Passage IV

Why Collect Books?

[1]

The next time you paw through a stack of books at a garage sale, take a closer look. The novel selling, for a dime, might be worth its weight in gold. Like china dolls, and furniture and old books, are prized by collectors. Depending on its age, condition, significance, and rarity, for a book that originally sold for $2.95 might bring thousands of dollars at auction. For the knowledgeable, sharp-eyed buyer, a pile of dusty books are there treasure.

[2]

[1] Book collecting is a game anyone can play. [2] To begin, simply decide which books interest you and then start acquiring a few titles. [3] Collectors have established imaginable markets for nearly every type of book. [4] Some specialize in children's literature; others devote themselves to aviation. [5] Incunabula—books produced before the sixteenth century—are among the rarest and most expensive prizes. [6] However, modern novels of literary significance offer an affordable entry into the game. (53)

[3]

[1] Unlike some collectibles, rare books are relatively easy to acquire. (54) [2] Garage and rummage sales are good sources, plus their are used-book stores and sidewalk sales around college campuses. [3] Still, collectors must take care. [4] A first edition of the same book, in mint condition, commands a high price. [5] Old books are plentiful, but not all are valuable; some are worth only the dime they're selling for. [6] While your uncle's dog-eared paperback reprinting of Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises might be his favorite, to a serious collector of interest. [7] If the novel is signed by Hemingway himself, your so much the better. (58)

[4]

Most collectors are in the game for reasons other than profit. The hunt provides its own rewards, as does the pleasure of reading. If the books increase in value, that's all well and good. Most collectors follow one rule above all: Collect the books that you most want to read. Then an unread book has no real value, no matter what an auctioneer might say. (60)