by Lager, James L.

Published in 1980 by Morgan & Morgan, Inc., New York
ISBN: 0871001748
Edition: First
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very good
Comments: A very good book, in all senses of the phrase, for the true Leica enthusiast and collector. “Leica Literature: 1930-1960” is not a catalogue of Leica cameras or lenses or other optical equipment, or even exactly a catalog of what is suggested by the title—literature by and about Leica—but instead actual reprints of a large selection of pamphlets, leaflets, and brochures published by the company that produced Leicas about its products. Though most of the items are in English, a fair few are in the original German when the English versions could not be located. Most appear in their original form, but a few have been reconstructed, summarized, or otherwise modified for publication in this book, according to the author, James L. Lager, who occasionally added comments for clarification. Lager divided the material into three categories: lenses, cameras, and accessories. Though some of the publications appear to be advertisements or other promotional materials, there are also many original instructional manuals that could prove quite helpful to collectors who would wish to to use some of the objects now sitting on their shelves.

This copy is not only a first edition, it is identified as a first printing on its copyright page. It is a paperback without a dust jacket, as it was originally issued. The binding is tight and square and the pages are perfectly clean and clear, with no markings or even signs of aging. There are signs of binding glue along both the front and back hinges, but those hinges are solid with no tearing or separation from the text block. There is a crease at the upper right corner of the front cover where the corner was turned down at some point but the corner itself is sound and the crease is not easily detected. The spine shows considerable sun damage and there is a small tear at its base. See our pictures.

Seller Inventory #: 0000504