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"I have an old book from 1900. Is it worth anything?" Librarians are frequently asked this or similar questions. This presentation was designed to help both groups who hold book sales for fundraisers and individuals who wish to learn more about book collecting. Topics covered include determining first editions, importance of condition, sources for buying and selling books, and resources for determining value.
Citation preview
Finding Book GemsFinding Book Gems
January 11, 2010January 11, 2010
Presenter: Mary G. MarshallPresenter: Mary G. Marshall
I’ve been on the collecting, selling, and the volunteer sale sides of books. I’ve been on the collecting, selling, and the volunteer sale sides of books. When I first became interested in collecting books, I purchased books that I When I first became interested in collecting books, I purchased books that I particularly enjoyed reading as a child or a young adult – not an umcommon particularly enjoyed reading as a child or a young adult – not an umcommon choice, as many collections begin when people try to acquire copies of books choice, as many collections begin when people try to acquire copies of books they enjoyed as children. My first foray into collecting was not very they enjoyed as children. My first foray into collecting was not very organized. I simply looked for books that I had enjoyed reading. My favorite organized. I simply looked for books that I had enjoyed reading. My favorite author was Jane Austen, and I do have a Jane Austen collection. With my author was Jane Austen, and I do have a Jane Austen collection. With my graduate degrees in English (with an emphasis in bibliographical description graduate degrees in English (with an emphasis in bibliographical description and history of books) and Library Science, it’s not surprising that my career and history of books) and Library Science, it’s not surprising that my career path took a turn toward working in Rare Book shops. Besides working on path took a turn toward working in Rare Book shops. Besides working on freelance projects for Van Allen Bradley (author of freelance projects for Van Allen Bradley (author of Gold in Your Attic Gold in Your Attic – one of – one of the best early pricing guides, and the beginning for many of the current books the best early pricing guides, and the beginning for many of the current books on pricing), I also worked for 6 years in two rare book stores in Chicago. on pricing), I also worked for 6 years in two rare book stores in Chicago. While compiling catalogs (pre Internet) and working with customers, my While compiling catalogs (pre Internet) and working with customers, my knowledge of rare books increased as did my love for books. Today, I work knowledge of rare books increased as did my love for books. Today, I work in a public library, but I still read about books, collect books, and visit rare in a public library, but I still read about books, collect books, and visit rare bookstores and book fairs.bookstores and book fairs.
My Interest in Book Collecting
““You can never be You can never be too thin, too rich, or too thin, too rich, or have too many have too many books.”books.”
Carter Burden Carter Burden
Recognizing Gems from SludgeRecognizing Gems from Sludge
Many books have been written about book collecting and pricing. When I began serious book collecting in my 20’s, I found books by frequenting local book shops and stores in every place I visited, and I wrote to dealers to obtain their book catalogs. This method really depended on serendipity to build a collection. Other collectors were using this same method, and frequently we didn’t know how rare an item might be. With the advent of the Internet, this information became available to us. If we searched a title and found 15 copies of the book available, we knew it was easier to obtain than we thought after spending years randomly checking bookstores and dealers and not finding any copies. Of course, the Internet has also made it much easier to spend money on books – something spouses don’t always understand unless they too are addicted to books. Obviously, I can’t convey in this short time everything I know about books and collecting. Even after years of collecting, I don’t know everything – or even a small percentage of everything there is to know. What I would like to do is share with you some of my tips in recognizing the gems from the sludge.
