BOOK REVIEW: THIAN'S MASTERPIECE

While this note will not rise to the level of a formal review of David F. Fanning's Thian's Masterpiece and the Early Literature of Confederate Paper Money, perhaps it will serve as a recommendation to add this instant classic to your library.

As the title implies, Thian's Masterpiece presents an excellent review of the literature on Confederate paper money published during the 19th century, starting with the man who got there, Nathan Bedford Forrest-like, "fustest" though certainly not with the "mostest," Thomas Addis Emmet, and culminating with Raphael P. Thian's early 20th century Currency of the Confederate States of America. That alone would be a worthwhile subject, and the fact that Fanning has printed only 100 copies assures their rarity.

A total of 24 of these 100, however, have been enhanced both externally (bound in a custom-made portfolio) and internally (including an original leaf, that is, both sides of a page, from an incomplete copy of Thian's The Currency of the Confederate States of America). The leaf is mounted in a transparent mylar sleeve bound into the portfolio, so that both sides are clearly visible.

Thian's currency books have been on the wish list of virtually every numismatic literature collector since they were created, but not many were made to start with, and since many of these were broken up over the years for the notes they contained, only a select few bibliophiles can ever own an intact copy. With Kolbe and Fanning's acquisition of an imperfect copy and the decision to make it into leaf books, at least a piece of a legendary rarity becomes a bit more accessible to collectors.

But only 24 copies with leaves were produced, and only 9 of those include notes, so the leaf books are a rarity unto themselves. Even the leafs without notes are highly desirable, however, so consider the opportunity of acquiring such an extraordinary piece of American--and bibliophilic--history for your library. But don't ponder too long--this opportunity, like the Ghost of Christmas present, will not be with us for long.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NEW BOOK: THIAN'S MASTERPIECE: A LEAF BOOK (https://www.coinbooks.org/v22/esylum_v22n49a02.html)

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