The first thing you need to know about book collecting is where to start looking. You can find some of the best deals on antique books at yard sales and flea markets. Sometimes you can find deals at a thrift store or secondhand shop. The Internet can also be a good place for buying and selling your books.
The next thing you need to know is what to look for when shopping. Keep and eye out for first editions. Old textbooks are good as well. Old science books, medical books and home remedies are good finds. An old history book would be a fantastic find. If you are just getting started and don’t know where to begin, try starting with something you are interested in like a book collection you remember reading in your childhood. Then expand on that. If you like the Popular Science books, then you may want to start with a set of Handyman’s Handbooks.
Pay close attention to the condition of the books you are purchasing. Watch out for excessive “yellowing” of the pages. Check the binding is not broke. Look of pen marks or other blemishes within the pages and cover of the book. Books that have been kept in their jacket are usually in good condition. The type of cover is important as well. An old leatherback book, or hard cover is worth more than a paperback.
Once you have started collecting, it will hard to stop!
Sun, Mar 23, 2008
Books, Buying