How to Tell if a Book is an Antique

You have decided to dust off your bookshelves and you realize that you have several very old books in your collection. Could they be antiques? Are they worth money? Here are a few tips to determining just how antique your book really is.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books
• Keen eye for detail
• Online research

1. Do some research on your book first. The key factor in determining the worth of an old book is to see if it is in high demand. Certain books are in demand and dealers are actively searching for them. Some books that we think are antiques are actually not in demand and therefore their value is not very high, such as the Bible and other religious tracts, textbooks, etc.

2. Forget about the date of publication. Age has nothing to do with whether or not a book is considered antique or rare. There are other factors that book dealers and collectors take into account when determining the value of a book.

3. Go over the book with loving patience. You are looking for any distinguishing characteristics that set the book apart from other books. Is the book a first edition? Did the author sign the book? Does the book have a special and/or interesting binding?

4. Consider the condition of the book. Books that have missing pages and torn covers are rarely of any value, regardless of how old or special they are. Of course, if the book is in very high demand then you may be able to make a few dollars on it. Again, do your research.

5. Know your history. Some books may not appear to be significant but if you know your history you may spot a winner. I once found on my shelves a book by Rudyard Kipling--fairly common text--but what made the book rare was the swastika on the cover. Few people realize that Kipling used the symbol of the swastika before the symbol became associated with the Nazi movement. I sold that book for a nice penny on eBay.

6. Be patient. Take your time as you look over your book collection. Try to not get frustrated when you discover a book printed in 1878 and think you have made a rare find, only to discover the book is worth nothing. Hunting for rare and antique books is a wonderful hobby. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Check out Abe Books online for more tips and for a complete bookstore of antique and rare books.
• Don't count on it. Just because an author signed a book does not make the book a rare collectible. Autographs only count when the person who signed the book is somewhat famous or influential.

Resources

• An excellent reference site for book collectors

[ohsmurfi7]

on 9/28/2009 I'm trying to find information on a book I have and cannot find much anywhere. Its a hardback 1899 Washington Irving, Sleepy Hollow. I have tried everywhere I know of, besides paying to have it appraised. Do you have any ideas where I can find out the value on it? I'm purely curious...

[ohsmurfi7]

on 9/28/2009 I'm trying to find information on a book I have and cannot find much anywhere. Its a hardback 1899 Washington Irving, Sleepy Hollow. I have tried everywhere I know of, besides paying to have it appraised. Do you have any ideas where I can find out the value on it? I'm purely curious...

[kathamy]

on 6/17/2009 Does it list a publisher anywhere in it? If so, call them and ask about the book. Otherwise, you would need to the book to an antique expert - someone who may be able to date the book by the materials used to make the book. Good luck and let us know!

[gardenwitch2000]

on 3/7/2009 I have an old "Little Women" found in a farmhouse but there is no copywrite date. The book is not missing any pages. How can I find out when it was printed?