I have come across 2 books one of the Teddy Roosevelt's book of his safari with Kermit first edition and John Taylor's Book African rifles and cartridges first edition. Which one would you buy?

Mike

Condition is everything. Which one is in better shape?

Books are my expertise and both are in excellent shape. Taylors book the dust jacket is excellent and the Roosevelt book is a printed cover.

Mike

Not even close for me, I would go with Taylor's book.

Are either First Editions?

465H&H

I think Taylor is a better read and would opt for that...however, Taylor wasn't president. If the Roosevelt book is a good deal then I'd go for it because it will have more intrinsic value due to the presidential factor. If it is in line with what you'd expect to pay, then go Taylor.

They are both first editions.

Mike

Get both.




Of the two, Taylor

If Africa is your interest, Taylor hands down: he knew Africa, Africans, and African hunting and firearms as few did, and is an interesting read.

If you're interested in the US, Roosevelt. Taylor was not a great specialist on US affairs, not even as a visiting hunter...

quote:

Originally posted by Philip A.:
If Africa is your interest, Taylor hands down: he knew Africa, Africans, and African hunting and firearms as few did, and is an interesting read.

If you're interested in the US, Roosevelt. Taylor was not a great specialist on US affairs, not even as a visiting hunter...

Philip, African Game Trails by Roosevelt is not about US affairs at all. But that may not have been the intent of your post ...

Mike, I prefer Taylor's "African Rifles and Cartridges" by far. I just didn't enjoy reading AGT for some reason. Possibly the style of writing with the "hither and thither" phrases and such. I was a bit put off by the continuous wounding of game throughout the book. It was a different day and time for sure, but I just didn't enjoy it.

From an investment point of view, I don't have a clue which book would be better as first editions other than condition. But for enjoyment of the content itself, I'd go with Taylor.

Genuine first editions of Theodore Roosevelt's "African Game Trails" are more valuable than Taylor first editions, if both are of similar quality.

They both can be expected to increase in value, as long as hunters continue to collect hardbound first-editions. I say buy both books if they are in collectible condition and store them in a safe place. Then buy inexpensive contemporary reprints to read.

Both are classic Africana hunting literature and are must-reads for anyone interested in the genre.

Bill Quimby

TR's book has a wider appeal to the general reading public. Only African hunters have any interest in Pondoro and his tragic life.

I'd buy the first edition AGTs And then buy new edition of Taylor's book since you will read it more.

both

Taylors hands down.

Well I purchased Taylor's book and the reason was simple. Remembered tshis morning I own fisrt edition of Pondoro. Now have two first editions. Have a lead on first edition of Maneaters of Tsavo.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by retreever:
Well I purchased Taylor's book and the reason was simple. Remembered tshis morning I own fisrt edition of Pondoro. Now have two first editions. Have a lead on first edition of Maneaters of Savo.

Mike

It's a scam!!

The real book is set in the Tsavo.

Duckear, What scam? I corrected my incorrect spelling of Savo. Maneaters of Tsavo.

Mike

Mike,

The spelling!

Mark

Abebooks.com has "true" first editions of Roosevelt's African Game Trails ranging from about $4,000 for one of the first 500 printed to $7,500 for a signed copy of that same edition. Hope you didn't pass one of these up.

Bill Quimby

A friend of a friend has a First Edition of AGT she got from her dad when he passed away. It sits in a table by her couch and when I saw it I about dropped my teeth. She also has a 'room full of guns' that she wants me to take a look at when she feels she's ready to get rid of them. If he had the same tastes in guns he did in books it might get interesting.

quote:

Originally posted by billrquimby:
Abebooks.com has "true" first editions of Roosevelt's African Game Trails ranging from about $4,000 for one of the first 500 printed to $7,500 for a signed copy of that same edition. Hope you didn't pass one of these up.

Bill Quimby

Bill,

I know I'm probably going to get hung out to dry for stirring the pot but I'm doing so in good humor, OK?

How can you say, from the "going gunless to Africa" thread, that none of your guns have any sentimental value to you when YOUR gun was part of YOUR safari, but a BOOK written by someone else, about HIS safari, and HIS experiences can be worth $7,500 if signed. I know Teddy was famous and a President and all, but a gun could have a famous owner in it's past as well!

Sorry, it's Friday afternoon and I just had to start something!

Teddy Roosevelt's hands down.

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:

quote:

Originally posted by billrquimby:
Abebooks.com has "true" first editions of Roosevelt's African Game Trails ranging from about $4,000 for one of the first 500 printed to $7,500 for a signed copy of that same edition. Hope you didn't pass one of these up.

Bill Quimby

Bill,

I know I'm probably going to get hung out to dry for stirring the pot but I'm doing so in good humor, OK?

How can you say, from the "going gunless to Africa" thread, that none of your guns have any sentimental value to you when YOUR gun was part of YOUR safari, but a BOOK written by someone else, about HIS safari, and HIS experiences can be worth $7,500 if signed. I know Teddy was famous and a President and all, but a gun could have a famous owner in it's past as well!

Sorry, it's Friday afternoon and I just had to start something!

There's a difference between sentimental and monetary value. I didn't say my guns have no financial value.

Certain books, like certain firearms, can be investments. A book from Roosevelt's limited edition of 500 is a prime example.

The $7,500 price I found on Abebooks was set by a antiquarian book dealer with some experience. He apparently believes someone will pay that much for it.

Bill Quimby

Don't sweat it. Just giving you a hard time.

Teddy, as great a conservationist as he was, just couldn't keep my attention. After two starts it is just too boring to finish.

Taylor is, with reservations, quite my hero.

Hardly a tough decision.