The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 5, February 4, 2007, Article 3

THE MYRON XENOS NUMISMATIC LIBRARY

When I learned that Myron Xenos was selling part of his library in the
102th Kolbe numismatic literature sale, I asked him to tell us more about
his books and his decision to sell.  He writes: "I started a library in
the early 1980's, and by 1986, due to a chance meeting with Ken Lowe, we
became partners in the numismatic literature business. I found the really
old tomes fascinating in the context of their drawings of coins and medals,
not that I was ever able to read gothic German, Latin, Dutch, French,  or
one other language I couldn't identify.

"I tried to visualize someone in Saxony or elsewhere setting type and
doing woodblock drawings with meticulous accuracy, not as easy as today's
digital printing. I was surprised at just how many books were actually
printed since the 1500's, many of them extra-large to huge.

"I have two favorites.  One was handwritten and hand-drawn in England in
the 1800's, but only partially finished, presumably because the author
died. The other, which I once sold and later bought back, but am keeping
for now, is a small economics book signed by John Locke in 1692.

"I will be 69 this year and it just seemed like time to thin out my
library. I am keeping the books I need for research and those from which
I might glean some information in the English language. My love of bust
half dollars is taking much attention, as I am 348/450ths complete with
dates and die marriages. I guess everyone has to be obsessive about
something. I hope the new owners enjoy my books as much as I have."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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