Recognizing Gems from SludgeRecognizing Gems from Sludge
Learn as much as possible about the value of books
Eliminate the “sludge”
Used Books vs. CollectibleUsed Books vs. Collectible
Millions of books have been published, but Millions of books have been published, but only a small percentage becomes only a small percentage becomes rare/collectiblerare/collectibleDifference between used/second hand Difference between used/second hand and rare/collectible booksand rare/collectible booksSupply & demand Supply & demand EditionEditionConditionConditionSpecial (autographed and limited editions)Special (autographed and limited editions)
Examine BooksExamine BooksSubjectSubjectConditionConditionEditionEdition– Title Page (author, date)Title Page (author, date)– Copyright Page (date & edition)Copyright Page (date & edition)
Special Special – Autographed half title or title pageAutographed half title or title page– Limited editionLimited edition– BindingBinding– IllustrationsIllustrations
Starting with What Can Be Starting with What Can Be Eliminated:Eliminated:
Books in Poor ConditionBooks in Poor ConditionLack dust jacket and Lack dust jacket and are dated 1930 or laterare dated 1930 or later
Ex-library copiesEx-library copies
Books missing volumes, Books missing volumes, plates, etc.plates, etc.
Binding loose – book Binding loose – book lies flat when openedlies flat when opened
Pages loosePages loose
Water damagedWater damaged
SmellSmell
Subjects of Little InterestSubjects of Little Interest““Old” Bibles (if printed before1700, more Old” Bibles (if printed before1700, more research might be worth it)– most are just research might be worth it)– most are just sentimental valuesentimental value
Sermons/Religion books – many printed, cheap Sermons/Religion books – many printed, cheap materialsmaterials
Collected editions of authors (unless bindings Collected editions of authors (unless bindings are particularly decorative and authors popular)are particularly decorative and authors popular)
Encyclopedias (Exceptions: 1st ed. (1768-1771) Encyclopedias (Exceptions: 1st ed. (1768-1771) and 11th ed. (1911) of the and 11th ed. (1911) of the Encyclopedia Encyclopedia BritannicaBritannica))
Textbooks (exceptions: primers Textbooks (exceptions: primers before 1800, first six McGuffey before 1800, first six McGuffey Readers (1836-1856), Dick and Readers (1836-1856), Dick and Jane, or illustrated textbooks Jane, or illustrated textbooks before 1850.before 1850.Reprints/Facsimiles (exception: Reprints/Facsimiles (exception: high quality, early printed books)high quality, early printed books)Magazines (certain ones might be Magazines (certain ones might be of interest)of interest)
New Our New Friends 1951
$375
Book Club EditionsBook Club Editions
Blind stamp or mark on Blind stamp or mark on lower right hand corner lower right hand corner of back coverof back cover““Book Club Edition” or Book Club Edition” or “Literary Guild” on dust “Literary Guild” on dust jacket or in bookjacket or in bookNo price on dust jacketNo price on dust jacketLesser quality: lighter Lesser quality: lighter weight, paper thinnerweight, paper thinner““W” on copyright pageW” on copyright page5 digit code in a box on 5 digit code in a box on dust jacketdust jacket
Not first editionsNot first editions
On copyright page: string of numbers On copyright page: string of numbers starting with “2” exception is Random starting with “2” exception is Random House (1st has “2”)House (1st has “2”)
Later printing: “2Later printing: “2ndnd printing” printing”
Title page date doesn’t match copyright Title page date doesn’t match copyright datedate
Reprint Publishers: A.L. Burt, Collier, Dial, Reprint Publishers: A.L. Burt, Collier, Dial, Grosset & Dunlap, Tower, TriangleGrosset & Dunlap, Tower, Triangle
““Best Sellers” printed in large numbers: Best Sellers” printed in large numbers: Danielle Steel titles, Danielle Steel titles, Bridges of Madison Bridges of Madison CountyCounty
““Hypermodern”: Books published in the Hypermodern”: Books published in the last 10 years (too many copies): last 10 years (too many copies): Harry Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanPotter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 6.8 6.8 million copies; John Grisham, Stephen million copies; John Grisham, Stephen King, Amy Tan, Tom Clancy, etc. with the King, Amy Tan, Tom Clancy, etc. with the exception of their earliest workexception of their earliest work
““All too often, old is just old”All too often, old is just old” (Ellis).(Ellis).
