Poway author pens third book on collecting
A Poway-based writer who is a nationally known collector has published his third book on the subject.
Titled “Collectible Wisdom: Favorite Columns from the Collectibles Guru,” the 362-page volume is a compilation of 128 of Jeff Figler’s favorite columns that have appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Journal of Antiques and Collecting, Collectors Journal, Autograph Magazine and other publications in the collectibles field. Figler started his newspaper writing career with his “Collecting With Jeff” column that ran for several years in the Poway News Chieftain and Rancho Bernardo News Journal.
He has authored over 400 published articles about sports collecting, pop culture, and historical/presidential collecting. His Sports Trivia column has been running in Sports Collectors Digest for years.
“Anything can be collected,” said Figler. “There could be gold in your garage or attic. You may uncover a rare newspaper in the back of a cabinet or trip across a box of Depression-era glass, or locate a long-lost painting from a Dutch Master. I’ve even seen maps discovered in old books that sell for a million dollars.”
Figler, recently referred to as “The LeBron James of Sports Collectibles” by King Features nationally syndicated columnist Dale Dauten, practices what he preaches when it comes to collecting. His determination to leave no stone unturned in his search for that hidden treasure accounts for his Poway home resembling a museum with a private collection that includes:
• A Honus Wagner baseball trading card;
• John Lennon’s eyeglasses from the cover of the “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album;
• Handwritten letters from every U.S. president;
• Action Comic #1 (introducing Superman);
• The “S” that Superman wore on television (1951-57);
• Jack Warner’s copy of the script from movie “Casablanca.”
“Collecting is the world’s most accessible pastime and anyone can do it,” Figler said.
“Whatever you want to collect — thimbles, staplers, salt and pepper shakers or postcards — matters to nobody but you. Discover whatever speaks to you and that which you find appealing. Whether you collect the mundane or the esoteric, collect what you enjoy on a subject you have passion for.”
The book can be purchased through Amazon or directly online at www.collectingwithjeff.com.
In addition to “Collectible Wisdom” Figler has also written “Collecting for Beginners,” “The Emerson Auctions: Bid High, Bid Adieu” and “Poway: Images of America.” Bulk discounts for purchases of any of his books can be arranged upon request.
A popular speaker, Figler’s stories about collecting have been heard in 173 countries on the American Forces Network. He is currently the collectibles editor for Hall of Fame Media. He and his wife, Linda, also have homes in St. Louis and London.