My idea of heavenI fell in love with rare books and manuscripts when I worked as a student worker in the Special Collections section of Tulane's library system. Most of the time I was "copy girl" or "filing girl" but sometimes I got the rare treat of handling and seeing the special collections section. Such treats included sorting through a stack of Abraham Lincoln's civil war letters or glimpsing a leaf of the Gutenberg Bible. I loved looking through these beautiful rare books and manuscripts; the craftsmanship and sense of history is amazing to behold. I wanted to start my own little rare books library one day but I didn't have a clue on what to look for or where to start. So I proceeded to educated myself and learn as much as I could in the interim. Most of what I learned was from asking rare book dealers in the area; many of them take the time to educate their costumers and guide them through the process of selecting the rare book with the best investment value.
You can start by collecting your favorite novels, or a set of novels written by your favorite author. Some people focus on controversial banned books, books of great import to the arts and sciences, revolutionary tomes, or books that have a one of kind illustration or binding. Or you can collect from each to design your own collection. There are many factors the determine if a book is rare: age, condition, scarcity, popularity, if it is signed by the author, if the book still comes with its original dust jacket. But what really determines the value of the book is its legacy; the influence and effect the book has now and when it was printed. One of the first things I learned was the import of when and how the book was printed. You'll hear words like edition, issue ect tossed around quite a bit so here are my simplified definitions to make things easier (for further reading click here):
Edition: An edition are all the copies printed at one time from the same plates without any changes.
First Edition: The first time the text is printed
Printings: Within an edition you can have multiple printings from the same exact plates (without any changes).
Issue: When a change or modification is made by the publisher of any said edition, they are treated as a separate "issue" of a particular edition.
First Edition of The General Theory of Relativity by EinsteinTypically the first editions are the most collectible and sought after. Or the most collectible being First Edition, First Print. The number of copies printed in the first edition are not always clear, especially for older books; but your rare books dealer can find that information for you by checking a variety of sources if it's not printed in the book itself. They will also offer verification of the book being a true first edition by checking their reference material. Typically the words "First Edition" or some sort of notation is printed on the copyright page to indicate if the book is a first edition. Sometimes a later edition has more value; some prefer collecting later editions of work translated into English or if a later edition has additional illustrations or added work. It's important to weigh your options to see what offers the best value.
I never underestimate the condition of the book. If I can't afford to buy a book listed as "fine" condition I wait it out until I can. But sometimes a collector doesn't have a choice. If a book is incredibly scarce sometimes the best you can do is "good". The condition of a book, along with all the other factors, will determine the value of your book. The better condition, the higher the value. Along the same vein, the dust jacket, created to protect the book against damage has interestingly enough become a commodity. Dust jackets actually add value to the book because of their scarcity. They are usually thrown out so most rare books come without them. Some collectors, wanting their copy to be as close in condition and appearance when printed, will insist on only buying rare books with dust jackets (even if the dust jacket is in poor condition).
I learned that in order to maintain the condition of your rare books it is important that they are handled with care. A stable, temperate environment that is not too dry or too humid is key. I was warned to keep my books out of sunlight or they will start to fade. Some collectors seek out custom made slip cases or boxes to house their rare books. That's only necessary if the condition of the rare book necessitates it otherwise if you follow the above your rare book will last for a long time to come.
Hopefully I've whet your appetite just a bit. If you are interested in collecting rare books then head out to your local rare book shop and seek the advice of the resident expert. Here are some of my favorite rare booksellers and resources:
I never underestimate the condition of the book. If I can't afford to buy a book listed as "fine" condition I wait it out until I can. But sometimes a collector doesn't have a choice. If a book is incredibly scarce sometimes the best you can do is "good". The condition of a book, along with all the other factors, will determine the value of your book. The better condition, the higher the value. Along the same vein, the dust jacket, created to protect the book against damage has interestingly enough become a commodity. Dust jackets actually add value to the book because of their scarcity. They are usually thrown out so most rare books come without them. Some collectors, wanting their copy to be as close in condition and appearance when printed, will insist on only buying rare books with dust jackets (even if the dust jacket is in poor condition).
I learned that in order to maintain the condition of your rare books it is important that they are handled with care. A stable, temperate environment that is not too dry or too humid is key. I was warned to keep my books out of sunlight or they will start to fade. Some collectors seek out custom made slip cases or boxes to house their rare books. That's only necessary if the condition of the rare book necessitates it otherwise if you follow the above your rare book will last for a long time to come.
Hopefully I've whet your appetite just a bit. If you are interested in collecting rare books then head out to your local rare book shop and seek the advice of the resident expert. Here are some of my favorite rare booksellers and resources:
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