How exactly to Buy Rare Books

Looking for a rare book -- an obscure academic textbook, a popular book from your own childhood, or perhaps a signed copy in one of one's favorite authors? If you cannot find it in a standard bookstore or any catalogs, use these pointers to perform your collection.

1. Identify. Know just what you are interested in. Vague memories of an "old brown book in regards to a dog" just won't do, especially in the rare book field. Know who, what, when, where, and just why! This includes having a whole and accurate description to provide potential book scouts and dealers, a complete or partial title, the author's name, and the entire year it had been first published. Helpful (however, not crucial) ancillary information includes the name of the publishing house, co-authors or editors, and illustrators. Decide in the event that you will or won't accept alternative editions, such as for example one with another illustrator, or perhaps a later reprint of the book by way of a different publisher. Also, it really is beneficial to all concerned to acquire beforehand just as much bibliographical information as you possibly can on the production of the book, also known as “points,” to be able to correctly identify the proper book.

2. Search. Scarce books, or the ones that are relatively uncommon, have become rarely seen on the market on the open market, or have become rarely observed in better-than-good condition. By their very nature, rare books arrive available on the market sporadically and may be very expensive due to when, where, and just how many were published, and just how many are available today for sale. A fine exemplory case of this might be Shakespeare’s First Folio. That is considered a “rare” book because of many factors, including its importance in the wonderful world of literature, the date it had been published (1623), the quantity published (less than 500), just how many have survived even today (223 known) and just how many are for sale to purchase in virtually any given year (less than 3). Reputable sellers such as for example Ken Lopez may either have everything you seek or will learn how to find it for you personally. Speaking with experts in the field, either personally or on collectors' internet forums, can also be a great help.

3. Network. Create a relationship with an established bookseller who has earned certification from the Antiquarian Booksellers' of America (ABAA) or other bodies, like the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB or LILA). Ask a bookseller to consider the book for you personally, or place the book on a “want list” with several internet booksellers of some repute, such as for example Ken Lopez, Between your Covers, or The Quill and Brush. Certified antiquarian book dealers have both resources and information to help you to your book, plus a reputation for fair dealing.

4. Request. Most online book sites enable you to list "wants." Devote requests at a number of these sites, especially ABE.com and AddALL.com, that have listings from used and rare book dealers from all around the globe. Ken Lopez, Between your Covers, or The Quill and Brush also gladly accept your wants lists. Many of these sites will notify you when items fitting your description are listed. And when you're collecting in a particular section of books, rare booksellers may also "look out" for goods that could be of interest for you.

5. Wait. Show patience. A copy of one's chosen book should arrive eventually, but anticipate to pay top dollar for the prize. Price is driven by supply and demand, and rare books tend to be in low supply and popular. Rare books tend to be traded on the open market, and entire collections in a variety of categories can, and do, rise for sale.

6. Buy. In case a dealer finds the book for you personally, anticipate to pay the agreed-on price. If the book is quite expensive, it is possible to ask diplomatically when there is any leeway on the purchase price, but don't be prepared to get any discounts if you don't certainly are a regular customer. Usually do not ask booksellers to get books for you or even to discount prices if you don't certainly are a serious, legitimate buyer. Auction houses such as for example Bloomsbury, Heritage, and Christie's may also be places to look around for rare books; anticipate to put in a closing fee or "hammer price" at auction houses.

Tips:

* Do your personal research. You'll find so many books, catalogs and bibliographic books written on authors and their books (including dissertation papers by doctoral students) which come filled with bibliographies of the author's work. These reference books might help you identify everything you are seeking, and the more you understand, the better prepared you'll be to enter the marketplace being an informed buyer.
* Have patience; you will discover the books you need in time.
* Ask your neighborhood reference librarian to assist you find or verify the title, author, and edition information.
* Check book auction houses and request catalogs in your regions of interest. Often it is possible to bid for books online.