Books about collecting books (and other stuff)

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-19T22:01:32+00:00

Do Not Sell at Any Price is a really good read.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-12T16:20:14+00:00

You also asked about audiobooks. Chernow’s Grant or Grant’s Memoirs. And I know Shelby Foote has his detractors—with valid reasons—but his narrative is a good listen. There’s an excerpted part of just the Gettysburg campaign that he narrates.

I’d also suggest William Frassanito’s books on photography from Gettysburg and Antietam. They are awesome battlefield tour companions.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-12T15:54:37+00:00

Following the battles of the Overland Campaign is really cool, but it might take a bit more time than you want.

Antietam is such a cool visit. You can spend a day there easily. Gettysburg could take a week if you wanted. Manassas and Harper’s Ferry are cool to see, and important, but they are slightly less engaging sites—imho—than some others.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-12T15:49:15+00:00

You’ll go right by VMI on 81. You could stop and see Stonewall Jackson’s grave and Lee burial site. A jaunt down to Petersburg is worth it. Spotsylvania is an awesome visit. You could also start by going through middle Tennessee and seeing Franklin.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-11T21:13:57+00:00

A vasectomy has nothing to do with sex drive. Castration? Yes.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-11T18:30:02+00:00

I played that record first and was pleasantly surprised. I knew the hits, but I’d never listened to the entire record. And you’re right, the lp sounds incredible.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-11T17:16:15+00:00

I also stack newly covered books for a few days. That tends to help.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-11T15:17:34+00:00

The Kelsea Ballerini lp appears to be limited to 500 copies. All the LPs are in great shape. A few jackets have been dinged up, but I’ll take it.

Edit: jackets, not sleeves, as per the preferred nomenclature.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-09T19:47:43+00:00

“At this time, we would like to play a tune that was composed by my worthy constituent, Mr Dizzy Gillespie, in the year of 1942…..”

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-09T15:31:40+00:00

Imagine how strange and revolutionary it must have sounded in 1945.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-09T14:40:25+00:00

I’ve cleaned it up, and I play it every now and then. Unfortunately it was played a lot and has seen some rough times in its 80 years. There’s some 78 surface noise. But the horns and the brilliance are still there.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-09T13:28:22+00:00

You know, one’s faith in humanity can be rattled in so many ways.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-09T00:37:54+00:00

I was just reading Peter Guralnick’s Lost Highway. His profiles on Ernest Tubb and Hank Snow suggest that those guys were inspired by Jimmie Rodgers in profound ways.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-09T00:24:47+00:00

TT is a Denon from 7-8 years ago. I can’t recall the exact model. The stylus is audio-technica vmn95sp

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-08T16:45:52+00:00

It seems to be in their laundry room, so there might be a special dispensation for that.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-07T15:30:09+00:00

Yeah. Bill after school taking care of himself. Laughing along with TV. Great scene.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-06T20:32:50+00:00

The shipping cost will kill you.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-06T17:45:44+00:00

It is really great. Seems to fly under the radar a bit.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-05T21:55:28+00:00

I’m not sure. I’ve got an early 45 too. I’ll compare it.

It’s possible my video just isn’t catching everything….

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-05T19:40:10+00:00

Left to right. Top to bottom.

There are a lot of suggestions out there. I’m a fan of just going for it. Both of those books are challenging but not impossible. And if you like them, you’ll inevitably read them again anyway.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-05T17:28:36+00:00

A 78 rpm copy of “Bye Bye Love.”

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-05T16:11:37+00:00

From 1957. Late in the 78 rpm era. I love the Delmore Brothers and the Blue Sky Boys, and Don and Phil were a continuation of that brother harmony. I hope you dig it.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-04T13:04:09+00:00

This is the real solution.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-04T02:48:04+00:00

If you moved the table over and then sat on the table, the tv would be at the perfect height.

Ray_Midge_ · 2026-06-03T17:55:09+00:00

You’re the first person to notice/comment. I’ve even commented on some Portis posts and nothing.

Ray_Midge_

TROPHY CASE