FOCUS ON CAMPUS: Michael Vinson

Louie talks with Michael Vinson about the presentation he gave at UTEP on October 9, "Book Worms in the Old West: Cowboys, Fur Trappers and Other Frontier Readers." Vinson received his master’s degree in the history of the book from the University of Chicago in 1987. He wrote the exhibition catalogue, “Motoring Tourists and the Scenic West,” which was selected the Best Exhibition Catalogue by the Association of College and Research Libraries, and was also selected as one of the Best 50 Western Books of 1989 by the Rounce and Coffin Club. Vinson has consulted on appraisal values for leading auction houses, including Sothebys and Heritage, and has even assisted NASA with consultation services for the widow of the Columbia Space Shuttle Mission Commander. He appraised the rare book library of Sen. Ralph W. Yarborough, as well as major gifts to libraries in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. He also appeared as an appraiser in the first season of the Antiques Road Show.