Recognizing and assessing rare and antique books.

The language of books
In this geputer age, books have begee almost obsolete. More and more people turn to there geputers and MP3 players, instead of setting down and relaxing with a good book. Books hold the history of all we have. Every book brings with it a guide to the past. The age of a book does not alway determine it value. Most time the value of a book is based on the era it was written in and the changes in our culture since the time the book was written. For instance The childrens book "Little Black Sambo" Is worth approxamently 8500.00 dollars. The value of the book is directly related to the inappropriate nature of the book and the current moral values of today society.
Determining the worth of a book
The value of a book can change based on the geographical location of the author and where it is to be sold. For instance " The worlds and I" the biography of Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Will sell in Maine for about 350.00 dollars where the same book in Michigan will sell for about 50.00 dollars and in Wisconsin that same book will sell for about 400.00 dollars. The reason; She was born and raised in Wisconsin, lived and died in Maine and Michigan has no significant to her life.
"The Farmers boy" by Robert Bloomfield was published in 1808. Every page was pressed by hand, every letter smelted, every picture was hand carved (Etchings). Every page, hand sewn together (Signatures). When I hold a book like this I alway see a group of children gathered around a fireplace. In 1808 very few people could read and even fewer could afford the cost of a book. So a book of this type Has a high value, as few of them were printed. This book in good condtion can sell for 2500.00 dollars
Other issues that determined the worth of a book.
The binding ( the back spine area) needs to be tight (attached and tight to the signatures). The pages need to be intact, the cover should show little wear and first editions are always a good thing to look for. Autographed books make wonderful collector item, provided you can authenticate the autograph. It's estimated that 90% of all autographs are forged. So buyer beware. If you buy an autographed copy of a book, make sure it's authentic or be happy it's part of your collection. I don't regemend take a sellers "word for it". Get a certificate of authenticity from a reputable dealer or appraiser.
Childrens books are another hot item. So many children destroyed thier books that early childrens books are a high dollar seller. The first edition of "Alice, Adventure in wonderland" is worth 27000.00 dollars. "The Hobbit" is worth about 17000.00 pre 1940 childrens books possessing movable figures sell for about 75.00 to 600.00 dollars.
Do's and Don't when collecting books.
Do's: Buy what you like, Look around every corner for deals. You'll be amazed at the amount of rare books you can find at a garage sell. Second hand stores are another great find, they often have childrens books for next to nothing. Also, the basements of churches are another great place to find treasures. A 1695 copy of the King James bible is worth about 2500.00 dollars. Oh ya, Always check the pages of a book before you sell it. Books hold our life stories and people tend to put little things in the pages. The thing I have found in the pages of old books have paid for the book and then some.
Don'ts: Don't ever buy a book you don't intend to keep. Books are hard to sell, so always keep in mind, it may be yours forever.
Enjoy your books, pass them to your children. There is no greater gift then the history of your life. Every book you love, is part of who you are. One day, books will be worth more than Roseville Pottery.