posted 10-16-2007 05:57 PM               

That time has now come and we need your help. We're soliciting your nominations for the Top 20 grails of SpaceBooks, those books which are the rarest and most desirable. We have some ideas about this, but we want to hear from you in a two step process.

First, we're seeking nominations. From now until October 30th, you can nominate your selections at this link.

On November 1st, we'll post our selection of the books most nominated and ask you to vote on the top 20 books. About 2 weeks later, we'll unveil our page of the winners, along with images and descriptions.

Some books become grails by virtue of the particular edition or having been signed by certain person(s) and you can specify this in your nomination.

Our only requirement is that at least one copy of the book in question must actually exist. For example, although a Gus Grissom SIGNED copy of "Grissom" would certainly be highly desirable, this is not possible because Grissom died before the book went to press.

Please take the time to help out collectors by placing one or more books in nomination.

posted 11-03-2007 02:20 PM               

The final voting will be open Tuesday November the 6th in the evening, EST.

We will actually be proposing two holy grail lists--one collectible and the other rare contributions to spaceflight literature. This will be the final vote to select the final vote.

posted 11-06-2007 08:26 PM               

Due to the nature of the entries and by popular demand, we have decided to create two different Top 20 lists, so please read this carefully before voting.

One list is comprised of the rarest SpaceBooks which contribute the most to our understanding of spaceflight. The second list is comprised of the rarest Signed SpaceBooks.

Please take the time to vote in both surveys. The polls close November 14 at Midnight EST.

Vote for the rarest SpaceBooks which contribute the most to our understanding of spaceflight here.

Vote for the rarest Signed SpaceBooks here.

Only one vote in each category per household please!

posted 11-15-2007 10:05 AM               

Most of the books are Apollo or pre-Apollo and I expected the "Apollo 11 Preliminary Science Report" among the Grails.

posted 11-16-2007 02:12 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by mjanovec:
ANYTHING with all 12 moonwalkers qualifies as holy grail material, as far as I'm concerned.

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posted 11-16-2007 04:35 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
Obviously, given reality, beggers cannot be choosers, but if we were to limit ourselves to just published works, what would be the holy grail book to be signed by the moondust-dirty dozen?

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While I agree there may be a better volume to have all 12 moonwalkers sign, I don't think I've seen any other examples (though I suspect others do exist).

I guess the question is whether the poll was to vote on actual examples or to vote on hypothetical examples. I initially thought the poll was to vote on actual examples...perhaps I was mistaken. If the poll were simply to vote on hypothetical examples, I don't recall seeing any titles listed that were hypothetically signed by all 12 moonwalkers.

posted 11-17-2007 06:31 AM               

Hypothetically I submitted "X-15 Diary" signed by Mike Adams and whilst I have a copy signed by 5 including Walker, Armstrong & McKay, I've never seen an Adams signed book.

posted 12-04-2007 07:48 PM               

There was one book which we did not have in our personal collection and we had to track down a copy to display a cover image.

This was no small feat!

We hope to have the list up Thursday evening EST.

posted 12-05-2007 04:49 PM               

This has been an interesting process and no doubt there are many who will disappointed that their favorite was not among those selected by those of you who voted. At the same time, some will be pleased to see that a book they have is on the list.

Some observations:

1. Though rarity can be documented, value is much more subjective and we note that opinions varied among the voters.
   
2. Though we provided a brief description of the volumes nominated, we're aware that by definition, the "holy grails" are less known and this no doubt complicated the voting.
   
3. Tamara and I did not vote, nor manipulate the list in any way. Although the rankings surprised us a bit, we agreed for the most part.
   
4. This should not be construed as the "definitive list". Tamara and I could legitimately add another 40 or 50 and so could many of you. But, it is a popularly selected list and as a result, represents a broad range of views.
   
5. We have only a couple of these volumes in stock. Typically, when we purchase one of these books, it goes right out to someone who has a wish list with us. So, don't expect us to be able to ship a copy!

posted 12-06-2007 11:49 PM               

The list of signed rarities surprised me in some regards and pleased me in others. In many instances there are some where you just nod your head and say, yes that is right on.

I was surprised in that ones I thought might be sort of common made it, and pleased when some of my personal gems were on the list. (Milt Thompson's At the Edge of Space for one. Has anyone else ever seen a signed copy of that one?)

There was one I didn't even realize existed which was the leather bound limited edition version of Hypersonic. Until I opened up the list today and read carefully I had been in the dark on that little gem.

posted 12-07-2007 03:05 AM               

I have been collecting since 1976 and I'm still amazed to see how many "early 1960s" volumes there are by Dr von Braun.

posted 12-07-2007 04:24 AM               

No way is Two Sides of the Moon rarer than The Long Lonely Leap; nor is Carrying the Fire; and there are plenty of signed copies of First on the Moon in circulation ...if you're prepared to pay.