Customer Reviews

Instant Expert: Collecting Books

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

 

 

I have collected books all my life, and incidentally sell them as I try to make room for more. I recommend this book as the best one on the market right now for true beginners to either book collecting or book selling. It is frank, unsnobbish, and it is very realistic about the changes (good and bad) the Internet has brought to the book market.

Some books on book collecting seem intent on convincing you that book collecting is worthwhile. That is not this author's approach. He takes it for granted that you want to collect or deal in books. What kind of books is up to you -- he is refreshingly unstuffy about that. But if you have an interest in buying or selling books already, the information in this book will make you a much more effective collector/seller.

It's my great pleasure to be the first to submit a review on this wonderful little book.I almost passed it by for two reasons.First, it was not in the bookstore section where 'books on books' are usually found;normally in the section near Literary Criticism,etc.It was in the section of Antiques and Collectibles;which is where books on price lists of First Editions are found,which I don't find very useful and usually pass by.So,you never know where a good book will be.One of my favorites 'books on books' "At Home With Books" by Estelle Ellis was kept in the Home Improvement section.Secondly,since I have quite a few 'books on books',I thought this small fellow was insignificant.However,I thumbed through it, and found it very good.It is particularly up-to-date with modern book buying,book fairs,sales,remainders,and most of all the Internet world of books.Granted,it has overtones about it that collecting books is all about First Editions and Rare Book dealers;present day booking and building a personal collection for enjoyment versus profit is a great hobby.Not only that,it is far easier and much less costly than it ever was in the past.In the last 10-12 years ,I have built up a collection of 6,000 books at a very modest cost and a lot of enjoyable searching.
This book is loaded with a lot of things for a person who reads a lot,enjoys having books around them,and wants to know how to acquire them at minimal cost,and at the same time having little interest in 'how much can I get for it'.Personally,I give most of my "extras" away when making room for more.
I have 'found' my books at many different places,all mentioned in this book in one way or another;and found the authors remarks right on the mark.
The Resource Guide in Chapter 4 including ,On-Line Resources,Books on Books,Collecting,Magazines,Associations,Sales,Supplies,Software,and Shops are all excellent and very up to date.
This is certainly a book you will want to keep after reading;particularly if you have a modest collection,which could be anything in excess of several hundred books,and love the hunt. It may well be a bit too basic for a seasoned First Edition collectors.If one doesn't already know what's in this book,maybe they should rethink their 'hobby'.
As to what it's worth? Like any book the answer is from nothing to priceless,that depends on you. A check on Bookfinder lists it from $4.93 to$27.94 and it's just off the press.What will it go for in a few years;who knows?But,then again,I didn't buy it to sell it.I bought it to have it.I wouldn't even try to sell it,but would gladly 'lend' it to someone on their way to building a collection,even if I knew I might not see it again.
Isn't that what booking is all about?
A giant leap forward has already occurred and I fully expect that the migration of books from one person who no longer wants them to someone who does, will continue to expand.What I suspect in the future is the growih of large swaps and trade events.

This short introduction to book collecting is a quick, witty and entertaining read. The author's enthusiasm for collecting is obvious.

This is an easy to read, entertaining, and opinionated guide to book collecting. If you are new to this hobby, and have an interest in building a collection that may increase in value over time, this book can be strongly recommended, especially in view of its low price.

The book focuses more on the financial, rather than the reading or educational aspects of this passion. The author spends much more time providing advice on how to collect books that may gain value compared to helping you find inexpensive reading editions, nor does he provide or point the reader to focused reading guides. However, Mr. Budman does present a clear discussion of the pitfalls of entering this hobby with the hope of making money. Experienced collectors will find a kindred spirit, although probably little new information.

There is the occasional editing error, as when the author mentions the term "toned", referring us to the glossary to find its meaning, although "toned" is not in the glossary.

In summary, more experienced collectors, or those focused more toward reading or education, may want to examine this at their bookstore or library before buying. However, for new collectors this will be a valuable addition to their library, one that can be highly recommended.

Let me add my voice to those who characterize this book as a concise and unsnobbish introduction to book collecting.

I purchased and read this book because I own a small bookstore and wanted to learn more about the collectible end of the business. There was a lot of information that was more of a review for me, but I found lots of little nuggets that will help me in my line of work. Some of these included:

- A discussion and list of publishers which are primarily reprint publishers and have little value and are ubiquitous on the used market

- A discussion of grading older books and how it is different from grading newer books

- A bibliography and running commentary of other books on books for further study

- A discussion about the fluidity of the market, especially on the internet, but also in auctions.

While, I have more interest in selling books than I do in collecting them, I found the book to arouse a desire and passion in me for the possibility of beginning my own collection. I also found Budman to be witty and appreciated his politically progressive undertones.

For the moment, anyways, this is one book I won't be reselling.

Nice, handy book. Easy to read, and gives the info that a novice
would want. I don't collect books, but the "Bookman" mysteries
prompted me to learn more about the subject.

This book was entertaining and well-written, and very concise. It is a small volume but it's a great introduction to collecting if you're trying to figure out if this is something you want to get more serious about. The resources it offers are great ways to figure out what else you need to learn about and where to get that information. Because if you truly are interested in becoming a book collector you will need another book (at least) to learn more, but this is a good way to pique and guage your interest in the subject.

This is a great book. It explains all the facets of book collecting in very easy to understand language.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get in fast on book collecting without doing alot of reading up on the subject.
"Instant Expert" is exactly what you will be with this book.

The book promises quite a lot, but does not deliver even for a slim volume. The relative lack of useful content is further complicated by the author's rather cynical prose and obvious lack of joy about collecting. There are some useful definitions and web site references, but overall you may not want to add this work to your collection.