Billiard Encyclopedia Third Edition

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Cuaba

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I just saw an ad here on AZ for the new Third Edition Billiard Encyclopedia. I reserved and paid for a Deluxe Edition last summer. I can't wait.

I have I & II in both Standard and Deluxe, and I got a sneak peek at #III when I visited Vic in NYC. It looks fantastic. All the current cuemaker's sections are updated with their best stuff.

http://www.billiardencyclopedia.com/
 
Bert Schrager told me a month or so ago that Vic was working on BE III.

I didn't realize that it was coming out so soon.

Thanks for the heads up!

Russ...
 
champ2107 said:
$150 plus $20 shipping? im in a high income brackett but wtf man? just a tad pricey dont ya think?
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If you had seen the previous editions, I think you wouldn't be surprised. There is a great deal of excellent color and it is a very large book. The book by White that just went on eBay for $1600, now that's pricey and for a small, used book.
 
Is each new addition to the Billiard Encyclopedia the exact same as the previous edition except for corrections and additional pages, sections or chapters? Will the third addition be the same text as the first, same photos also, just more added pages and pictures?

Or is is more like the Blue Book of Cues where each version, although covering the same things, can have entirely different text and content and the photos are sometimes the text is not carried over to the newest version but totally redone with mostly new content?

Maybe a better way to ask this would be can you own only the third addition, and still have all of the info and all of the photos that were in the first and second additions, or is it more like the blue book of cues, where it is still nice to have all three due to the use of different pictures and some info that may not have carried over?

I know my examples are not perfect, but hopefully you get the gist of my question.
 
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Poolplaya9 said:
Is each new addition to the Billiard Encyclopedia the exact same as the previous edition except for corrections and additional pages, sections or chapters? Will the third addition be the same text as the first, same photos also, just more added pages and pictures?

Or is is more like the Blue Book of Cues where each version, although covering the same things, can have entirely different text and content and the photos are sometimes the text is not carried over to the newest version but totally redone with mostly new content?

Maybe a better way to ask this would be can you own only the third addition, and still have all of the info and all of the photos that were in the first and second additions, or is it more like the blue book of cues, where it is still nice to have all three due to the use of different pictures and some info that may not have carried over?

I know my examples are not perfect, but hopefully you get the gist of my question.
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Yeah, It's more "collectors edition" territory here.

The value through age and scarcity of the first and early editions are the key drivers on these. Still, as an enthusiast and if you're really into the GAME rather than / as well as really into PLAYING the game; then you'll not be disappointed.
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Ste said:
Yeah, It's more "collectors edition" territory here.

The value through age and scarcity of the first and early editions are the key drivers on these. Still, as an enthusiast and if you're really into the GAME rather than / as well as really into PLAYING the game; then you'll not be disappointed.
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I have no doubt that I would enjoy any edition. The collectibility, rarity or value does not make any difference to me. Unlike many people, I would almost always rather have the most up to date and comprehensive version of a book, rather than a more rare and valuable earlier edition.

What I am trying to find out is if the 3rd edition will have every last word and photo that was in the 1st and 2nd editions along with some new stuff, or if each new edition is a bit different and may leave out things or pictures that were in previous editions.

Basically, will the 3rd edition have every last word and picture from the first two editions and then some, or will I have to buy all three editions if I want everything?
 
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Poolplaya9 said:
I have no doubt that I would enjoy any edition. The collectibility, rarity or value does not make any difference to me. Unlike many people, I would almost always rather have the most up to date and comprehensive version of a book, rather than a more rare and valuable earlier edition.

What I am trying to find out is if the 3rd edition will have every last word and photo that was in the 1st and 2nd editions along with some new stuff, or if each new edition is a bit different and may leave out things or pictures that were in previous editions.

Basically, will the 3rd edition have every last word and picture from the first two editions and then some, or will I have to buy all three editions if I want everything?
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General rule of thumb with revisions is that some stuff will be taken out and/or changed as well as adding content. I would suggest it will be things that you probably won't notice on first pass at v3. But no, I can't see it be an addendum - which is what it sounds like you are really after.

