Ben Weinreb
Benjamin Weinreb | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1912 Halifax, England |
| Died | 1999 |
| Occupation(s) | Bookseller, historian |
| Known for | Authority on the history of London, The London Encyclopaedia |
Benjamin Weinreb (1912–1999) was a distinguished British bookseller and authority on the history of London, who in 1968 transferred his entire inventory to the University of Texas.[1] His expertise lay primarily in architectural literature, with his catalogues becoming essential references within the trade.[2]
Early life
Weinreb was born in Halifax and attended Whitgift School in Croydon, though he left school at age 18 without formal qualifications. Early on, he displayed a keen entrepreneurial spirit by buying a signed Max Beerbohm book for sixpence and reselling it for five shillings. He had a brief tenure at Foyle's bookshop but was let go due to tardiness. Balancing part-time bookselling with theatre writing, he established his initial book enterprise, "Dipsas", in 1945.[2]
Bookseller
Weinreb conducted his business from locations including New Oxford Street, Bloomsbury Mansions, and subsequently 39 Great Russell Street. He revolutionized the industry by producing meticulously detailed catalogues accompanied by clear pricing. He partnered with experts specializing in maps and religious texts. His approach often involved acquiring substantial collections regardless of immediate liquidity, a practice that occasionally caused tension with business associates.
Writing
He was responsible for assembling the inaugural edition of The London Encyclopaedia, which was released in 1983.
Family
Weinreb was married first to textile designer Kay Lazarus and later to Joan Kingdom Row, who passed away before him. He fathered three children: Lindy (with Kay), and Matthew and Deborah (with Joan).
External links
- ↑ Obituary: Ben Weinreb. Nicholas Barker, The Independent, 7 April 1999. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Books of changes Ben Weinreb. Anthony Rota, The Guardian, 12 April 1999. Retrieved 16 September 2014.