Books

Jellybaby1

I occasionally buy books in second hand shops, and I own some old books belonging to my parents and grandparents. We also still have a small collection of books belonging to our children when they were young. I just wondered if there is a website that gives information on book collecting, what to look for, to avoid, and what might increase in value over time as I don’t want to get rid of them but I know my children probably wouldn’t want to store them when I eventually go to that great library in the sky. What websites should I check?

Dr Strange

Can't think of a website at the moment but it's great to hear about your collection. I am book nut and collect and read all the time.

Here's a great article about book collectors and I must admit I would easily feel at home amongst them

Article: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=409547

To have and to hold

17 December 2009

By Matthew Reisz

Books are essential tools of the scholarly trade, but Matthew Reisz meets some people whose relationship with texts goes beyond close reading

There have long been cautionary tales about scholars whose lust for books has slowly taken over their lives and living quarters.

Take the case of the Victorian dignitary described by his friend John Hill Burton under the blush-saving pseudonym "Archdeacon Meadow". Setting off on one occasion to be examined by a committee of the House of Commons, he promptly disappeared, only to "return penniless, followed by a waggon containing 372 copies of rare editions of the Bible".

...
Read full article here: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=409547

Judgement Day

The Book Collector Magazine http://www.thebookcollector.co.uk/ which is available at Easons and some other booksellers might be a help to you. However, unless the authors are particularly well known you may have trouble finding information.

Remember what Groucho Marx said 'Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.'

Jellybaby1

Thanks for all the info.

Groucho Marx must be the most quoted comedy actor of all time - brilliant!

Jellybaby1

Preusse wrote: »

Can't think of a website at the moment but it's great to hear about your collection. I am book nut and collect and read all the time.

Here's a great article about book collectors and I must admit I would easily feel at home amongst them

Article: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=409547

Thank you for this link. I've now had time to read it in total. It makes for interesting reading. There is a very fine line between 'collector' and 'hoarder'. As long as I can tell the difference, I just may stay sane!!!

Dr Strange

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

Thank you for this link. I've now had time to read it in total. It makes for interesting reading. There is a very fine line between 'collector' and 'hoarder'. As long as I can tell the difference, I just may stay sane!!!

I think I crossed the line a long time ago. One room in our house is dedicated to books....but we have run out of space so the attic floor boards are groaning under the weight of removal boxes filled with more books.

Jellybaby1

Our house suffers too - and not alone from books!!

Degsy

Preusse wrote: »

I think I crossed the line a long time ago. One room in our house is dedicated to books....but we have run out of space so the attic floor boards are groaning under the weight of removal boxes filled with more books.

Me too and also one of my sheds is full to bursting with books..i really need to get rid of some of them!

Jellybaby1

Thought I'd revisit this thread again as I was out and about today and bought a couple more old (childrens) books, don't know why, I just liked the idea of having them, a fiver, won't break the bank but as they were in pretty grotty condition I had hoped to pay a little less, the recession is hitting hard now! Anyway, maybe this is just old news, but am kicking myself for not visiting the charity shops of late:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0610/1224298691137.html

Anyone found anything interesting recently?

Judgement Day

You'll be trawling through a lot of charity shops to find any treasure. 90% of charity shop books seem to be either Maeve Binchy or Celia Ahern.

Jellybaby1

Judgement Day wrote: »

You'll be trawling through a lot of charity shops to find any treasure. 90% of charity shop books seem to be either Maeve Binchy or Celia Ahern.

That's very true of course. Also I think a lot of charities now do their research to ensure they are completely aware of the value of everything they sell. The 'Mary Queen of Shops' TV series in recent years has cleaned up the charity shop sector, more's the pity! I used to love rummaging through all the rubbish - one man's rubbish is another man's treasure, but the charity shops are so neat and tidy now its not such an interesting experience to visit them any more. Best just give a donation instead.