I don't quite know what the use is of this but I've got 13 so far. (I guess I've pulled down average a bit..) But I haven't been into magic as long as most of you have so I guess I've got plenty of time to catch up on some reading!

I,m in the 70's and have read all except vol 2 of the James Files and the 2 newest ones I just received. I find great joy in working through new books ( or old ones for that matter )
Joe

Salute to all book lovers.
Somewhere I read about five thousand magic books in the personal library of Gary Darwin.
Looking forward to further discussion on this interesting topic.

Further to my previous post.
I also remember about a book HOW IS YOUR LIBRARY? - perhaps in some catalog.
I cherish a desire to read this one. Any info ?

If you are a collector, it may help you organize your library. However, Leo Behnke's The Conservation of Magic is really more helpful and up to date.

I have over 3000 books.

I have lots of books-in the hundreds probably-lots of manuscripts, magazines, DVDs and tapes. It will be a shipping nightmare when I leave Japan.

I only have about 1,800 books (on magic). The oldest dating to 1640.

Brad Henderson

I'm lagging the pack with about 800 magic books (about 100 of which are Al Mann).

--Josh

Bill,
Is this book still available ?
Rennie

Thanks, friends, I'm going to print this thread out in case my family ever gets on my case for my measly 254 book collection.

You guys sure are rich!

There are around 130 books in my collection, as well as 20 or so sets of lecture notes; on the other hand, I only have 4 DVDs, and 5 videos...Unusual I suppose for someone of my age (most young guys I know don't care much for books).

To the guys with big collection, presumably you have been investing in these books for many years, but when you do get books, do you always buy them new? If you are getting second hand books, do you make sure that they are in a very good condition, even if there is a cheaper copy for less? Do you buy hard back books, over soft backs (i personally hate soft back books, they look ugly in comparison to the hard backed volumes)?

Owen

12 books, but ive certainly not read them all.

Owen,
Yes I have been buying for years, and of course many of the books I bought long ago have increased in value.As for new or used, I have no problem with a used book in good condition and yes always buy the hardbound if available.Unfortunately many of the books are only available in a soft cover version, if you are looking for a working library, by all means buy the soft cover. I also when possible try to get the books autographed, which in some cases is very difficult.Book collecting is a fun hobby especially when you locate that hard to find book you were looking for in an out of the way used bookstore..
Rennie

You mean that I have to count them too? Magic books, not enough … other books, too many to count.

Gerard

Any updates?

I have more than 2000 books but only 15 about magic. Few ? No, Creme de la creme :
complete card college Giobbi
AoA 3 vol Harris
Dear Mr Fantasy Bannon
Drawing room deceptions Hollingworth
Dave Campbell Legacy Duffie
Ahead of the pack Davis /Jones
Royal RoadTCM
ECT
New Modern Coin Magic Bobo
Impossibillia Bannon

With just these I guess I have enough for 10 years of full practice, no ?

One question : on the precedent list, did I miss any really important for you ?

I have 400 magic books. Yes, I have read them all. They contain a wealth of information. My feeling is you can never have too many books.

Let me see! 83 magic books,140 cook books,and 300 general. not much really mi dad just to have a library with books of all kinds to fields.