Colbeck, R. Norman (Reginald Norman), 1903-

Norman Colbeck was born in London, England. On leaving school he worked three years as a clerk with the Orient Steam Navigation Company in London. In 1923, after a brief period of self-education, chiefly at the British Museum, he was hired to manage the Rare Book Room of Foyle's Bookshop in Charing Cross Road. In 1927 he launched his own book shop, later moving to Bournemouth where he remained almost continuously until his move to Vancouver in 1967, when the UBC Library acquired his books and manuscripts. Colbeck became a Canadian citizen in 1976 and in 1987 UBC awarded him the degree of Doctor of Letters (honoris causae), in recognition of his unique contribution to education and scholarship.

From the description of Colbeck manuscript collection. [18--]-1914. (University of British Columbia Library). WorldCat record id: 606461375