael began conducting video interviews of members at our three annual fairs. The interviews cover members' personal histories as well as their involvement in the rare book trade. The ABAA extends many thanks to Michael, as well as Taylor Bowie, who has also conducted a number of interviews.
Larry McMurtry is most widely known as an accomplished author, but his involvement in the literary field began when he started scouting rare books in the 1950s and 1960s. Even during his career as a writer and professor, he taught English and creative writing at Rice University, Larry continued his involvement in the rare book trade and opened up his own shop, Booked Up, in 1970. Larry is the author of numerous novels and essays, and penned several screenplays including 'Brokeback Mountain' for which he won an Academy Award. His novel 'Lonesome Dove' was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1986. ABAA Member from 1974-1993. Interviewed by James Bryant on January 8, 2014 in Tucson, AZ. Booked Up operates out of Archer City, TX and specializes in Literature, Travel, First Editions, and General Antiquarian books.
Robert Gavora originally participated in the field of rare books as a collector, but he was inspired by ABAA member Ralph Sipper and decided to begin selling as a career. Robert founded Robert Gavora, Fine and Rare Books in 1984. Robert Gavora, Fine and Rare Books operates out of Talent, OR, and specializes in Railroad, Transportation, Illustrated Children's Books, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Supernatural, Horror, and Arkham House. ABAA Member since 1991. Interviewed by Taylor Bowie on October 9, 2011 at the Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair.
Richard Murian’s background is in history and philosophy, and it was by chance that he entered the trade. His path crossed with Herb Caplan of Argus Books, who put Richard to work in the book business. After a few stints working for libraries and as a Pastor, Richard founded Alcuin Books in 1990. Alcuin Books operates out of Scottsdale, AZ, and specializes in American History, Civil War, Fine Bindings, Fore-Edge Paintings, French Literature, Japanese Art, Modern First Editions, and Western Americana. ABAA Member since 2003. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
John Howell has worked in the trade for years and finally decided to start his own business in 2005. John Howell for Books operates out of Los Angeles, CA, and specializes in Early Printing and Manuscripts, Fine Press, Los Angeles and California, Miniature Books, Book Art, and Typography. ABAA Member since 2011. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Andy Nettell worked for the National Park Service for many years before deciding to start his own business. Andy started in music but soon decided to focus on selling books. Andy purchased Back of Beyond Books in 2005 and became a member of the ABAA in 2010. Back of Beyond Books operates out of Moab, UT, and specializes in Edward Abbey, Western Exploration, Natural History, Botanical and Bird Prints, Western Americana, and Native Americana, and Literature. ABAA Member Since 2010. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on April 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Chet Ross left his successful career in the high pressure world of art and design for rare books and established his first business in 2001. Chet Ross Rare Books operates out of Southworth, WA, and specializes in Exploration of the Polar Regions, Exploration & Travel, Nobu Shirase, and the Japanese Antarctic Expedition of 1910-1912. ABAA Member since 2009. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Jerry Jacobs has always been a collector--first coins, then reading copies of books, and finally rare books. After a stint in the restaurant business, Jerry worked for Stephen Acronico Rare Books, getting his first business experience with antiquarian books. When that shop closed in 1983, Jerry decided to go out on his own and founded Lost Horizon Bookstore. Lost Horizon Bookstore operates out of Santa Barbara, CA, and specializes in Art & Decorative Arts, Antique Reference, Prints & Maps, General Antiquarian, and California History. ABAA Member since 1993. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
George Baker was a journalist for 30 years before looking to another profession where he could interact with people who “loved the written word and what it represents”. Though an avid reader, George was never a collector, and when he decided to found Sawtooth Booksellers in 1996 developed his inventory from scratch. Sawtooth Booksellers operates out of Boise, ID, and specializes in Modern Literature, Signed Books, Modern Fiction, and 20th Century Poetry. ABAA Member since 2011. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Carol Sandberg grew up with a love of books. She focused her studies on English and obtained a Library Science degree in Rare Books. Carol worked at Heritage Book Shop before joining Michael R. Thompson Booksellers in 1985 as a partner. Carol became a member of the ABAA in 1993. Michael R. Thompson Booksellers operates out of Los Angeles, CA, and specializes in Fine Printing, especially California Fine Printing, History of Ideas, History of Mathematics & Computers, History of Science, Literature, and Western Philosophy. ABAA Member since 1993. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Mike Tuck entered the trade while working part-time at a bookstore. He quickly fell in love with the business and made it his career. Mike established Bungalow Books in 2000. Bungalow Books operates out of Pueblo, CO, and specializes in Crime Fiction, Modern Literature, Prison Literature, and Signed Books. ABAA Member since 2012. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Agnes Dawson learned the book business in the offices of Dawson’s Book Shop as a part time employee. She married Muir Dawson, threw herself into the business,and never looked back. Agnes is now retired and an Emeritus member of the ABAA. ABAA Member Since 1985, Emeritus since 2020. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Books were a part of Lynne Owens’s life from an early age. At first her jobs supported her personal collecting, but soon decided to begin selling and founded Thorn Books in 1987. Thorn Books operates out of Cortaro, AZ, and specializes in Americana, Antiquarian, Arthurian, Britain, Children’s, and Literature. ABAA Member since 1991. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Charles Kutcher has worn a number of different hats sincehe earned his degrees in English Literature and business: teacher, novelist, business owner, and financial consultant. In 1998 Charles and his wife Joan opened Kaaterskill Books in 1998. Charles became a member of the ABAA in 2007. He is currently the Treasurer of the Association and serves on the Board of Governors in addition to other committees. Katterskill Books operates out of East Jewett, NY, and specializes in Americana, Art, Books on Books, History, Literature, and Religion. ABAA Member since 2007. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Mark Hime and his wife left LA in the early 1970’s to move to the mountains. Mark discovered that he could buy and sell books by catalog from his secluded mountain village home and, after six years of study and collecting, he founded Biblioctopus in 1980. Biblioctopus operates out of Century City, CA, and specializes in First Editions of the Classics of Fiction, and High Spots in History, Science, and Philosophy. ABAA Member since 1983. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.
Boris Bruton opened a small bookshop in San Francisco in the early 1970’s, and since then has owned a number of shops. Plaza Books was founded in 1988 on the Plaza in Sonoma and remained there for 15 years until Boris moved the business further north to Washington. Plaza Books operates out of Port Townsend, WA, and specializes in Mexico, Latin America, Spanish Southwest, and Spain. ABAA Member Since 1994. Interviewed by Michael Ginsberg on February 8, 2014 at the California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena.