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First Impressions - A Guide to Collecting Rare Books

Making the Transition from Reader to Collector:

A Short Guide to Collecting Rare Books

Whether you are a new or experienced collector, here are some answers to the most common questions about collecting and keeping rare books.

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A Note on Book Collecting

Few things in life are more unique or personal to us than a favorite book. As readers, we value books for the stories they contain, but books are also valued for their rarity, artistic and decorative properties, or investment value.

What makes a book rare or valuable?

A book may be considered rare if its contents are important and there is a demand for it. A book may also be rare if its physical characteristics make it desirable, for example, if it has a fine leather binding or special illustrations.

The combination of a book’s importance, its availability in the market, and its condition will determine its value. Because millions of books have been printed over last 500+ years, age alone does not make a book rare or valuable.

How do I start collecting books?

Book collecting usually starts with passion~ passion for an author, a genre, or any theme that is personal to you. Examples of different areas of collecting include: Early Printed Books, English Literature, Signed Books, or academic fields such as Economics, Science, or Natural History.

If you’ve been collecting books or are interested in starting, we at B & B Rare Books are here to help you build your library.

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Who We Are

B & B Rare Books, Ltd. was founded in 2003 by owners Joshua Mann & Sunday Steinkirchner. Our office is located downtown in New York City's Gramercy / Flatiron neighborhood. Our specialties include 18th-20th century American, British and French Literature, Modern First Editions, Signed Books & Association Copies, Poetry, Mystery and Detective Fiction, Children's Literature, and Science & Medicine.

We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB). These organizations were founded to establish high ethical standards within the rare book trade. We are uniquely qualified to provide expert information and valuation of books and manuscripts.

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What are first editions?

First editions of any book are all copies printed from the first setting of type. Most book collectors focus on obtaining first editions because they are usually the rarest and most desirable editions, and therefore the ones that are most valuable.

First editions may have multiple printings, reprinted from the same setting of type, with minimal or no changes. First printings of a first edition are usually the most collectible.

Most publishers have their own individual ways of designating first editions. For some it is a “First Edition” or “First Printing” statement, or it could be the lack of a statement and lack of other printings noted that designates a first edition. Contact us to learn more.

Books as Gifts

First editions and collectible books make unique and excellent gifts. Whether you are shopping for a birthday, anniversary, holiday or special event, a rare book is a personal, meaningful, and often unexpected present.

Children’s books in particular make great gifts. Imagine the surprise and joy your loved one will experience when they receive a collectible edition of their favorite book from childhood.

Please contact us if you are looking for a particular title, or for ideas to make your gift extra special.

Appraisal Services & Selling Your Books

If you are an avid reader, or live with someone who is, chances are you have books lying around but do not know if they have any value. If you'd like to have your book(s) appraised, we're glad to evaluate single items or entire libraries. The fee of appraisal may be waived if we purchase the material or if it has little or no value.

We are uniquely qualified to perform book appraisals for insurance purposes, and may advise or provide documentation for tax purposes.

We buy individual books, collections, and libraries. If you have books to sell, and to better assist you, please include the following information as it applies:

- Author

- Title

- Publisher

- Year of Publication

- Format (Hardcover or Softcover)

- Condition

- Dust jacket (if applicable)

- Signature(s) (if applicable)

Photos are welcome and appreciated.

We're also glad to accept books on consignment. Please contact us for details.

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