Start Collecting Books
- Date: 2010-06-12 - Word Count: 391
Share This!
Have you ever considered collecting books? But you're not sure how to start. And you're not sure why you should start?
I have to admit that I was somewhat intimidated many years ago when I first saw my brother-in-law's large book collection.
He had first editions of well-known books such as Stephen King's Carrie. Several Ian Fleming books from the fifties and sixties. And a few Faulkners, Hemingways and Steinbecks. And many other authors I'd never heard of.
He also had many recently published books ... hypermodern books ... that he said he picked up for a few dollars in both new and used book stores. And these books were appreciating in price. That really caught my attention.
And so with Jim giving me helpful hints and showing me how to make sure a book was a first edition ... I started collecting 12 years ago. Mainly hypermodern books (published in the last 10-20 years) but also a few older books.
Here are some of the benefits of book collecting:
- Books can be collected on any budget.
- Collect what you like - there are no rules.
- Certain selected first editions may appreciate over time.
- With the internet you can collect books without ever leaving your house!
- Collected books can be read (carefully) and enjoyed.
- Books are relatively compact ... you don't need a lot of space for a few hundred.
- Getting your books signed will give you an opportunity to meet and talk to many famous as well as up-and-coming authors.
- Books are a good conversation starter ... not everyone collects but almost everyone reads books.
- A book collection can be something you leave to your children ... properly cared for books will last decadesor even centuries.
- And finally they can be decorative and impressive if stored in nice bookcases.
Some good examples of the many ways that you can build a collection of books are in student book collecting contests held at many colleges and universities. The student collections may concentrate on a single author, an historical period of time, a field of science or a specific area of literature.
Student book collectors have been competing at collecting books for many years at various colleges and universities. Nearly forty universities have book collecting contests.
The oldest contest is the A. Edward Newton Student Book Collection Competitions. It was started in the 1930s by a famous Philadelphia book collector and author, A. Edward Newton.
I have to admit that I was somewhat intimidated many years ago when I first saw my brother-in-law's large book collection.
He had first editions of well-known books such as Stephen King's Carrie. Several Ian Fleming books from the fifties and sixties. And a few Faulkners, Hemingways and Steinbecks. And many other authors I'd never heard of.
He also had many recently published books ... hypermodern books ... that he said he picked up for a few dollars in both new and used book stores. And these books were appreciating in price. That really caught my attention.
And so with Jim giving me helpful hints and showing me how to make sure a book was a first edition ... I started collecting 12 years ago. Mainly hypermodern books (published in the last 10-20 years) but also a few older books.
Here are some of the benefits of book collecting:
- Books can be collected on any budget.
- Collect what you like - there are no rules.
- Certain selected first editions may appreciate over time.
- With the internet you can collect books without ever leaving your house!
- Collected books can be read (carefully) and enjoyed.
- Books are relatively compact ... you don't need a lot of space for a few hundred.
- Getting your books signed will give you an opportunity to meet and talk to many famous as well as up-and-coming authors.
- Books are a good conversation starter ... not everyone collects but almost everyone reads books.
- A book collection can be something you leave to your children ... properly cared for books will last decadesor even centuries.
- And finally they can be decorative and impressive if stored in nice bookcases.
Some good examples of the many ways that you can build a collection of books are in student book collecting contests held at many colleges and universities. The student collections may concentrate on a single author, an historical period of time, a field of science or a specific area of literature.
Student book collectors have been competing at collecting books for many years at various colleges and universities. Nearly forty universities have book collecting contests.
The oldest contest is the A. Edward Newton Student Book Collection Competitions. It was started in the 1930s by a famous Philadelphia book collector and author, A. Edward Newton.
Related Tags: book collecting, first editions
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Avebury Stone Circle - Does It Have Magical Powers?
Avebury is the site of an ancient monument consisting of a large henge. Its construction was spread - How To Successfully Manage Your Digital Photo Collection And Prevent Catastrophic Loss
Wow.... talk about digital explosion, progress in leaps and bounds. In just a space of 20 years we h - A Short But Fascinating Look At Tin Lunch Boxes
Tin lunch boxes went through a great period of revolution throughout the central part of the last ce - Buy A Unexpected Gift Not Your Normal Gifts
No matter what the personality of the person is, you can always opt for the personalized gift sets t - Laser Tattoo Removal Facts To Know
Untold numbers of folks, perhaps even more, walk around having tattoos. A few are visible, some are - The Reason For High Tattoo Removal Costs
Occasionally, you really need to need some thing really bad in your life to put up with the costs th - Honey Bee Magic - Controlling Taste, Texture, And Flavor
There is a great deal of pride that you get from making your own honey, plus it usually tastes bette - Toy Model Trains; The Coming Of Age.
Did You Or your children grow up with Thomas the Tank Engine? Did you ever read them the story of "T - Most Popular Woodworking Crafts And Projects To Do
Is it finally time for the yearly vacation? It's always very hard to wait for the vacation to take p - Scientifically Proven To Add Years To Your Life Keep Your Mind Active And Even Expand Grey Matter
Do it yourself homemade projects have always fascinated me and I always have something on the go.My
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Scientists Today are using Satellite Photos More for Humanitarian Need Rather Than Espionage
Have you ever had the opportunity of seeing real life satellite photos? Well, in the past few weeks, - Japanese Kanji symbol translation for your tattoo.
There are three types of Japanese symbols to choose from when considering a Japanese style tattoo. K - Holly 'red Beauty' (ppaf #14750)
>A Compact, Disease Resistant Holly - 22 Years in the Making! Dr. Elwin Orton of Rutgers University - Miroslav Klabal is an Art Dealer With a Difference
Giving a vent to one's feelings and expressions is not an easy task. Art is one form that can be mad - Find your Favorite Online Casinos
The interest of gamblers in online casinos is constantly on the increase and so is the number of cas - Understanding Dress Up Games
Some parents are concerned about their daughter's safety online. They wonder as she sits down at the - Ingredient of Indonesian Dishes
INGREDIENTS OF INDONESIAN DISHES Indonesia dishes are amongst the most delicious in the world, - Bass Fishing - Learn the Facts That Can Help you Catch the Trophies
In the fishing world largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are two of the more highly coveted fish ind - Giclee Prints - Affordable Fine Art
"Giclee" is a style of fine art, which incorporates the use of modern day printers, predominately 7- - Beach Decorating for Adults and Kids; From Bathroom Décor to Beach Dioramas
One way to bring back memories of a summer at the beach is through beach themed decorating. It is al
