Review of the McGraw-Hill Calendar

              his books do not mean as much to him as they once
did. Now, his sole reason for maintaining the
collection is as a source for historical research. He is
no longer adding to his collection.
Costs and Care
McMickle's hobby has essentially paid for itself.
He is probably one of the few people who has made
money from accounting history. He has done this
by buying and selling nonaccounting books that he
has discovered in old-book stores. For example, he
bought an old atlas for $165 that is now appraised
at $6,500. He also purchased a Chinese manuscript
for $200 which he later sold at auction for $3,700.
As far as care is concerned, little effort is required
for maintaining old books in good condition. As
long as the humidity is kept at a reasonable level
and insects are kept out, then nothing else is
required. Acid-free storage facilities are not needed
for old books because they were published on fine
quality paper. Today's books, however, are printed
on lower quality paper and may disintegrate within
forty years. Thus, McMickle feels that rare book
collecting is an ideal hobby because of the ease of
care.
Summary
Dr. Peter McMickle set out to amass the world's
greatest collection of English language accounting
books. That was certainly a monumental goal, and
one that most individuals would never attempt to
accomplish. But, through hard work, and constant
attention to his goal, he did build an outstanding
collection. In fact, it took McMickle less than five
years to build the world's greatest collection of
historic accounting books. Pete is now sharing his
collection with others by making them available for
reprinting. McMickle's employer (Memphis State
University), his alma mater (the University of
Alabama) and its professors who inspired him, the
Academy of Accounting Historians, and the
accounting profession in general should all be
proud of Pete McMickle's accomplishment and his
dedication to excellence.
• • •
REVIEW OF THE
McGRAW-HILL CALENDAR
Although thousands of book reviews are
published each year, there are rarely any reviews of
calendars. This slight is hereby remedied since the
McGraw-Hill Book Company has for each of the
past two years issued an accounting history calendar
that is deserving of consideration.
Images, McGraw-Hill's 1981-1982 calendar, is a
useful and informative reference that can be used
by both the academician and student. It is not only
interesting and enlightening, but it also provides a
humorous look at the accounting profession.
Short articles on the history of accounting are of
particular interest. Summaries of the Fugger and
Medici accounts in the 15th and 16th centuries
provide insight as to the origin of industrial
accounts. For those interested, references for
additional reading are given.
Continuing into the calendar, a condensed
biography of Arthur Young affords a view of the
life of a pioneer in modern accounting.
For those with literary interests, there is Henry
Thoreau's detailed account of the costs incurred in
building his house in 1845. In times of
skyrocketing housing costs, it is disheartening to
discover that Thoreau built his house for the grand
sum of $28.12½. Furthermore, it is interesting to
note that his net income for the year was $25.21¾.
Additional features range from the McKesson-
Robbins controversy to a history of women in
accounting and the use of computers in
perpetrating fraud.
Anyone who enjoys a challenging crossword
puzzle would not be disappointed by taking on the
puzzle included. If it proves to be too challenging,
a solution is supplied.
There is even a section of trivia for trivia buffs.
For example, did you know that accountants were
not always paid a regular fee? That 14th century
business people cheated on their expense accounts?
That the Kings of England were poor credit risks?
The underlying reasons are to be found in the
calendar.
One does not have to be an accountant to enjoy
reading the features. The articles are of general
interest and the cartoons and film stills can be
enjoyed by everyone. After perusing the calendar,
one looks forward to the 1982-1983 edition.
McGraw-Hill is to be commended for publishing a
very inspirational work.
Reviewed by
Robert Terry and Dale Flesher
University of Mississippi
The Accounting Historians Notebook, Spring, 1982 5