Collecting Books for Fun

Interested in collecting old and rare books but not sure where to start? The good news is, there are no hard rules. Book collecting is personal, creative, and, above all, fun. Whether you’re passionate about a specific author, era, or topic, there’s a collection waiting for you to build.

Collect an Author You Love to Read

One of the most enjoyable ways to begin is by collecting books from an author you already enjoy. Whether it’s the timeless wit of Jane Austen, the adventure of Ian Fleming, or the imagination of Georgette Heyer, collecting all of an author’s titles brings both joy and a sense of purpose.

If the author was published in the last seventy years, there’s a good chance you can still find first editions or early printings. Some authors are highly collectible and can be expensive, but many are not, and it is entirely possible to build a satisfying collection on a modest budget.

There’s nothing quite like owning a complete shelf of books you can dip into whenever the mood strikes.

Collect Books on a Hobby or Interest

Another great approach is to collect around something you already enjoy. If you’re into gardening, trains, philosophy, or war history, there’s an entire world of vintage and out-of-print books to explore.

Building a collection in a subject you know and love can deepen your understanding and spark further curiosity. As your shelf grows, so will your expertise. And while value may not be the main motivator, well-curated subject collections can sometimes increase in value over time.

Explore Popular or Niche Themes

Not sure where to begin? Try following popular collecting themes. Some collectors focus on:

• Different editions of the same title, like Pride and Prejudice or Alice in Wonderland
• Specific publishers, such as Blackie and Son or Adam and Charles Black
• Famous illustrators, like Arthur Rackham or Edmund Dulac
• Particular binding styles, such as leather-bound books with gilt edges

Popular subjects include:

• Natural history, WWI, and shipping and railways
• Arms and armour, philosophy, and the American Civil War
• Children’s annuals and beautifully illustrated storybooks
• Notable figures like Winston Churchill and Napoleon

 

Focus on Australian Themes

Many collectors in Australia love books that reflect the country’s rich past. These often include:

• James Cook and early exploration
• Colonial history and bushranging
• The gold rush period
• Regional and local histories, especially in areas like the Blue Mountains

 

These books tell uniquely Australian stories and remain popular with collectors who want to preserve cultural history.

Try Something Unique

There are also wonderfully quirky areas of collecting:

• Miniature books (less than 7 cm tall) are both charming and highly collectible.
• Ephemera, such as pamphlets, letters, or old advertising, appeals to those who enjoy print history beyond books.
• Book series completists love tracking down every title in a set, like the first 1,000 Penguin paperbacks or every volume of The Saturday Book.

 

A Final Tip

No matter what you choose to collect, condition matters. Try to buy books in very good condition or better, especially when it comes to dust jackets, as they can dramatically affect a book’s value and appeal.

Above all, collect what excites you. Your collection should bring joy, spark curiosity, and grow with your interests. Whether you’re drawn to beautiful bindings, powerful stories, or historical detail, the thrill of the hunt is all part of the fun.

For more information, contact us at info@lovevintagebooks.com.au

Happy collecting,

Margaret at Love Vintage Books