Papa Abel Remembers: Tales of a Band of Booksellers

Who was Richard Abel and why do we continue to think about his legacy? Richard Abel was a scholar turned innovative bookseller with a passion. He wanted libraries to receive newly-published books automatically and decide whether or not to add them to their collections. It was early in the 1960s and there were blanket order plans and libraries had money to spend. Abel and his staff designed one of the very first approval plans, which placed books in the hands of librarians and scholars in anticipation of need. This is the story of Richard Abel & Company as told in Richard Abel's own words. Also included are some fascinating vignettes and photos from some of his many employees over the years. Richard Abel died April 17, 2013, but the approval plan concept continues.