argh!

[RainDog]

I have a book that was published by Rand Mc. that is incorrectly attributed to one author when it should be another. I contacted Rand McNally for publication info and they directed me to The Newberry Library, where their papers are held. The Newberry does not have records for Rand Mc. that go back as far as the possible dates of publication for this book.

So, I found someone who had compiled a bibliography of publications for this particular title and saw Rand Mc listed in the "unspecified dates of pub." So, I sent them (a University, actually) an email requesting possible information.

Looking at dealer inventories that are accessible online, only one other store, in the UK, has a copy of this book with the same incorrect name. but it's by a different publisher! (the incorrect name, btw, is the name of another author at the time who wrote popular books then, as did this author.

Next I will find out who holds the bulk of this author's papers and ask if they have any mention of this. However, I know from being on the other end of such queries in the past that only so much can be done in that way. Someone has to go to the place itself or hire a researcher who is there who can go through papers for you to look for any possible mention. Neither of these options is doable for me.

I don't know what else to do to find out information about this book if the library the publisher chose for its papers doesn't have information.

any suggestions?