Family dynamics have always made for interesting topics of conversation.  Like most families, mine is not absent from such topics.  One thing that I am very pleased about is my recent reconnection with my brother.  I have not seen him for many years.  The reasons are not important.  What is important is that we have seen each other more this summer than ever before.

My brother visited with his family for the first time in August.  Imagine my surprise when he told me that he is also an…

As autograph collectors, we share many hobbies.  One particular hobby that I have noticed many autograph collectors share is collecting books.  As a matter of fact, collectors who attend autograph and book fairs often witness for themselves how the two hobbies coincide.

The New York International Antiquarian Book Fair offers many…

We have all heard of hidden treasures.  Those autographs that are buried in the collection of someone who has lost interest, only to reappear years later in the hands of a very appreciative collector.  We are constantly on the lookout for them.  They are an essential part of the joy of collecting autographs.

There are also treasures that appear right before our eyes.  They have always been there, if we only took a moment to notice.  Companies routinely release autographed editions of…

Reliance on third-party authentication has taken on a new meaning in recent times.  Some collectors will simply not consider purchasing an autograph without proof that it has received a passing grade from one of the respectable services available.  There is also the great debate over stickers.  Do collectors prefer them?  Do collectors not prefer them?  Should they be affixed to the front or back of a photo?  Should they be affixed to the actual item, or to a Letter…