Learn what constitutes as a rare book, factors that determine its value, and. Protecting, preserving and storing your coin collection. Tolkien when considering the purchase of a book for your collection, the condition and, if applicable, the dust jacket are the most important factors affecting the value. Preserving the value of your books means preserving their condition. James bucki has over 40 years of coin collecting experience, receiving specialized training in coin grading, minting errors, and collecting techniques. Store old books or any book you want to pay extra attention to out of direct sunlight. Though considerably more recent than the collecting of postage stamps or books bibliophilia, it has a major. During the 1990s trophy room books was selected to chair the prestigious seminar on collecting sponsored by safari club international. The saturday big tent wedding party by alexander mccall smith, tuesdays with morrie by mitch albom. So to help answer any that are unresolved, heres a look at some of the issues most frequently asked about in terms of. Book condition determining and describing the condition of a used or rare book. Mildew is an alltoocommon affliction that plagues books and erodes their collectibility, value and preservation. A collection does more than offer a selection of books to read, it tells a story the collector believes is worth telling. Young adult books that kids with values can read 399 books.
Collectors know that condition is possibly the single most important attribute of a collectible book. If you prefer to try to price your collection on your own, a number of notable books will give you an idea about the worth or value of your book collection. Our long time leadership in the field of collecting both out of print and new big game hunting books. Books prefer a temperate climate and abhor extremes. For years, i collected many inexpensive first editions that are not worth much today. A guide to book conditions the hobbit first edition by j. Whether youve been collecting rare books for decades or are just beginning to be interested now, youve probably wondered about some or all of these questions at one point or another. Would i be able to zero in on books that would skyrocket in value shortly after their publication. Increase the surface area of the book that is exposed to air stand hardcover books slightly open to allow pages to fan out for several days. Book collecting blog posts on the state of the childrens book hobby and other general book collecting related. Whether youre an experienced book collector, or new to collecting books, biblio is your source for not just uncommonly good books but also a wealth of information about collecting antiquarian and rare books, too.
The love of books is bibliophilia, and someone who loves to read, admire, and collect books is called a bibliophile. Preserving the value of your books means preserving their. In 2007, i wondered how i might predict which books would be the most valuable. Many great books have been dedicated to the topic of rare books and book collecting, and we have used a number of them to sources for the rare book school itself. Collected books the guide to identification and values. Ok, that said, lets learn how we can keep your book collection from ruin when you need to put it in storage for a period of time. Jul 15, 20 millions of books have been published over hundreds of years. A beatenup old book that is falling apart will have little value. If you really need a documented estimate of a books value for probate or insurance purposes then visit your local rare bookshop and pay for a formal appraisal. Collecting, identifying, and valuing first edition. Seuss books, and several other key books, including madeline, the little engine that could, and millions of cats first edition identification. Using tape to mend torn pages or to reattach loose or detached covers, while well intentioned, ultimately causes more damage.
Few things can be more personal and cherished than a book. Perhaps no writer has made this beat his own as much as nicholas basbanes, author of many books on book collecting and the history of the book. You will find that the entire adventure of collecting can be much more enjoyable if you focus on what matters to you. Sections on book collecting, publishers methods for firstedition identification. Caring for rare books rare books collections national library of. The honest truth is most people who buy this book could much more easily find values by comparing prices on the internet, because the books they have are probably not as rare as they think. Our guide to book collecting covers many of the basic elements of book collecting, from what to collect to caring for your book collection. The library of congressof all people has useful stuff to say about preserving books. Young adult books that kids with values can read i wanted to create a young adult literature list that has books that dont have sex scenes, violence, and very little if any swearing. The honest truth is most people who buy this book could much more easily find values by comparing prices on the internet, because the books they have are probably not as rare. Comic book collecting is a hobby that treats comic books and related items as collectibles or artwork to be sought after and preserved. Age and condition can certainly play a part in a books value, but a book is only worth as much as someone else is willing to. Some books on book collecting seem intent on convincing you that book collecting is worthwhile.
With millions of books listed online, the internet has become the first place to go for identifying and pricing scarce and rare first editions. If you are storing the books in wooden shelves, make sure the. Book collecting is the collecting of books, including seeking, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloging, displaying, storing, and maintaining whatever books are of interest to a given collector. Rare books especially old, rare books deserve and require special care. Warren, whose price guide books have been the authority on collectibles values since 1985. What is meant by a books condition, and how does that affect a books value. Books value how to collect books that will appreciate in. A rare book can sell for a substantial amount of money but few novice collators know how to tell the difference between a nice old book and a valuable one. Aug 28, 2015 as noted by the library of congress, proper handling is one of the keys to preserving old books. Condition is very important and will greatly influence value. Tthe searchable database consists of detailed reports in an evergrowing database of items in this category. Although to be honest, id be pretty happy just having the list.
Book conservation, book preservation, book restoration. Some books, especially older paperbacks, can simply dry out and fall apart. Immediately isolate any moldafflicted book, sealing it in plastic. Before you open the book, make sure your hands are cleanregular soap and water will do the trick nicely just make sure theyre dry after washing. If the book is on a shelf, pull the book out from its middle instead of reaching for the top of the books spine, which in the case of older books is often fragile. Try to identify a storage location that maintains a relatively steady temperature of around 65 degrees and humidity around 40%.