If the books are dated before 1850, they If the books are dated before 1850, they are worth researching; particularly those are worth researching; particularly those with the followingwith the following
1501 (any)1501 (any)
1641 (English)1641 (English)
1801 (American)1801 (American)
1850 (West of Mississippi) 1850 (West of Mississippi)
Identifying Possible Valuable Identifying Possible Valuable BooksBooks
SubjectSubject
Author/IllustratorAuthor/Illustrator
ConditionCondition
Edition StatusEdition Status
Author’s first book or important titleAuthor’s first book or important title
AutographsAutographs
Limited Editions, Materials, or BindingsLimited Editions, Materials, or Bindings
SubjectsSubjects““Ask yourself honestly: If I were interested in this subject, would I be interested Ask yourself honestly: If I were interested in this subject, would I be interested
in this book?” (Ian Ellis, in this book?” (Ian Ellis, Book FindsBook Finds))
Unusual or Popular Subjects
Unusual SubjectsUnusual Subjects
Art books with tipped in illustrationsArt books with tipped in illustrations
Old children’s booksOld children’s books
Genre fictions: science fiction, mysteriesGenre fictions: science fiction, mysteries
HistoryHistory
CookbooksCookbooks
Samples of Rare Books & Samples of Rare Books & Prices in a Variety of Collection Prices in a Variety of Collection
AreasAreas
Literary textLiterary text
Jane Austen Mansfield Park 1st edition 1814
1250 copies printed
Contemporary binding
$25,000+
Important scientific discoveries, Important scientific discoveries, inventions, or exploration inventions, or exploration
Rachel Carson Silent Rachel Carson Silent Spring 1Spring 1stst edition edition (1962) (1962)
$500+$500+
Early historical worksEarly historical works
History of the History of the Expedition Under Expedition Under the Command of the Command of Captains Lewis and Captains Lewis and Clark Clark
(1814)(1814)
$125,000+$125,000+
Americana (particularly first-hand Americana (particularly first-hand narratives; pioneer/westward narratives; pioneer/westward
expansion; journals)expansion; journals)
Francis Parkman California and the Oregon Trail (1849)
$8,500+
Regional History (Chicago, Illinois, Regional History (Chicago, Illinois, specific communities or counties)specific communities or counties)
A.T. Andreas History of Chicago 3 vols.(1884-1886)
$1,000
Modern LiteratureModern Literature
Norman MailerNorman MailerNaked and the DeadNaked and the Dead
$2,000+$2,000+
Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. 1st edition, 1st printing, signed by the author, earned $6,500 at auction two years ago for the library.
History (early US before 1850/60s, History (early US before 1850/60s, Civil War, WWI, WWII)Civil War, WWI, WWII)
Personal Recollections of Private John Henry Cammack1920
$1,000+
Books about booksBooks about books
Jacob Blanck Jacob Blanck
Peter Parley to PenrodPeter Parley to Penrod
11stst Edition, 1938 Edition, 1938
$150$150
Pop-up Books Pop-up Books
Robert Sabuda The Wonderful Wizard of Oz1st Edition 2000
$75+
Children’s BooksChildren’s Books
E.B. White Charlotte’s Web
1st edition 1952
$2,000+
CookbooksCookbooks
Irma Rombauer Irma Rombauer Joy of CookingJoy of Cooking
Privately Printed 1Privately Printed 1stst Edition 1931 Edition 1931 3,000 copies published3,000 copies published
Irma Rombauer Joy of CookingFirst Trade Edition 1936
$4,000+$4,000+
$2,000+
Sports BooksSports Books (especially: fishing, (especially: fishing, golf, hunting; Derrydale Press)golf, hunting; Derrydale Press)
Derrydale Press: Upland Game Bird Shooting (1930) Ltd. 75 copies
$9,500
Books with Hand Colored PlatesBooks with Hand Colored Plates
Hand-colored Lithograph plate by Daniel Giraud Elliot from Tetraoninae
$1,750
Special BindingsSpecial Bindings
