Michael Fox (Ex-Bookseller)

I started as a bookseller at The Stanford Bookstore in 1962, and for the next 25 years worked in a variety of bookstores, including Manhattan's pioneering Papyrus Booksellers, eight years as buyer at Seattle's University Book Store (which in those days preceding the megastore model I firmly believe was the best bookstore in the US), and then less enjoyable years with chains: Waldenbooks, J. K. Gill, Stacey's. In 1987 I moved to the other side, and for 15 years was marketing director and eventually associate publisher of Timber Press (and its music imprint, Amadeus Press). In retirement I am selling books on my own account, largely reflecting my own enthusiasms but also my longstanding love for books that are odd or out of the ordinary. Reflecting now 55 years' experience with books, I describe carefully (although not infallibly, despite my best efforts) and I indulge my OCD tendencies by packing books for shipment fastidiously. Since I live close to the post office, orders are always in the hands of the postal service the same day, or if placed late in the day, the following morning.