I have a few comments about my monograph, "A Forgotten Nickel".

First and foremost, it was an honor and privilege to work with Mr. Newman, who supported and encouraged the idea from day one. He made time for our visit to discuss the subject at length, set up a photo session, enjoy lunch, and shoot the breeze. Not to mention months of correspondence and seven or eight edits - and this was just one of several projects he was juggling at the time. All in the midst of celebrating his 100th birthday! The man is a marvel and an inspirational and generous friend to numismatics. I'm very lucky and grateful for the experience, and, I must add, what other 50 year old can honestly say he collaborated on a numismatic paper with someone twice his age!

Secondly, although I suspect it is customary for Wayne to announce any new publication in the "New Book" category, at 12 pages this monograph can hardly be confused as such. Call it a paper, a pamphlet, a study, a brochure, a leaflet, a monograph, or perhaps a book wanna-be, it is not actually a book. I guarantee the weight of this particular item will not compromise the structural integrity of a library shelf.

Finally, as the humor columnist for Coin World I'm compelled to offer something to last week's inquiry, "What is your funniest Numismatic joke?" I don't know what the funniest is, but here is an attempt at something that is current.

Question: How does a 12 page monograph become a book?

A) Through a brisk imagination and delusions of grandeur.

B) Through a generous classification from the esteemed Esylum editor.

C) By binding 30 of them together.

D) All of the above.

Answer: D) All of the above.

(30 copies bound in book form now available for just $200 - That's a $40 savings off our newsstand price!)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:NEW BOOK: A FORGOTTEN NICKEL(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n39a04.html)