Customer Reviews

Book Collecting

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not only a useful price guide, giving values for thousands of authors' first books and tracking those values through the two previous editions of this book, dating back 14 years, its introductory material on book collecting (over 100 pages) is the most thorough and succinct introduction to collecting that is available in one volume, anywhere. As a bookseller, I wish every collector read this, and I refer customers to it all the time, because the Ahearns answer the questions I am asked repeatedly with clear and informative discussions. Each edition of this book has been the best available reference in its field, and each edition keeps getting better.

I just bought this book after having bought Ian Ellis's "Book Finds". I did so cautiously, since one negative review here specifically claimed the same buying "path". Not so for me. "Book Collecting 2000" is excellent for my needs and might be for you as well.

I was nudged into active book collecting when I found an author's first edition of her first novel hidden in a book sale stack. For $3 I came to own a $300 book. But it wasn't simple. Although I had heard of the author, I did not recognize the book as her "first." Only a quick jaunt home to check some online listings confirmed its value. I anxiously returned to the sale hoping the book was still there... couldn't find it at first ! Someone had picked it up and then returned out of alphabetical order!

As a relatively new collector I just don't have the experience to always ID a "first book".

"Book Collecting 2000" supplies an ENORMOUS LISTING of first books (350+ pages out of 520) - with roughly 5000 entries. You can study it or bring it to a sale with you. The listings show estimated values from the 1986, 1995 and 2000 editions of the book and provide some cues about what sorts of books are gaining value at especially surprising rates.

In addition, the listings often supply additional information and "points" about the "firsts." This is, for example, the first general-use reference in which I've seen the dustjacket cover of John LeCarre's (1962)US first, "Call for the Dead", accurately described ("white dustwrapper"). Before buying "Book Collecting 2000" I had already invested $2 at another sale in a nice blue and tan version that turned out to be a stealth book club edition... disappointing but really a rather inexpensive way to learn what a "blindstamp" actually looks like!

Yes - this book is mostly lists, as the other negative review claimed. But I found all of them to be useful, especially so when combined into one source. These lists include Pulitzer, Hugo and PEN winners and the like, but also a very handy listing of author pseudonyms, nicely sorted alphabetically by both actual and pen name. An appendix contains a brief listing of publishers' formats for indicating first editions - it seems adequate but I have to admit that I still prefer my pocket-sized McBride for that. The "front material" (roughly 100 pages) is a decent overview of the wide range of information that a new collector needs to absorb. I think the Ellis book does a better job of this piece. But that just means I recommend buying both.

I now take this book with me to every sale!

I find the preliminary matter just about the best analysis of the world of contemporary book collecting as I can imagine. Excellent and thoughtful commentary by leading dealers in literary first editions. Works pretty good as a price guide too!

After reading BOOK FINDS by Ian C. Ellis, 271 pages with 229 pages of text, the reviews on this Ahearn book of 536 pages written by respected people in the field made it sound good as a follow up for a beginner. Then I received the book and started to read it. It was like going to a restaurant buying an expensive meal and receiving a hugh plate of lettice with very little meat. First list was of prize winning books over the years starting with the Booker. You can get a more up to date list on the internet from Amazon. Second there was a Glossary of 14 pages. Then there was a First Book list and yes it showed selected authors first books together with price appreciation. These lists made the point that there was price appreciation. One sentence could and did make that point. These prices will not be up to date. Again the internet used book services are better. Then there were the appendixes, again lists. When you get all done and subtracted these fillers there are just 62 pages of text left. If you love to collect lists in expensive books to fill your shelves purchase this book. Otherwise the Ellis book covers the same material and more for much less.

The first 100 pages or so are filled with wonderful information on the basics of book collecting. However, after that, all you have left is a price list of first books of collectable authors (which is only going to be useful for a short time as rare book prices are constantly in flux).

The Ahearns know their stuff, but the publisher should put out a separate volume (cheaper) with just the beginner's information for those of us who don't want the price list.

Despite its title, this work is a brief but helpful introduction for the novice collector, with many useful tips on such matters as the importance of a book's condition. Its chief value lies in the various lists included: a catalog of authors' first books--heavily weighted to modern works--and their estimated value; a guide to identifying first editions; a glossary of booksellers' terms; and addresses of booksellers and auction houses.

This book presents a wealth of information to collectors, sellers, & those who just love books.

As a value guide, the authors clearly state their goals as far as how to use the price information. It applies to the first printing of sepcific works (and the identification means for each publication are clearly listed) in very fine to fine condition. The authors also mention that the prices will be affected by lower & higher quality books. There are literally 6,000 books listed.

True, it's heavy into price values (listing prices in 1986, 1995 & 2000), which can provide some clues as to if you should hold onto that box of books in Aunt Ruth's attic, or for sellers wondering where to start the bidding, but this book also includes good solid information.

My favorite sections are "Book Collecting" & "What To Collect." This explains the lust for bound paper in a way that even your shoulder-shrugging-spouse will understand. It briefly gives credence to the 'why' of the animal that is 'book collector,' even if the books they relish are not the ones with the 4 digit values -- heck, it can give a book-outsider an idea why a book-insider adores the books so low in value, they do not appear in guides.

In "Knowledgable Buying," basic terms, details of conditions & ratings system, along with reprints, dustjackets etc, are explained, which will help budding bibliophiles, fiction fanatics & others who wish to learn how to talk the talk, perhaps effectively lowering prices at a flea market...

This also helps sellers price appropriately, not wasting their listing fees, turning inventory etc. But it also helps a well-intentioned-gift-giver from bringing you a box of books so horridly damaged, that the site of them makes you weep. (But if they do, the section on how to take care of your collection might help!)

The book is organized in an easy to follow manner, allowing this book to be used quickly as a reference tool. But, again, I keep this book for more of the "meat" about collecting -- it covers information that passionate folks want to know, aside from price values.

(Consensed Review)

Very good service. The book I purchased came exactly as was advertized, and arrived in a timely manner and in very good condition.