	Sign In Sign-Up

About My Collection

on Arizona

If you do not specialize you can get overloaded with items and information. As with any
collection there are several things to learn and to take into consideration when purchasing
books. I don't know everything and below are only a few of the things I do consider, or
watch for when I am purchasing books. Remember that I have only highlighted a small part
of the subject.

I try to collect first editions, out of print, and/or limited editions. It is not always so easy
to recognize a true first edition. On occasion, if a book is extremely scarce I will purchase
a 2nd edition in hopes of one day obtaining the first edition. Books can be repaired and/or
rebound, and that is another subject not discussed here, but that is also expensive. You need
to take into consideration the value of the book after it is repaired. This may be the thing to
do if the book is real scarce and not much other options of getting one.

Many books come in sets, often only 3 or 4 books to the set. If at all possible try to obtain
the complete set. I have several, but one I am especially proud of is my set of silhouettes.
I have all 27 books in this set. It is good to familarize yourself with the publishers, ones
such as University of Arizona Press which has published a lot of Arizona material. I rarely
read fiction but one exception was Louis L'Amour's "Flint". I enjoyed it immensely.

Here are a few of my tips on collecting

Find a reputable dealer

Since there is no way to remember everything, try to deal with
reputable dealers so as not to purchase books that may be
misrepresented.

Make condition of books a priority

This is a priority. Some things are acceptable and some small
things can take away from books. Some writings in books can
take away from the value but not in all cases.

Preferably buy 1st Editions

It is possible to find a first edition but it may not be the first
edition of the book by the original publisher.

Know about the books, especially if expensive

Familarize yourself as much as you can with authors and publishers

Take care of the books

Most the books, if properly cared for, will not lose their resale
value. If I want a book to take along for reference when I go to
old forts, or such, I try to puchase one other than a first edition
because it will be used a lot and not so well taken care of.

Learn all you can about collecting

The more you are able to learn the better it will be when you run
across some nice books. You will have some idea what you
should be paying.

I\We have found many new sources of information on the internet since Mary took the Glendale Community
College CIS133 Internet class. The Internet has almost anything someone would want to find.

Here are just a few of many other areas of resources.
These few create quite a variety with their many links.
American Library Assn. RBMS-Rare books & Manuscripts
About Metal Detecting & Treasure Hunting.
Collector's Chat

Back to Superstition Page
To top of page