Collecting Hypermodern First Edition Books

Collect hypermodern first edition books? Books published in the last 10-20 years? Sometimes in the last month or just few days ago? Are we crazy or insane? Maybe.

Why would we do this rather than go after the Hemingways, Faulkners, Orwells ... the classics ... the sure thing that everyone knows and respects?

Well, Jim does have some of these, bought years ago but they've gotten very expensive. And Jim often had to compromise on the condition of the books in order to afford them.

Let's look at hypermoderns and why we might want to focus on them for collecting:

Hypermodern first edition books have advantages and disadvantages.

1. New authors are not usually well-known or famous ... and may never be. Their books are untested and may not sell well. (Most books do not make a publisher money.) So you may not impress your spouse or friends by collecting hypermoderns.

2. Books from new authors usually will be priced low in used book stores and on-line for years. Particularly if the publisher has overestimated the demand for the book.

3. Some hypermodern books may quickly jump in price then collapse in a year or two ... or never appreciate after the initial rise in price. They can be speculative ... like the initial public offering of a company.

1. First, you're almost always able to buy hypermodern books at retail price, sometimes much less ... for discounted or remaindered copies.

2. Hypermodern books are usually plentiful ... at least for a few months and usually for a year or more in stores and on-line.

3. First editions can be found readily. And this is even if the book has gone into multiple printings. The firsts will usually be mixed in with seconds and later printings.

4. You'll be able to easily find fine/fine copies to buy. You'll often be able to pick from among several first edition copies to get a book without blemishes ... maybe even find a Very Fine copy.

5. You can also get hypermodern books signed more easily. This is because we're collecting authors early in their writing careers. They travel extensively on book tours and signings to become more well-known.

Hypermodern books aren't necessarily going to appreciate rapidly ... if they appreciate at all.

It usually takes a few years as the initial supply of first printings are purchased, read (possibly making them uncollectable with markings, stains or tears) and shelved somewhere.

Libraries often account for a large percentage of the purchases of a hypermodern author's books. These books are rendered uncollectible due to library stamping and and frequent handling.

As supplies of a book are reduced their value should increase. Especially if the author has continued to write and be published on a regular basis.

So what is the best way to start collecting hypermodern first edition books?

1. Read and study the 10 book collecting tips that we list.

2. Look over our Book of the Month selections and our other purchases to get a feel for how we collect.

3. Be sure to buy what you like ... even if they don't appreciate in price, you'll end up with books to read.


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