I could work half as hard or do twice as much if not for doing things twice that I have already done once.

Here in the shop is a big, big book with no price at all. Nada. It needs a little information, so off I go to Google. Imagine my surprise when an exact listing comes up for this volume from 1855. Usually, an exact match is more difficult.

Imagine my further surprise when I see the listing is from a bookstore in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. McHuston Booksellers.

Ooops.

Here is some work come back for a second go-round. You can click on the image for a better look at a pre-Civil War binding.

On the bright side, it does save me the time and effort of investigating the antique book, trying to compare market values and coming up with a price. Boom. There it is, right in the internet listing.

And the photo is already taken!

Having practiced my Roman numerals, I correctly determined that the book was published in 1854, but the heavy leather binding states 1855 – again, something I worked out a second time. It was listed that way in the original listing. I guess there is nothing left to do but put a price card in it, and return it to the shelf.

The Life of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and the Lives of the Apostles and Evangelists
Date Published: 1854 (Binding states 1855)
Description: By Rev. John Fleetwood, D.D.; Published by Blackie and Son; London. Elaborate illustrated full leather heavy binding with raised bands. Front hinge beginning at lower edge. Water staining throughout. First signature is loose but holding, causing curling and closed tears at page edges. Gilt edges still present at top and bottom. Impressive Blackie and Son reprint of 1837 original, bound with the Lives of the Most Eminent Fathers and Martyrs by William Cave; and A History of the Christian Church by Rev. Thomas Sims M.A. Numerous illustrative lithographic plates.

The Rev. John Fleetwood, who authored the greater part of this three-in-one volume, was a Scottish theologian and biblical critic, but is obscure enough that he doesn’t have a Wikipedia listing.

Although his fame and heritage have been lost to time, his hefty tome survives him well – even if my memory doesn’t.