Some Tips on What To Collect – Part 1
For those who love literature, whether by the great classic authors eg: Charles Dickens or by the writers of popular fiction eg: Georgette Heyer collecting all of a favourite author’s books can be an achievable challenge. For authors published in that last 70 years it is still possible to obtain first editions. Some authors eg Ian Fleming are very collectible so expense may be an issue but it is still possible to build a collection with modest means.
Secondly, for those with interests and hobbies building a collection around the subject can be very rewarding. A collection based on opposing viewpoints increases expertise and can possibly grow in value. Popular collecting subjects include: shipping and railways, WWI, arms and armour, Antarctica and notable figures such as Napoleon.
Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice is a favourite title for book collectors.
Collecting by title presents another opportunity. There are many enthusiastic collectors for “Pride and Prejudice”, “Alice in Wonderland” and “Don Quixote” as there are collectors of illustrators eg; Arthur Rackham and Ronald Searle.
The main thing to remember is to always buy books that are in very good condition or better….as near as possible to brand new book condition. This applies to the book itself and to the dustwrapper if there is one.
