Each book hunter has a different motivation, use, enjoyment, or, like me, just like to collect. There are just some things I do not sell and just keep for myself. I know I am not alone. Something about a book seems to say that it needs to stay with you.
But, what should I collect? I pose this question so you don't become a hoarder of anything that suits your fancy and end up chin deep in paper wondering where your kitchen is located. I cannot dictate what you love, but, can give you guidelines to keep yourself from going overboard.
Who are you?
Knowing yourself matters anyway, b
ut, especially so with finding good books for yourself. Narrow it down a bit. No doubt you are interested in many things, but, pick the subject matter that lights you up, makes you joyous at its thought. Stay in that place. After all, you can change your mind about your passion later. I really like gardening, so, I know what kinds of books I will hunt down. But, what do I like about gardening? If I just like the end result, I might look for books about transplanting, or landscaping. If I like the actual process, then I am looking for a book about composting, or growing certain vegetables successfully. If I am a cook, I am looking for books about seeds and species. So, narrow it down.
What kind of writing do I like best?
Are you a fiction person? Do you like stories about subject matter? Or, do you like practical description, rather than a story about a car, you want to know the mechanics. This will help you narrow it down a bit more. Otherwise, you have
a room full of car books that you may or may not care about in a year. Maybe you t
hink of cars as art. Maybe you should just collect picture books about cars. How do you like a subject matter to be presented?
How important is the book itself?
This is where it gets muddy. So, be honest. Are you collecting to read? Or, for some kind of physical value in the book object. Don't worry if you are collecting books only. It is quite widespread. I collect for both, but, some people like the art and money of the book, so be it.
The art part
I have some strange stuff on my shelf. I have a book with a corrugated cover. It is not the prettiest thing, but, I have an appreciation for the texture. I have another cover where the impression of burn marks are printed on it.
I have another that is leather with an image carved in it with old tools. Books can be art unto themselves. If you like this, have at it. It may be cheaper and less space intensive than huge paintings.
The money part; sort of judging a book by its cover
I have gotten good at looking at the design of a book, like a movie banner, it leaves clues as to whether this is a blockbuster action film, an award winner. Author credibility is a good place to start. Of course. However, doe
s it give the impression of a deeper subject matter. Flip through it a bit and read. Do you sense the texture? Do you sense complexity? Go online and look for reviews, even for something old and uncommon. There may be information. See if it is for sale somewhere and for how much.
Printing specs
And, then, of course, is it a first or third edition? Was is a limited edition? Are there three left in the world? Was it made with certain uncommon materials? Did it belong to a famous person? Was it a special edition with additions or subtractions?
This is a place to start. No doubt as you continue to collect you will change your mind about what you want and don't want. Your tastes will refine and change. Just roll with it. Just remember every once in a while to do a space check, just to be sure you can still find your front door.
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