I had a few quick comments to add to the visitor notes on the Burd numismatic library visit in Chicago for The E-Sylum.

As I still find myself catching up on various projects from the summer, I was a little late to read the most recent issues of the Esylum. I wanted to add some (perhaps belated) remarks about the truly enjoyable trip to visit Bill Burd's numismatic library in Chicago. It was a delight not only to see his outstanding collections but also to meet and mingle with the other participants, many of whom I correspond with, but had not yet met in person.

Although budget considerations (rather than aesthetic ones) often dictate the books we are able to acquire for the ANS Library, this does not mean that I am not frequently attracted to beautiful books, and Mr. Burd's library has a great deal of attractively bound and excellently preserved items that caught my eye. In particular, I was especially drawn over to a book that sat near the front of the room, and which I had clearly overlooked as I took in the atmosphere of Mr. Burd's impressive library.

It was a vignette book issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in the late 19th century, with lovely gilded edge pages that had been further tooled to create an impressed pattern. (And thanks to David Fanning for elaborating for me the details of these, often issued from various banknote printing companies). We have something similar in the rare book room of the ANS Library (a vignette book from the American Bank Note Company), but Bill's copy is truly exquisite. I must say it was a delight that he allowed us to view his collections and freely browse and physically examine his library. Thank you, Mr. Burd!