Before you open the book, make sure your hands are cleanregular soap and water. Maadam person whom i take to be a real live human, but one never knows is evidently a scholar of the first stripe. Book collecting is not unlike creating a well curated reading list, only with actual books instead of simply a list of suggestions. Where can i go for more information on old and rare books, book collecting, and evaluating books. Fortunately for new rare book collectors and seasoned collectors alike, preserving and caring for rare, old books doesnt require obscure materials, extensive upkeep, or a large investment. Heres how to take care of them many collectors go mistyeyed at the thought of dust on a page and rare book collecting can take this passion to a new level. Outofprint book search services companies offering to look for. Popular life values books meet your next favorite book. Blog with first edition idenfication points for key books, notes on book prices, and general topics related to collecting childrens picturebooks. Care and preservation of the collection how and when to clean books leather books. Care and preservation of books book collecting guide. Though considerably more recent than the collecting of postage stamps or books bibliophilia, it has a major following around the world today and is partially responsible for the increased interest in comics after the temporary slump experienced during the 1980s. The dust jacket is both the most decorative part of a book, and the most delicate.
Mason wasnt the only manufacturer to add this patent date to his jars, hence its vast proliferation. Do detective work before selling your hardy boy books the. Well pull just one of these to the fore because its a perfect introduction to book collecting. I know a lot of parents that would like their kids to read but have a hard time finding a book that shares their values. Most hard cover books published since the early 20th century were sold with a dust jacket. Taking care when handling any collection item, especially functional items like books with flexing parts, is one of the more effective, costefficient, and easily achieved preservation measures. Book awards book club selections books by author books by series coming soon kids books new releases teens. Serious collectors know not to let their rare books come into contact with just any old paper, as paper can contain harmful chemicals and acids. Simply box a damaged book, store it flat, and handle the volume very carefully. You can collect any kind of books but make sure that you collect books that you love. Notes on collecting and preserving naturalhistory objects. Notes on collecting and preserving naturalhistory objects by. Book collecting blog posts on the state of the childrens book hobby and other general book collecting related information.
May 11, 2004 i recommend this book as the best one on the market right now for true beginners to either book collecting or book selling. Whether the older books on your shelves consist of rare first editions or. Having clean hands and a clean area to use the book. Well known to book collectors and booklovers, our site is an excellent resource for discovering a rough value of an old book.
For more on book collecting, visit abebookss online guide to book collecting. The childrens picturebook price guide includes a list of first edition identifying points for individual caldecott medal books, dr. Mar 28, 2012 a new chapter for rare book collecting. Childrens book values blog posts on the most valuable first edition. The process is filled with nuances, and there are perhaps as many ways to go about forming a collection as there are collectors. Book values determining how much a used or rare book might be worth. Thomas and described by his customers on the occasion of his seventieth birthday. Care, handling and storage of books collections care.
Richard davies has worked for since 2005, and manages merchandising and pr. When considering the purchase of a book for your collection, the condition and, if applicable, the dust jacket are the most important factors affecting the value. Preservation and handling appraisals do it yourself donations to. It is frank, unsnobbish, and it is very realistic about the changes good and bad the internet has brought to the book market. James bucki has over 40 years of coin collecting experience, receiving specialized training in coin grading.
Books value how to collect books that will appreciate in value. This is because collectors and museums are willing to pay more for a work that can be authenticated as a first edition. Includes identification information and estimated prices for over 20,000 collected books in all categories. He has some great stuff to say about books and book collecting. Collecting, identifying, and valuing first edition childrens. If cared for properly, rare books can provide their owners with a beautiful collection that will continue to grow in value as time goes. Historical, thematic, or author primacy can distinguish a common older edition from a truly rare book. A book that has significant damage is likely not worth much. Fortunately for new rare book collectors and seasoned collectors alike, preserving and caring for rare. Jun 27, 2017 book collecting is not unlike creating a well curated reading list, only with actual books instead of simply a list of suggestions.
Bibliophiles, bibliomanes, and the eternal passion for books by nicholas basbanes. I recommend this book as the best one on the market right now for true beginners to either book collecting or book selling. Books from your childhood, books about space, your favourite fiction series, books published by a. Rejointed means the book has been repaired preserving the original covers, including the spine. Book repair do not attempt to repair books that are unique or that you wish to pass on to future generations. However, some universal truths are present in the book collecting world. The value of your book depends on many things, so a professional appraisal is important whether you are planning to sell the book or to continue. Humidity, with its cohorts heat and fungi, promotes mold and its dangers to books and people. Aug 11, 2011 guide to preserving your rare book collection posted on august 11, 2011 inbook collecting, book condition source. Dec 20, 2017 book repair do not attempt to repair books that are unique or that you wish to pass on to future generations.
In real estate, it may be location, location, location. Check and clean your books regularly, as dust can quickly accumulate on books. May, 2019 the value of your book depends on many things, so a professional appraisal is important whether you are planning to sell the book or to continue collecting books of the same type. If you own or inherit a set of old books, whether its a valuable historical collection or just a set.
Posted on august 11, 2011 inbook collecting, book condition. The love of books is bibliophilia, and someone who loves to read. Sections on book collecting, publishers methods for firstedition identification, comprehensive bibliography of bibliographies, and more. It is very important to remember that, if the conditions are right, dust can be a food source for mould and mildew, leading to an infestation which can weaken and irreversibly stain books and paper. How to clean and preserve paperback books used books and. Do detective work before selling your hardy boy books. If the book is on a shelf, pull the book out from its middle instead of reaching for the top of the book s spine, which in the case of older books is often fragile. Instantly recognizable by avid vintagelovers, the nov. Predicting the value of collectible books fiction prediction. A mans bookshelf is a map of his mind and memories. When determining the value of a vintage book, there are several key factors that dealers and specialists consider. Sep 04, 2015 collecting rare books is at once a hobby, a passion, and an art form. Proper handling and storage is key to preserving old books.