Gently open the book to the first page. Pass any blank pages and the half-title page, if there is one, which contains only the name of the book. Following these, you will find the title page. Turn to the reverse or the following page for the copyright page. Don’t rely on the dust jacket or binding to find the information you need, since these elements may not be original to the pages within. Even if they are, the information they provide may be incomplete.
Some first editions display the words “First Edition” on the title page, but many don’t. You may have a first edition book if you only see a single publication date. You can identify a reprint if you see multiple publication dates listed. Reprints often include the word “Printing” (as in “Second Printing”) or “Edition” (with an ordinal number other than “First”). In some cases, a book may be reprinted by a publisher other than the publisher who originally published it. It may be described as “First (publisher name) Edition” to indicate that the press is not the original publisher of the work.
These catalogs include a different entry for each known and suspected edition of a book title. You’ll be able to see where your edition fits within the title’s overall publication history. This will help you understand how old it truly is.
As with most collectible items, the fewer copies that exist, the more valuable each individual remaining copy is. Ask a librarian to help you look up your book in an online catalog if you’re having trouble. [5] X Research source
Refer to antiquarian terminology to accurately define the damage. For example, brown splotches are known as “foxing. ” Condition and completeness both impact the monetary value of an old book.
A book without its original binding is also incomplete. If your book isn’t terribly rare, a copy in worse condition will always be of less value than a similar copy in a better condition.
The absence of a dust jacket from a book that originally came with one may significantly decrease its value.
Regardless of condition, refer to your book as an “ex-library copy” if it contains library markings or originated at a library. Use “binding copy” to refer to a book whose pages are in decent condition but which requires a new binding. [10] X Research source Keep in mind that especially old or rare books may still be highly valuable even with considerable damage.
If your book came with a compelling story, try to track down documentation proving this lineage to be true. Look into family records or consult people who knew the previous owner for confirmation.
Appraisals typically cost a fee, often to cover services as well as insurance, so be prepared for this investment. If you’re not able to find an appraiser in your area, send detailed photographs of the book. Snap pictures of the front and back of the title page, the first and last text pages, the outer covers, and the spine, as well as any other aspects the appraiser asks for. Librarians typically don’t provide appraisal services. If your book contains a signature, an appraiser will be able to authenticate it for you. Depending on the book and signature, the presence of a signature may significantly increase the value of your book.
Be sure to refer to the most recent version when possible, as book values fluctuate. Refer to Allen and Patricia Ahern’s “Collected Books: The Guide to Values” for details on first editions. Look to ”American Book-Prices Current" and “Book-Auction Records,” 2 reference guides for prices old books fetched at auction. The semiannual “Bookman’s Price Index” summarizes the information from book dealers’ catalogs to produce its list of prices. [13] X Research source
If you don’t see many results for your exact copy, this may either be due to its limited popularity or its scarcity. Consider consulting an antiquarian if you can’t find much online. Set up an account and try to sell or auction off your book through one of these sites if you’d like. [15] X Research source
Buyer demand may fluctuate according to trends in the market or fluctuations in personal interests. A famous title, the work of a well-known author, or a book about a popular subject may be more valuable due to popularity or less valuable due to oversaturation in the market.
It’s also okay to hold onto a book that has significant personal or sentimental value for you. This type of book, even if it’s not worth much money, can be priceless. You may also wish to donate your book to a library or archive. Contact the acquisitions department to discuss whether or not you can make a donation. [16] X Research source
