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The main body of content differs significantly between the two bibliographies as well. In his Introduction, Grissom writes, "While no single source has proven more valuable than Audre Hanneman's two-volume bibliography, a critical viewing of that work discloses that although deserving of acclaim for an impressive collection of secondary materials, its treatment of the 'A,' 'B' and 'C' items is wanting. Notwithstanding its flaws, Audre Hanneman's work remains pivotal in the bibliographical study of Ernest Hemingway."

To say that Grissom's treatment of the 'A,' 'B' and 'C' items is not wanting is patent understatement. In addressing The Sun Also Rises, for example, Hanneman provides standard bibliographic descriptions for the first edition and several reprint editions, briefly noting issue variants and describing the first state dust jacket only. She also includes a brief statement of printing history and a few lines of notes - approximately six pages in all. Grissom, by contrast, describes the first edition in far greater detail, including complete descriptions of the title and copyright pages, photographs of title and copyright pages, collation, contents, binding, ten dust jacket variants, typography and paper, locations of copies and extensive, often illuminating notes. Grissom also includes bibliographic descriptions of all known editions, printings within editions and reprints by other publishers (including foreign editions). The entire compilation consumes some 33 pages!

An example of bibliographic notes for The Old Man and the Sea:

Let's just sum this up simply: Grissom's scholarship is breathtaking. Oak Knoll Press has touted it as "sure to be the definitive resource for Hemingway collectors, scholars and libraries for years to come," and I see no reason why it won't. The process is already observable, in fact: Prices for Hanneman copies have plunged since Grissom's release.

Now, at $225, this bibliography could be out of reach for many booksellers, but given the depth and breadth of its contents, it's decidedly not overpriced. (At the time of this writing, I did see a used copy listed for $100.) Also, I'm happy to observe that Oak Knoll opted for a sewn binding, not the perfect (glued) bindings we so often see these days, though I have some concern that the un-reinforced hinges on this large book may give way over time. For the time being, I'm handling my copy with care!