Instant Expert: Collecting Books

Rating:
Summary: What's this book worth?
Review:
It's my great pleasure to be the first to submit a review on this wonderful little book.I almost passed it by for two reasons.First, it was not in the bookstore section where 'books on books' are usually found;normally in the section near Literary Criticism,etc.It was in the section of Antiques and Collectibles;which is where books on price lists of First Editions are found,which I don't find very useful and usually pass by.So,you never know where a good book will be.One of my favorites 'books on books' "At Home With Books" by Estelle Ellis was kept in the Home Improvement section.Secondly,since I have quite a few 'books on books',I thought this small fellow was insignificant.However,I thumbed through it, and found it very good.It is particularly up-to-date with modern book buying,book fairs,sales,remainders,and most of all the Internet world of books.Granted,it has overtones about it that collecting books is all about First Editions and Rare Book dealers;present day booking and building a personal collection for enjoyment versus profit is a great hobby.Not only that,it is far easier and much less costly than it ever was in the past.In the last 10-12 years ,I have built up a collection of 6,000 books at a very modest cost and a lot of enjoyable searching.
This book is loaded with a lot of things for a person who reads a lot,enjoys having books around them,and wants to know how to acquire them at minimal cost,and at the same time having little interest in 'how much can I get for it'.Personally,I give most of my "extras" away when making room for more.
I have 'found' my books at many different places,all mentioned in this book in one way or another;and found the authors remarks right on the mark.
The Resource Guide in Chapter 4 including ,On-Line Resources,Books on Books,Collecting,Magazines,Associations,Sales,Supplies,Software,and Shops are all excellent and very up to date.
This is certainly a book you will want to keep after reading;particularly if you have a modest collection,which could be anything in excess of several hundred books,and love the hunt. It may well be a bit too basic for a seasoned First Edition collectors.If one doesn't already know what's in this book,maybe they should rethink their 'hobby'.
As to what it's worth? Like any book the answer is from nothing to priceless,that depends on you. A check on Bookfinder lists it from $4.93 to$27.94 and it's just off the press.What will it go for in a few years;who knows?But,then again,I didn't buy it to sell it.I bought it to have it.I wouldn't even try to sell it,but would gladly 'lend' it to someone on their way to building a collection,even if I knew I might not see it again.
Isn't that what booking is all about?
A giant leap forward has already occurred and I fully expect that the migration of books from one person who no longer wants them to someone who does, will continue to expand.What I suspect in the future is the growih of large swaps and trade events.