Rare book collecting is sometimes an investment, sometimes a pastime, and sometimes a personal desire. One thing that each has in common is the need to protect assets by having rare book appraisals from agencies like Manzi Appraisers & Restorer. Here’s our expert guide to collecting and appraising.
What Is A Rare Book Collection?
Most appraisers agree that a rare book collection is made of books that are valuable, rare, and high in demand. They are also usually in the best of shape, aesthetically pleasing, and have early print dates. Other factors like having similar subject matter or relating to a famous author or owner can add value.The Basics Of Rare Book Collecting
If you are new to rare book collecting, learning about the industry and having some self-discipline will take you far. Buyer’s remorse is a hard pill to swallow when you have paid a nice sum for a counterfeit. Our best advice is to use services like rare book appraisals to receive expert advice and authentication.
The next thing you should learn about is where to find rare books. You can find books anywhere from estate sales to auctions or online dealers and bookstores. The difficult thing for new collectors is knowing when you have a forgery or the real deal. This is where knowledge and a keen eye improve your gamble.
It’s important to learn a few things. For example, the first edition may have typos or deleted scenes while the first trade edition is the first to be printed for the market. There may be many printings that affect the value. Editors, authors, or publishers may retain gallery proofs, which are used internally for reviews.
You may also come across an author’s original manuscript. Usually if handwritten, it signifies an oddity. Most modern manuscripts are typed on a typewriter or computer. Knowing the age of the text can be of great value as writing advanced from papyrus and wax tablets to codex (handwritten binding), and e-text.
What Is The Oldest Book Still In Existence? Etruscan Gold Book (600 BCE)
Collecting A Favorite Author or Topic
Some book collectors start their collections by pursuing prints of their favorite authors. First editions are always collectible. Last year, author Stephenie Meyer signed 16,000 copies of Midnight Sun, which created a selling frenzy online well over its face value. It’s a good risk as popular authors with a large following tend to want to collect their books, which is why their values tend to increase as the book ages.
For example, Meyer’s book Twilight is selling for $450 as a signed first edition while a first edition first printing is selling for up to $1230. But buyer beware because there is another edition on eBay claiming to be the first print and edition, but it is selling for a much lower $480. Look at the copyright page or ISBD. The copyright page will tell you the edition, the publisher’s information, and the date of its publication.
Manzi’s Tip Of The Day: Search For An Author’s Bibliography For Written Works
Other collectors gather subjects or topics of interest, including about a country, a government, a time in history, a sport, or an industry. Some collectors amass specific subjects such as Colonial America, World War I, or sports star Babe Ruth. It can be attractive to collect unchecked, but it can also be costly. Try to narrow your focus to one or two subjects when starting and pay close attention to cost and favorability.
Why Should I Get Rare Book Appraisals?
The most common reason for rare book appraisals is to protect your investment. The process determines a current replacement market value rather than what you paid for it. For example, if you pick up a dusty old tome at an estate sale for $20 and it turns out to be worth $20,000, you’d want to protect it from damage.
We will gladly consult with you about authors and subjects that are collectible. In the meantime, call us at 617-995-0022 for your rare book appraisals or visit us at https://www.facebook.com/ManziAppraisers/.
