Why I started collecting books.
Recently we returned to London for a few months.
It’s lovely to spend time revisiting familiar landmarks, and discovering new places.
London has so much to offer, but I especially enjoy browsing the book shops here.
There are such a wide range of them to visit.
These include specialist antique book dealers, as well as the usual Waterstones type chain stores.
To make the most of the time here I decided to visit some of these stores and start a book collection.
I intend to collect hardback, first edition books, by three of my favourite authors – Martin Amis, Ian McEwan and Julian Barnes.
I’d also like to add Man Booker Prize winning books to the collection.
I want to enjoy learning more about first editions and book collecting in general.
Whilst doing so I hope to accumulate a collection of quality first edition hardback books.
If they retain their value, or increase in value over time, that would be a bonus but it’s not the main reason for starting the collection.
Instead the aim will be to enjoy searching through the book shops, and the internet, to see what is available.
As a complete novice I will no doubt make mistakes (and unwise purchases) but I see this as a reasonable cost of starting a new hobby.
I will share what I learn as I go along so as to avoid others making the same mistakes.
What is a first edition book?
One of the first issues I came across was how to identify first editions.
Books are often printed in smaller quantities on the initial print in order to test the market and see how well a book sells initially.
These books are known as first editions.
Subsequent issues of the same book in future months, or years, will not be classed as first editions.
The first printings are known as first edition, first impressions.
I still need to work out the distinction between a first and second impression.
The information on the title page of a book helps to show if a book is a first edition.
A typical title page is shown below.
The date of publication, the ISBN number, and often a series of numbers such as 2,4,6,8,9,7,5,3,1 are displayed.
If this series of numbers includes the number 1 then it is a good indicator that the book is a first edition.
In the particular case below there are no series of number but this is still believed to be a first edition.
Here the lack of information about earlier print dates suggests that this is a first edition.
Checking the ISBN on websites such as www.isbnsearch.org can also help establish if a book is a first edition or not.
For further details on what ISBN numbers are, why they are needed, and what each section of an ISBN number represents click here.
The book shown above is a signed copy. The author’s signature is written underneath their printed name.
My understanding is that these are worth more than unsigned copies as they are more collectable.
Bookshops such as Daunts often get a number of pre-signed books from the publishers when new books are released.
In the Martin Amis book shown above the title page displays the list of numbers including the number 1.
This indicates that it is a first impression.
Where Can You Find First Edition Books?
Most author’s latest release will still be classed as a first edition.
This does not necessarily make them collectable.
They may become collectors items in the future but are unlikely to be collectable when readily available in numerous bookshops.
Collectors are often looking for older first edition books instead.
Specialist book shops often cater to this market and this is where I first came across collectable books.
So far I have bought books from Hatchard’s on Piccadilly, as well as Any Amount of Books and Henry Pordes, both of which are on Charing Cross Road.
The staff in all three shops have been very helpful.
All appear very knowledgeable and willing to help.
More recently I visited Sotheran’s on Sackville Street (off Piccadilly).
This is a beautiful book shop and well worth a visit.
Can you buy first editions on the internet?
The simple answer is yes.
The internet is probably the best place to search for first edition books.
It’s also a great place to research their current value.
Many of the specialist book stores have websites where you can browse and buy first editions.
These include stores such as Peter Harrington and John Atkinson Books.
I’ve also found ebay to be a good place to find first editions.
I was reluctant, at first, to buy a first edition from ebay.
I was concerned that I couldn’t check on the quality of the book before buying it.
Despite this initially concern I did buy a couple of books from there and was pleasantly surprised.
I’ve found that some of the sellers on ebay are keen collectors and by looking at their ‘other items for sale’ and reviews you can get a feel for their reliability.
A second website that I have been using to buy books is abebooks.
They have a wide range of sellers, many of whom are bookshops, dealers or collectors.
I particularly like the function on their website where you can narrow down your search using the hardcover, first editions and signed filters.
One area of note is how the same condition novel can vary in value depending on it being signed or not.
Books that are signed and dated also seem to have increased value.
Clearly the date of the signing is important.
Those that are dated near to the first impression printed date seem to hold most value.
Learning from others.
I recently had a revealing conversation with a member of staff at one of the specialist book shops in London.
I asked how about the typical price they buy books for.
Although this is varied, the usual purchase price is between a third, or half the price they will resell it in the shop.
Whilst this may seem a good mark up for the store they do have to factor in rents, staff costs, and the other expenses of running a business.
As such, it appears as though a collector would be better looking for other means of selling on their books if needed.
Auctions, or on line sales, may be more profitable for the private seller.
How to look after your books.
Preserving the books I collect is equally as important as finding them in the first instance
In order to maintain, or increase in value, books need to be kept in the same condition as when they were bought.
Books should be stored in dry conditions and subject to limited variation in temperature.
They should also be kept out of direct sunlight.
To help preserve my books I have bought a toll of Mylar book cover film.
The thickness of this clear film is measured in microns.
The higher the micron number, the thicker the sheet will be.
After checking for the most suitable thickness for my books I opted for the 75 micron film.
This arrived on a large roll and needed to be cut to the exact size of the book, allowing enough on each side to cover the dust jacket flaps.
The first attempt on my copy of The Da Vinci Code was a bit scruffy as some of the edges I cut were a bit wonky.
I’m hoping to improve my accuracy, and neatness, as I practice on other books.
As a first attempt, I’m quite pleased.
The book now is now well protected and has a nice sheen to it.
Can you still read your first edition books?
Of course, you can read your first edition books if you wish.
I find it difficult to bring myself to read mine though.
The idea of potentially spoiling a fine copy by reading it fills me with dread.
Instead, I often buy a cheap second hand paperback version of my first editions.
I read these copies whilst preserving the collectable first edition hardback.
These paperbacks can be resold after reading if you need funds are tight, or if you need to clear some space on your bookcase.
I also enjoy visiting normal book shops in search of inspiration and something interesting to read.
One of my favourite book shops in London is Stanford’s, Covent Garden.
They mainly sell travel books.
In addition they have a selection of maps, globes and travel accessories for sale too.
There is a small coffee shop on the ground floor which is a lovely bonus.
It’s the perfect place to find ideas for your next travel adventure.
I recently picked up this paperback from Stanford’s.
It’s based on one of my favourite BBC radio programmes of the same name. See the links below to listen to one of the programmes.
