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Why Start Collecting Books?

Have you ever considered collecting books? But you're not sure how to start. And you're not sure why you should start?

I have to admit that I was somewhat intimidated many years ago when I first saw my brother-in-law's large book collection.

He had first editions of well-known books such as Stephen King's Carrie. Several Ian Fleming books from the fifties and sixties. And a few Faulkners, Hemingways and Steinbecks. And many other authors I'd never heard of.

He also had many recently published books ... hypermodern books ... that he said he picked up for a few dollars in both new and used book stores. And these books were appreciating in price. That really caught my attention.
And so with Jim giving me helpful hints and showing me how to make sure a book was a first edition ... I jumped in to start collecting.

Here are some of the benefits of book collecting:

  • Books can be collected on any budget

  • Collect what you like - there are no rules

  • Certain selected first editions may appreciate over time

  • With the internet you can collect books without ever leaving your house!

  • Collected books can be read (carefully) and enjoyed

  • Books are relatively compact ... you don't need a lot of space for a few hundred

  • Getting your books signed will give you an opportunity to meet and talk to many famous as well as up-and-coming authors

  • Books are a good conversation starter ... not everyone collects but almost everyone reads books

  • A book collection can be something you leave to your children ... properly cared for books will last decades

  • And finally they can be decorative and impressive if stored in nice bookcases.


  • Some good examples of the many ways that you can build a collection of books are in student book collecting contests held at many colleges and universities. The student collections may concentrate on a single author, an historical period of time, a field of science or a specific area of literature.

    Hopefully, the tips and ideas in this site will give you some encouragement to start collecting!

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