All Kinds of Antiquarian

What's the difference?"

Interesting question.

Certainly Rare Books and Antiquarian Books are all Collectible Books. Antiquarian Books are certainly Rare and also collectible.

So they are one in the same?

Well, yes and no.

Now that makes a lot of sense.

OK, let's try it this way. At least how I approached in my 15 years in running stores.

I would be asked by many people is John Grisham collectible? Yes, of course he is I would tell them. This would be classified as a Modern First Edition and his early writings will have some value. What about Michael Connelly? The same is true, especially for Black Echo and Black Ice. Great investments. They would be considered Modern First Editions.

What about John Steinbeck? Well, he is collectible, but would not be considered a Modern First Edition. His first editions would be considered rare, and would bring considerable more dollars. Take Cannery Row. You are looking at $600 to $2200 depending on the condition of the manuscript.

Here's one for Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. 1939. First edition, first issue, one of Steinbeck's most important works, winner of the 1939 Pulitzer Prize. $7000.

A rare work is one which is important, desirable, and scarce.

Antiquarian is truly a Very Old and is also important, desirable, and scarce.

An example would be Common Sense, 1176. A New York Edition of Paine's work. Date two days after publication, February 17th, 1776. $52,000

Now, I did not carry these last books in my store of course, but it will give you and idea of how to separate these types of books. Most of these you will not run into, but if you are out and searching for treasures, then you must have some understanding of what you are looking at.

If you ever get the chance go to a book convention and there you will find everything we have been looking at. Just seeing these will help you when you are out working in the field.

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