Fore-edge Paintings: Fore-edge Paintings: Robinson CrusoeRobinson Crusoe
Bayntun-Rivere Binding of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass 1st Edition
$2,000+$2,000+
$12,000+
Fine Press Books/Limited EditionsFine Press Books/Limited Editions Club, Caxton Club, Shakespeare Club, Caxton Club, Shakespeare Head Press (Not Heritage Press)Head Press (Not Heritage Press)
Moby Dick (Lakeside Press)
Illustrated by Rockwell Kent. Limited to 1,000 copies, signed by Kent
$10,000+
Paperback OriginalsPaperback Originals
Paperback originals (late Paperback originals (late 1930s began generally) 1930s began generally)
Some important writers were Some important writers were 1st published in Paperback ex: 1st published in Paperback ex: Vonnegut’s Vonnegut’s Sirens of TitanSirens of Titan
Paperback Originals are Paperback Originals are frequently found in the genres. frequently found in the genres. The cover design attracts The cover design attracts collectors (ex: Virgil Finlay collectors (ex: Virgil Finlay design)design)
$150+
IllustratorsIllustrators
Maxfield Parrish The Knave of Hearts1st Edition 1925
$2,500+
Condition:Condition:
Mint (like new)Mint (like new)
Fine (“crisp”, excellent condition)Fine (“crisp”, excellent condition)
Good (average)Good (average)
Fair (complete, but some defects)Fair (complete, but some defects)
Reading Copy (complete, but only as a Reading Copy (complete, but only as a reading copy)reading copy)
Condition Example:Condition Example: 11stst Edition: Edition:
OOld Man in the Sea by ld Man in the Sea by Ernest HemingwayErnest Hemingway
No dust Jacket
•Book with dust jacket (poor condition)
•Book with dust jacket in fine condition
less than $100
$200-$300
$3,000
Sue Grafton Sue Grafton “A” Is for “A” Is for AlibiAlibi
$1,000+$1,000+
First Books of Authors
Isaac Isaac Asimov—Pebble in the SkyAsimov—Pebble in the Sky
$1,500+$1,500+
Willa Cather- Willa Cather- April TwilightsApril Twilights
$2,500+$2,500+
John Fowles- John Fowles- The CollectorThe Collector
$1,000+$1,000+
Dashiell Hammett – Dashiell Hammett – Red HarvestRed Harvest
$2,000+$2,000+
Robert HeinleinRobert Heinlein-Rocket Ship-Rocket Ship GalileoGalileo
$1,000+$1,000+
Thomas Pynchon – Thomas Pynchon – VV
$5,000+$5,000+
Jack Schaefer-Jack Schaefer-ShaneShane
$5,000+$5,000+
J. R.R. TolkienJ. R.R. Tolkien-Middle English -Middle English VocabularyVocabulary
$500+$500+
Gore Vidal-Gore Vidal-WilliwawWilliwaw
$1,000+$1,000+
““Genres are where the money is Genres are where the money is and where the trends go.”and where the trends go.” (Ellis)(Ellis)
Particularly hot are mysteries & Particularly hot are mysteries & science fictionscience fiction
Agatha Christie The Body in The LibraryFirst Edition
$2,500+
First edition – most books only First edition – most books only have one editionhave one edition
Example: 1st edition of Example: 1st edition of Stephen’s King’s Stephen’s King’s Carrie Carrie 10,000 copies; his later 10,000 copies; his later books have 1st printings of books have 1st printings of more than one million more than one million copiescopies
$1,500+$1,500+
Determining First EditionDetermining First EditionCompare date on title page & copyright page; Compare date on title page & copyright page; they should matchthey should match
First printing/impression—number of books First printing/impression—number of books printed initially. printed initially.
No additional printings should appear on No additional printings should appear on copyright pagecopyright page
States—printing stopped to make corrections –States—printing stopped to make corrections –First state is what most collectors mean when First state is what most collectors mean when they talk about “first edition.”they talk about “first edition.”