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the talk about new BE edition has been there since June 2007, check this thread: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=65311
(Professor Cue is Vic Stein himself btw). Last what I've heard about it was that the book was to be sent to print by the end of 2007. So if it was all right it is just about time to start selling them!
$150 is quite all right for such a book - you should only see how thick and heavy the volume is!
 
Be Iii

This is an unbelievable piece of work. Everything these guys do is a true work of art. My problem with their books is I get lost in them and don't get my work done! Seriously, the effort that goes into these books is just awesome and the results prove that fact. It can make you fall in love with the game all over again.
 
The First & Second Editions have Current Cuemaker sections that were published in 1993. The cues shown are primitive compared to what the same guys are doing today. I believe all of the pics in that chapter have been replaced.

And I understand that there are many new Balabushka and Szamboti pics as well.

Just looking through these books makes you proud of our sport.
 
Hello again Gentlemen,
Thought I would update everyone on when the book might be out and what it contains. Before I do, I would like to invite you all to Blatt's 85th. Anniversary celebration which will take place at The National Arts Club March 19th.- 30th in New York City. This will be the first Billiard Table & Cue Show as far as I know. Blatt Billiards will be displayibg tables and 11 Cue Makers will be displaying there best works. In addition, The Billiard Encyclopedia will be available for viewing and a major exhibit of billiard collectables and memorabilia will also be on display during that time. For those attending The Hopkins event, hand bound copies of The Encyclopedia will also be on dispaly there as well. See us at Booth 32

The book has just been sent to the printers, so my best guess is that it will be here sometime in April. One can't rush these things if you want to produce a quality product. I assure you all it will be worth the wait.

The new edition is 640 pages, contains over 1000 images, and will weigh in at 12+ pounds. Every chapter has been added to in some way and the quality of the images has been greatly improoved. The current cue makers chapter (over 100 pages) is completly new. The collectors chapter and "Beauty of The Cue" sections (over 60 pages) are new as well. The Brunswick section, Blatt Billiards section, French Tables, Collecting and Billiard Encyclopedia Collection (another 50-60 pages) all new brind this third edition farther than I thought we would go. There are also numerous new images throughout the book. I think it's safe to say most people won't be disappointed. We haven't had a complaint so far. As for the price, we raised it $10.00 from the 1996 edition. There is a collector's edition and over a hundred have been sold sight unseen without any advertising at $750.00 each. So, I guess people will have to see a copy and decide if they think it's something they would like on their bookshelves.

To all those many individuals who helped us along the way, and made this the best Billiard Encyclopedia to date....many thanks and hold on just a little longer. This is your book as well.

Best Regards to all,

Vic
P.S. Bob, expect the unexpected.
 
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Vic, please don't forget to check your mailbox @billiardencyclopedia.com. Especially during these hot days when the edition is ready to be out of print. I suppose I'm not the only one trying to correspond you via email, so waiting for your reply in need to clarify some details... Shipping abroad included (Big-Tattoo is also interested in that I see).
Thanks a lot for your hard work!
 
vic,

can people contact you to share there collection?
by the time the 4th comes out, i would love to share you some of my collectionpieces.

ps will you ship to europe?
 
Vahmurka said:
Vic, please don't forget to check your mailbox @billiardencyclopedia.com. Especially during these hot days when the edition is ready to be out of print. I suppose I'm not the only one trying to correspond you via email, so waiting for your reply in need to clarify some details... Shipping abroad included (Big-Tattoo is also interested in that I see).
Thanks a lot for your hard work!
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The book can be shipped anywhere as long as postage is paid for 14 pounds. Airmail rates are prohibitive. Some countries have book rates so that is also a possibility. I expect to have distribution in a number of foriegn countries. Japan, Germany, England, and France are already signed up.

Thanks for your interest,

Vic
 
Vic, still would like to see your reply to my email I sent. There are some questions to be settled before we make an order, would like to clarify any uncertainty. Sent you a PM as well, inform me if this way of communication is more appropriate to you than emails.
 
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