rare books

[mimififi]

Hi there

I am interested in beginning a hobby in the rare/antique/collectible books arena. How does one go about learning more about rare books and how to id them? What should I be learning, and where can I find info out from?

Cheers all of you book worms

mimi

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

Hello again, Mimi

Are you sure that you'd be any good in the world of book dealing? Isn't there a slight problem? After all, you've only recently told everybody that you find it impossible to part with books!

I've got a picture in my mind of you, your house and family, slowly disappearing underneath ever-growing piles of books. The girls won't be able to go to bed in their triple bunks because there'll be Dickens on the top bunk, Dylan Thomas in the middle and Enid Blyton at ground level. You won't be able to fill the bath with softened water because Billy Bunter will take up all the space. The grand piano will never be played because Richmal Crompton will be fighting for space with Ian Fleming on the piano stool. And your son will be afraid to move in case he puts his wet feet on Lady Chatterley's Lover :-)

[Buenchico]

(Er... make that 3 parts! 'Cos AB won't let me do it in two!)

OK. Silly bit out of the way. One of the best ways to learn about the book trade is to study the excellent magazine, Book and Magazine Collector. (It's available in larger branches of W H Smith. If you're looking for it, note that the 'and Magazine' bit is only in small print. i.e. the title leaps out at you simply as 'Book Collector'). This publication is full of useful information and interesting articles; it's the standard reference for the seconhand and antiquarian book trade. It would probably be worth your while to get hold of some back issues. There are loads of these available on eBay. Buying single issues can work out rather expensive but this seller has got 45 copies on offer and is inviting an initial bid of �9.99:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/45-BOOK-AND-MAGAZINE-COL LECTOR-MAGAZINES_W0QQitemZ7021255330QQcategory Z1138QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The current edition of B&MC will include details of book fairs in your area. Go along and find out what seems to be selling and what prices are being charged. Also, speak to the organisers and find out how much they charge for a stand. (Many of the dealers at book fairs do it as a hobby. These events offer an excellent entry point into book dealing with a fairly minimal outlay). Book dealers, both in shops and at fairs, seem to fall into two distinct groups. They're either moody, sullen, grumpy and unhelpful or cheerful, chatty and happy to go out of there way to assist you (even if they won't get a sale from it). There seems to be no middle ground! Seek out some of the friendlier dealers and let them teach you the ins and outs of the trade.

[Buenchico]

If you're going to be buying and selling books on the web, then you need to know about the leading UK site for secondhand books. (Many of the dealers on here are just hobbyists). This is Abebooks:
http://www.abebooks.co.uk/

Lastly, you might like to take a look at my ramblings, here:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Arts_and_Litera ture/Question210599.html

Chris

[mimififi]

Thanks Chris, once again, your knowledge astounds me!

Thank you also for your usual cheeky-monkey-esque response, it is fair to say that I did in fact laugh off my head, again....

Seriously, thank you for your answers. I shall defo check out the links you sent. Sound informative. You know how I like to learn new things.

cheers again, you are a little star.
mimi

ps I did reply yesturday with a far wittier response, but somehow, it is not on here and after a terrible nights sleep i don't feel up to witty this morning, so I shall settle for regular.

:-)