By Nikki Phipps
Book collecting is, of course, the collecting of books. Although most book fanatics, myself included, accumulate these simply from the joy of reading, the more serious book collector is interested in them not so much for their content, but for their physical or sentimental appeal. Yet what makes a book collectible has less to do with the book and more to do with the collector. Collection interests for the book enthusiast might include books relating to a particular author, illustrator, or publisher. Book collectors might desire a particular subject or genre as well. Some collectible books depend on the printing style, physical form, or its publication stage. Other collectible books are deemed so because of the book designer, author signature, association copy, historical era, or awards given. There are book collectors that prefer manuscripts while others want first editions or entire sets. And some simply have sentimental attachments to certain books.
Book collecting in itself is quite easy as there are billions of books available. However, when it comes to rare, vintage, or first editions, the field of accessibility quickly decreases, making these types of collectible books more expensive to obtain and more valuable to hold on to. For example, manuscript books are expensive, especially books printed in the 15th century, called incunabula. Rarity is not the only factor collectors use to decide what books to add to their collection. Whatever the reason, however, the condition of books is important to collectors. While books are usually quite durable, years or even centuries can take their toll on them; therefore, the better the condition of a book, the more valuable and desirable it will be.
First editions are commonly sought after as are first printings. In fact, the earlier printings or editions of a book are more collectible. Book edition refers to the content, while printing refers to the first print run off a printing press. When referring to works of fiction, these factors are most important for collectible books. First printings will usually specify ‘First edition’ or ‘First Printing’ on the copyright page. The first books in early printings or editions by popular authors are usually the most valuable because there are fewer of them printed. There are a number of prizes awarded to authors for particular books such as the Pulitzer Prize. Prize-winning books are very collectible. Autographed copies of books can be valuable but only if there are not too many of them floating around. For instance, the more an author signs books, the less valuable that signature becomes.
Other collectible books include classic titles like Moby Dick or books by famed authors such as T.S. Eliot and poets such as Poe, Frost, or Dickenson. Books found in sets or series, as with the infamous Harry Potter are popular with many book collectors as well. Surely, many of you can recall the Little Golden Books with classic favorites such as Little Poky Puppy, Bambi, The Little Red Hen, and numerous others. While these typically do not hold much in the way of monetary value, there are numerous book collectors interested in them due to their history, illustrations, and the different series. Who out there hasn’t picked up or read a comic book? Old comic books can be quite valuable, especially editions portraying the first appearance of superheroes such as Spiderman, The Fantastic Four, and Superman. Walt Disney comics, also valuable, find appeal with Disney collectors. There are also classic cookbooks and even old yearbooks that hold appeal to many book collectors. Whatever the interest, be it purely for reading enjoyment, sentimental appeal or monetary value, why not take inventory of your favorite titles, including those which may be packed away. Who knows, maybe your book collectibles can become an interesting, if not profitable, pastime.