The Critical Mess

Language: English

  • Softcover
  • Used
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Seller: Temporary Culture, Upper Montclair, NJ, U.S.A.Temporary Culture

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AbeBooks seller since August 21, 2025

Softcover

Condition: Used - As new

£ 46.59

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Item description from seller

THE CRITICAL MESS is an illustrated compendium of articles by and about legendary collector of Americana Michael Zinman, with more than two dozen chapters, including "The Book Eater", Mark Singer's profile for the New Yorker ; essays by Bill Reese, James Green ; and much more. From the late 1970s onward, Mr. Zinman's collecting habits evolved into what he has called the critical mess theory of collecting : get enough examples of something and you can begin to see what patterns emerge. As James Green writes, "he set out, quite simply, to acquire every available early American imprint and to build a collection that would surpass all previous private holdings and all but the largest institutions." That extraordinary collection is now at the Library Company of Philadelphia. Mr. Zinman has subsequently formed many other extraordinary collections. Color illustrations throughout. 196 pp., 6 x 9 inches. As new in black wrappers.

Seller Inventory # 310902

Bibliographic details

Title
The Critical Mess
Author
ZINMAN, Michael
Publication year
2025
Condition
As new
Binding
Soft cover
Language
English
Edition
Limited Edition
Item weight
1 pound
Dimensions
6 inches width by 9 inches height by 0 inches depth

Temporary Culture

Upper Montclair, NJ, U.S.A.

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since August 21, 2025

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Item7 to 10 business days2 to 4 business days
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Store description

Temporary Culture publishes original works in the field of fantastical literature and sells rare and antiquarian books, with emphasis on science fiction, fantasy, and literature, along with other books and ephemeral items that catch our eye.

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New, used, and rare books.

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Temporary Culture

NJ, U.S.A.