What is a collectible book?

There are a variety of ways to define a collectible book. Some books are

considered collectible due to the their author having achieved stature as

a literary figure. Usually, the first edition of the author's work in

print would be considered most collectible, or a first edition of their

most noteworthy book, or the first edition of a book that received a

prize. The value in such books is enhanced because their initial press

run would have been small. When the author went on to achieve great

stature, their work was considered desirable by more collectors, and the

small number of the first press runs of the books increased in value. It

is the combination of desire and rarity together that raise the value of

such books.

If a book is signed by its author, that also may increase its value as a

collectible. Generally the monetary value of a signature depends on how

well-known the author is.

Other books are collectible because they are extremely scarce examples of a

noteworthy work; books such as The Story of Little Black Sambo by Helen

Bannerman, published by Grant Richards, 1899, London, can sell for very

high prices.

Other books may be considered collectible because of their illustrator.

Many children's picture books fit into this category, for example the

Wizard of Oz books illustrated by W. W. Denslow or Alice's Adventures in

Wonderland illustrated by John Tenniel. Arthur Rackham was another

well-known illustrator of children's books.

But there are probably nearly as many types of collectible books as there

are book collectors. A particular genre or subject area may be of

interest, such as science fiction, fantasy, mystery or cook books.

 My interests have been tended to be eclectic. I have

read and collected a variety of books. Poetry, fiction, theology, gardening, and cook

books have all interested me at one time or another.

As a practical consideration, it is best to have a more narrow focus

for a book collection, so that you can acquire a

quality collection with a limited amount of space and a small budget.

There are literally hundreds of childrens'

series books.  A collection could focus on one series, such as Nancy Drew or Judy Bolton.   If

one was interested in architecture, a starting point might be books on

one particular architect or school of architecture, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, art deco or the Bauhaus school.