In The Presence of History: The Authoritative Guide to Historical Autographs For Collectors, History Enthusiasts and Investors [Perfect Paperback]

Steven Raab (Author), Jonas Raab (Author), Nathan Raab (Contributor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0982338902 | ISBN-13: 978-0982338902 | Publication Date: February 23, 2009 | Edition: First

In the Presence of History is a large format, full color book with important advice, interesting facts and stories, and beautiful illustrations for those fascinated by historical autographs, whether collectors, history buffs, or investors. It offers a topical, behind-the-scenes look at history through the world of historical documents and autographs. Readers learn how to determine quality and value, what to seek out and buy, how to sell, what to avoid, and which types of autographs are the wisest investments. The book provides the tools people need to begin authenticating autographs for themselves. It also contains a thorough color study of the letters and documents of U.S. Presidents, with hundreds of color illustrations.

Book Summary:
* The authoritative guide to autographs, including how to buy, sell, authenticate and appreciate autographs.
* The most comprehensive color study of the letters and documents of U.S. Presidents ever published.
* Topical treatment of autographs on the Internet and autographs as investments.
* Hundreds of full color illustrations, dynamically presented, and all from the Raab archives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is the most important book on historic autographs in decades, a gift to the field, and valuable to both experienced collectors and beginners. --Steve Cyrkin, Autograph Magazine

Simply the best autograph reference book I've seen... An utter must-have. --Craig Stark, Bookthink.com

We cannot begin to tell you all that is here, but...you need to read it. And, we promise, you will enjoy reading it. --Michael Stillman, Americana Exchange

About the Author

The authors are principles of The Raab Collection, a firm that has for decades has bought and sold some of the nation's most significant historical letters and documents. Many important papers have passed through its hands, including Abraham Lincoln's signed order to blockade the South at the start of the Civil War and Theodore Roosevelt's letter first coining the phrase Speak softly and carry a big stick. Moreover, relatives of famous Americans, such as Thomas Jefferson and Dwight Eisenhower, have come to the Raab Collection when seeking homes for their family heirlooms.
Author Steven Raab has previously written Blueprint For Franchising A Business , With the 3rd Wisconsin Badgers: The Living History of the Civil War, as well as other books relating to autographs. Author Jonas Raab was a journalist prior to entering the autograph field.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: The Diamond Press; First edition (February 23, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982338902
• ISBN-13: 978-0982338902
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,345,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun book, July 6, 2010

By 

BV "BV" (Colorado) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In The Presence of History: The Authoritative Guide to Historical Autographs For Collectors, History Enthusiasts and Investors (Perfect Paperback)

Well written, fun, interesting information and facts. It's a great book. And the Raab's are great to buy from also! Honest and reliable and knowledgeable.

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding guide and reference to collecting autographs, April 9, 2009

By 

Henry Berry "Henry Berry" (Southport, CT) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In The Presence of History: The Authoritative Guide to Historical Autographs For Collectors, History Enthusiasts and Investors (Perfect Paperback)

Readers have the benefit of the authors' unmatched expertise in the field of collecting autographs along with the pleasure of viewing lifelike illustrations of notable historical documents. The Raab Collection which is the business of the authors is a leading dealer in historic autographs. With their reputation going back over 30 years, the Collection has relatives and others associated with important historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Dwight Eisenhower coming to them to handle or purchase written memorabilia. Among documents the Raab Collection has dealt with are Abraham Lincoln's order to blockade Southern ports at the start of the Civil War and the first mention by Theodore Roosevelt of his famous phrase "Speak softly and carry a big stick" in a letter. Such autographed items are connected with major points in American history. They are also indicative of the exceptional Americana the Raab Collection concentrates in.

The book is a reliable, up-to-date, comprehensive guide for newcomers to the field. Experienced dealers and collectors would profit much from it as well, not only in being brought up to date on certain subjects, means of authentication, purchasing or marketing items, and such, but also in the expert guidance and commentary on somewhat arcane, yet nonetheless important subjects for serious collectors and dealers. The authors don't stress this: But with its numerous clearly-presented illustrations of signed documents and some close-ups of signatures, the book can also be used to some extent as a reference for authenticating autographs or at least as a starting point for this.

The introductory chapter and ones following it on assessing the value of autographs, authentication of documents and signatures, and basics of buying and selling are essential for newcomers. Subchapters on the details of the art and science of authenticating signatures, comparisons of different kinds of documents in relation to determining authenticity, and a strategic approach to collecting autographs including investment considerations are chapters for advanced individuals in the field. As presidential autographs is one specialty area of the Raab Collection, there is a section on this; and the large majority of the illustrations are presidential documents.

The work is highly recommended for its concrete, dependable guidance accompanied by high-quality illustrations of varied historical documents as teaching tools. It makes the field enticing for beginners; and for veterans, it reminds them of the continual challenges and delights which sustain their involvement in the field.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pull Up a Chair and Enjoy a Chat, March 16, 2009

By 

A. Girardi ""History Gal"" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In The Presence of History: The Authoritative Guide to Historical Autographs For Collectors, History Enthusiasts and Investors (Perfect Paperback)

Second only to hearing the Raabs speak in person and tell their story, "In The Presence of History," is a virtual "fireside chat," with the Raab Collection. Their story-telling is unique and their passion for history is contagious. They are educated and smart without being stuffy; and informative without being boring. This is a must-read for history lovers!