by W D Adkins

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

Antique books occupy a prominent place among collectibles, not only for their monetary value, but because, like fine art, they carry the heritage of our past. There are many old books the average collector can afford to own. Of course, some volumes are priceless cultural treasures. The 48 surviving copies of the Gutenberg Bible are valued at up to $20 million each. Fortunately for book collectors, most antique books aren't that expensive!

A book is considered an antique if it is over 100 years old. There are many newer books which are also highly sought after by collectors. For example, a first edition of John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" in the original dust jacket is valued at $5000. For this article, though, I'll focus on antique books.

With two exceptions, the factors affecting a book's value as a collectible are similar regardless of age. First, modern books are worth more if they are in their original dust jackets. However, dust jackets did not come into wide use until the 20th century, so antique books don't have them. Second, from about 1850 until the 1960s, paper containing a residue of acid was widely used for printing. Over decades of time, the acid eats away at the paper. A book from this era can be chemically treated, but the sad fact is that millions of volumes have been lost.

The first things to examine are the book's pages and binding. A book in mint or near mint condition will be undamaged and show little wear. Books in good r very good condition show considerable wear and perhaps some damage, but may still have value as collectibles. The pages should all be present, legible, and with few tears or creases. Experienced book collectors also check for a distinctive "musty" odor that indicates a book is deteriorating. The cover, like the pages, should be intact and with limited wear and tear. Pay particular attention to the spine of the book. It should be firm and stiff, not loose. A book bound in leather, with high-quality paper and other features (such as gold leaf embossing or illustrations) has greater value.

First editions of books fetch the highest prices, as do copies with the author's signature. Of course, it goes without saying that books written by popular authors or famous people tend to be particularly valuable. There are certain subjects popular with collectors, including books recounting historical events and works in the sciences and humanities. Be cautious about books that are volumes in a series. Ideally, collectors want compllete

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