Points – difference between statesPoints – difference between states
Before 1900, date on title page of majorityBefore 1900, date on title page of majority
Early 1900s, publisher identifies “first Early 1900s, publisher identifies “first Edition” on copyright page: “First Edition” Edition” on copyright page: “First Edition” “first printing” “First Impression” “First “first printing” “First Impression” “First published [year or month & year]published [year or month & year]
Since the 1970s, publishers have used Since the 1970s, publishers have used number rows to indicate book’s printing number rows to indicate book’s printing and date row to indicate date. Begin with and date row to indicate date. Begin with “1” except Random House begins with “2”“1” except Random House begins with “2”
Printer’s Code: 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 99 98 Printer’s Code: 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 99 98
Later printing: 5 7 9 10 8 6 4Later printing: 5 7 9 10 8 6 4
SCARCITYSCARCITY
Besides subject, edition, and condition, Besides subject, edition, and condition, collectors also consider scarcitycollectors also consider scarcity
If only a few copies survive or were If only a few copies survive or were printed, the book is considered scarceprinted, the book is considered scarce
The book must be important & in demandThe book must be important & in demand
Example of Scarcity – Robert Frost’s Example of Scarcity – Robert Frost’s TwilightTwilight (only 2 copies are known to exist) (only 2 copies are known to exist)
Importance of ResearchImportance of Research
““Check the Points”Check the Points”Example: Example:
Gone with the WindGone with the Wind has has certain points that make it a certain points that make it a first edition, first issue.first edition, first issue.
Published May, 1936Published May, 1936
DJ with GWTW listed in 2nd columnDJ with GWTW listed in 2nd column
$10,000+
Values changeValues change
Catcher in the RyeCatcher in the Rye::
(1975)(1975)
(2009)(2009) $20,000-$30,000$20,000-$30,000
$75$75
Determining Value of GemsDetermining Value of Gems
Reference BooksReference Books– Books about BooksBooks about Books– Dealer CatalogsDealer Catalogs– Auction Catalogs Auction Catalogs
InternetInternet– Book Dealers Book Dealers
(www.qbbooks.com)(www.qbbooks.com)– Multiple Dealer Site Multiple Dealer Site
(http://www.abebooks.com/(http://www.abebooks.com/– Book Organizations Book Organizations
(www.abaa.org)(www.abaa.org)
Book FairsBook Fairs – Printers Row Book FairPrinters Row Book Fair
Books about Books ReferenceBooks about Books Reference
Buying & Selling through Buying & Selling through Auction HousesAuction Houses
Leslie Hindman Auction House (Chicago) www.lesliehindman.comChristieswww.christies.comSwann Auctionwww.swanngalleries.comSothebyswww.sothebys.com
Auction CatalogsAuction Catalogs
Christie’s Masterpieces of Modern Literature: The Library of Roger Rechler
October 11, 2002
$275
Book Seller’s CatalogBook Seller’s Catalog
Two & Sixty Books with Fore-edge Paintings
Zeitlin & Ver Brugge
Los Angeles, 1984
$140
Booksellers’ WebsitesBooksellers’ Websiteswww.baumanrarebooks.com
www.qbbooks.com
Multiple Dealer WebsiteMultiple Dealer Website
www.amazon.com
www.abebooks.com
www.alibris.com
Book OrganizationsBook OrganizationsABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America). ABAA is an source of reputable dealers to buy from, sell to, and appraise your books.
www.abba.org
Attending Book Fairs & ShowsAttending Book Fairs & Shows
Printers Row Book Fair, Chicago
15. Brown, Dan. THE DA VINCI CODE. New York: Doubleday (2003). First edition. SIGNED by author. The run-away best seller. Fine in dustwrapper. $1750
1. Adams, Douglas. THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. New York: Harmony Books (1980). First U. S. edition of his first book. SIGNED by author. Small stain on front page edge which has bled through on a few pages, affects about 20 leaves, otherwise fine in dust jacket with very minor edgewear. $350
Understanding a Book Description
Note in the following descriptions: edition (& “points” that determine this), anything that makes this copy special (signed, former owner, etc.), condition. All of these help determine the value of the item.
50. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. THE GREAT GATSBY. New York: Modern Library (1934). First thus, so stated. With a new introduction by Fitzgerald. Near fine with gilt lettering on spine and cover nice and bright. Previous owner's name on front endpaper. In a bright, very good dustwrapper with spine and flap edges tanned, rubbing, shallow chipping and nicks (including a small hole on spine edge). The dustwrapper is #117 and priced 95 cents but does list 268 books on verso. Toledano indicates that the first-issue dustwrapper had 225 titles. Still, scarce. $400
39. Dunning, John. BOOKED TO DIE. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons (1992). First edition. SIGNED by the author on the title page. The first Cliff Janeway mystery. A flawless copy. Fine in dustwrapper. $950
25. Cather, Willa. THE TROLL GARDEN. New York: McClure, Phillips & Co., 1905. First edition, her second book. The second issue with "Doubleday, Page" at foot of spine. A nice bright copy with only the barest wear on corners and spine ends; unusual in this condition. $600
114. McCourt, Frank. ANGELA'S ASHES: (New York): Scribner (1996). First edition. His first book and an instant success, which has gone into many printings. On our last trip to Ireland, we found a number of people in a Limerick bar who weren't real happy with Frank. Fine in dustwrapper. $300
176. Sinclair, Upton. THE JUNGLE. New York: Doubleday, Page & Co., 1906. First Doubleday edition, with Doubleday imprint on title page, but with "1" in date on copyright with broken type, which is considered a later state. Preceded by the Jungle Publishing edition. Minor cover wear, but still a very good or better copy of this classic. $250
89. Lee, Harper. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Co. (1960). First edition. Her first and only book, a Pulitzer Prize winner that was made into an award-winning movie. INSCRIBED BY LEE on the front free endpaper, "To Jennie/ with my best wishes/ Nelle Lee." Nelle Harper Lee grew up in Monroeville, Alabama, next-door to writer Truman Capote, who was raised by his mother's Monroeville cousins, Sook, Callie, Bud and Jennie Faulk. Presumably a presentation copy to Jennie Faulk, perhaps through another former Monroeville neighbor, with "From -/ Ellen Hoskins/ July 2 - 1960" above Lee's inscription. Lower corners gently bumped, still a bright, fine copy in unrestored dustwrapper. The dustwrapper is price clipped and lightly rubbed, with rubbed creasing at spine ends and corners but no chipping and just one small, inconspicuous tear. A lovely copy of this classic of American literature. $30,000
Selling Your GemsSelling Your Gems
DealersDealers
Contact dealers with a list of bookContact dealers with a list of book
AuctionAuction
OnlineOnline
At some point in book collecting, you will want or need to sell a book. How can you do this? Consider the following:
RememberRemember
Dealers will pay 40-50% of the price that Dealers will pay 40-50% of the price that might be listed in reference books or on the might be listed in reference books or on the Internet.Internet.
Auctions charge fees.Auctions charge fees.
The more you visit shops and explore The more you visit shops and explore booksellers’ websites, the more you will booksellers’ websites, the more you will become familiar with “common books,” which become familiar with “common books,” which will always be less valuable. will always be less valuable.
Do your research!Do your research!
And Finally . . .And Finally . . .
Condition!Condition! Condition!Condition! Condition!Condition!
Contact InformationContact Informationemail: email:
[email protected]@comcast.netwebsite: website:
http://www.generation2librarians.com/http://www.generation2librarians.com/Linkedin:Linkedin:
http://linkd.in/KFuzlhhttp://linkd.in/KFuzlh
Contact InformationContact Information
email: email: [email protected]@addisonlibrary.org
website: website: www.addisonlibrary.orgwww.addisonlibrary.org
linkedin: linkedin: http://linkd.in/KFuzlhhttp://linkd.in/KFuzlh