THE PLEASURES OF BOOK COLLECTING

There are as many reasons why people enjoy collecting anything, I suspect, as there are days in the year, or even stars in the sky. As far as books are concerned, some will collect for profit, and others for the sheer love of owning what can sometimes be called a work of art. So do people collect special kinds of books? Yes-some do. Early editions of books, or even first editions can be found and bought. Some of them can have beautifully tooled leather bindings that are a pleasure to look at, smell and touch. The drawback can be that some may need to be handled quite carefully, and placed in the right environment, so that they don't become damaged by damp or lack of space. Books should also be stored away from direct sunlight so that the spines don't fade.

Some people like particular authors, and will try to buy all editions of their books. Others may have subjects that they are particularly interested in, and want to collect as much as possible on one theme.

So, where do you start, apart from looking at the high street bookshop if you've caught the book-collecting bug? Well, second-hand bookshops can be very useful places, and even if you cant find what you want, you can while away several happy and engrossing hours. Don't neglect the charity shops in your area either. Some worthwhile purchases can come from them. Also, book fairs are held at various times all over the country. I have been told that some are held, at various times, within Dorset at Kingston Maurward.

What should you be looking for in a book before you buy it, apart from the contents? Try to get a copy that looks as good as possible. Check to see if there are pages missing, and how yellowed or stained they are. If a book is very rare and old, or you decide that you really must have it, no matter what, then do go ahead and buy it. But, on the whole, try to get the most pristine copy you can. If the book has a dust jacket, and is in good condition, this can increase the desirability of the item. Also, any book signed by an author who is well known can help to increase its value in the marketplace. However, this can depend on how many books have been signed.

As far as the printed word is concerned, catalogues are available from some dealers. Most dealers send one out every so often. You can request one or, if you buy a book from them they will send you their next few catalogues. They are very prompt in sending you books you order, usually by return, with an invoice. If you decide you don't want the books, you can return them.

You can also buy magazines, such as The Book and Magazine Collector, which is published monthly, or The Book Collector, which comes out quarterly. Both have articles about collectable authors, among other things. There are also books about collecting, such as Peters - Book Collecting, or Chidley - Discovering Book Collecting. We have a very interesting book at Broadstone Library called Miller's Collecting Books by Catherine Porter which has lots of useful information for the book collector, including the names of auction houses and a list of dealers, as well as illustrated information on collectable books in various subject areas. I found the chapter on bindings particularly interesting. If you are not a collector, and just want the sheer pleasure of reading a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles, then why not pop into Broadstone Library? As well as books you'll find DVDs, Videos, Story Tapes and CD's all available for a modest fee. Come in and look around, you'll be very welcome!

Audrey Bloch

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