Episode 17: Collectors' Corner - Otto Penzler

Here we pick up where we left off last time. You'll recall that previously, we interviewed Jerry Margolin about giving up part of his collection; in this episode, we speak with the man who bought that collection. Otto Penzler, BSI ("The King of Bohemia") is a specialty dealer, the proprietor of The Mysterious Bookshop, and a long-time expert of Sherlock Holmes and mystery fiction.Tune in as Otto tells us a bit about what it's like to have the opportunity to purchase an excellent collection, how he goes about deciding upon a purchase, and his own interests. He also gives some valuable advice to aspiring collectors.Please leave a comment at (774) 221-READ (7323), comment [AT] ihearofsherlock [DOT] com, within the comment section of each entry, or in the Splashcast player. We also encourage you to join the I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere Facebook group, to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and to consider making a donation to the show (in the sidebar on the right). And you might right a reviewShow Notes:1:17 Introduction & housekeeping4:54 Scott & Burt welcome Otto Penzler6:15 Otto and the emotional collectors; how many books does Otto have in his own collection?8:18 Jerry Margolin tells us why he chose Otto to sell his collection to10:25 Otto's visit to and impressions of Jerry's collection - what made his job easy12:50 Otto explains how to assess a book collection14:45 What if Jerry decided to sell his art collection?18:02 How the collectible mystery book market has changed over the last 30 years19:35 The smart investor invests in... (a top 3 list) and a reason not to buy books21:16 What excites Otto as far as collecting22:50 Where to find Jerry's collection (and Otto) - visit early and often!24:38 Otto's publishing background25:47 Defending Otto's literary starring role in Elmore Leonard novels27:43 He writes, too! - sports, crime and more30:30 A bit of background with the Baker Street Irregulars from the King of Bohemia35:55 Otto recommends where mystery readers should start38:08 Commonalities of collectors40:05 How to find Otto online and things do to once you're there42:36 Otto picks some winners43:53 Final insights on reading and collecting from a mystery expert46:05 Interview wrap-up, the wonder of this common interest in Sherlock Holmes, memories of Sherlock on film53:41 The Editor's Gas Lamp from The Baker Street Journal, Vol. 2 No. 3 (Old Series), 1947: "The Fortunate Ones"58:52 Memories of first discoveries of the stories1:01:38 Listener comment1:04:33 How you can help in the coming year Links:The Mysterious BookshopThe Baker Street Irregulars WeekendOtto's appearance in Elmore Leonard's Up In Honey's RoomOtto's Column in the New York Sun - "The Crime Scene"The Encyclopedia of Mystery & DetectionThe Mysterious Bookshop ClubsCortlandt HullHenry HullEdgar Bergen