James Servies: The Pursuit of Bibliographical Excellence
- by Bruce E. McKinney
The title page of a well worn, much used Vol 1. of the Bibliography of Florida.
Here is how he explains the scope of the project in Vol. 1 that was issued in 1993.
"Our intention is to record, generally in chronological sequence according to the date of publication, the major separate works - books, pamphlets, periodical articles, broadsides and maps - which have touched upon Florida affairs and which were produced by Florida's printers."
With these words he launched upon a quest for bibliographical completeness that has produced four volumes:
Bill Reese, of New Haven, and the leading dealer in the American books field, is a genuine enthusiast for this extraordinary undertaking, describing it this way in his catalogued listing,
[A] "first-rate bibliography, listing (with the first, second, and third volumes) a total of 18,052 items relating to Florida through 1915, arranged chronologically. Provides collations, notes on content, and bibliographical citations. This is the first decent bibliography of Florida (except the same author's proto- work for this) and a most welcome and invaluable addition."
It seems, that for Jim and Lana, his wife-partner and fellow bibliographer, it has been an epic undertaking that brings to mind the lyrics of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, "Ain't no mountain high enough," precisely the scale of ambition necessary to climb the bibliographical Himalayas twice.
Jim is semi-retired in tornado-magnet west Florida while Lana continues as a book dealer as King & Queen Books. Find her online at http://floridabooksellers.com/booksellers/kingandqueen.html or call them at 850 477-2560. King & Queen regularly issue catalogues.
