Investing In The Classics

Reading the classics is something that I have always focused on but there is another world to these books and works that I have not yet discussed and that is collecting and/or selling valuable classics.

It is surprising to many people to know that some of the old books they decided to hang on to from their childhoods are actually worth something. Even Dr. Seuss books, which we take for granted are now rising in value. Not only are they classic childrens books, but the author, Theodor Geisel, passed away not too long ago and the value of a writers work usually goes up after their death. First editions and mint copies fetch a high price.

Book collecting and buying is a major hobby of bibliophiles everywhere. I, for example, like to keep a copy of every book I’ve read. Unfortunately I don’t own all of them yet because I frequent the library so I have borrowed most of the books I have completed. Slowly though I am buying the ones that I have read in the past, and find it wonderful to have them around so that I can re- visit those stories again. There is a huge difference between having read a book and not being able to access it readily versus pulling it off the shelf the minute you remember a specific passage. This is what makes book collecting fun and personal.

Most people know whether or not they have a signed copy of a book or not, but if you think about how many books you have owned over the years that you never looked at the printing information on to see if it was a First Edition, you’d be astounded. Unless you are a collector, you probably won’t think to take a look at that. First Editions, even unsigned, can be worth thousands of dollars. Don’t believe me? A first edition copy of Harper Lee’s one and only book, a classic in its own time, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” is currently up for sale on the Alibris.com website for $12,500. Surprised? You shouldn’t be, classics have fetched high prices fro years.

Roberts Publishing.com also has numerous collectible books perfect for beginners. They have a wide variety of books including my favorite, two cookbooks from the 1950's called “New Revised Edition Meta Given's Modern Encyclopedia Of Cooking,” which includes some classics recipes including...”`Muskrat Maryland,' `Casserole of Possum,' `Squirrel Fricassee,' and many more! Preserving, canning, pickling info, you name it, these books have it.” ** These cookbooks aren’t just entertaining, they’re worth a lot of money! Which goes to prove that it isn’t just literature that

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