thank you. Excellent look at the world of selling collections. And for putting in paper the thought that the customers/sellers thought you were cheating them. I don't know what to say except to have your own rite of forgiveness and understanding for people who are mad at you for not being crazy about their world.
There are two common and contradictory perceptions about antiquarian book dealers - 1) that we don't do it for the money (Q: How do you make a small fortune in the book business? A: Start with a large one.) and 2) that dealers are always ripping people off. I don't see how both can be true, but it's an interesting question to consider, as someone who buys and sells books for a living.
I know a book “collector” who is keeping his books in a storage unit. This is the worst place for books.
It’s also sad the way some collectors have this idea that their collection should be kept together after they die. It’s like their child, their very own Frankenstein’s monster that they’ve painstakingly assembled.
It’s vanishingly unrealistic that such a collection would find a single buyer. The collection in that configuration has value *for you the collector.* Subsequent collectors will want a different combination of books.
The best thing heirs can do for a collection is trade it in at a reputable used bookstore, or contact a book dealer (and have realistic expectations!!). Getting the books to a used bookstore gives them new life, lets them circulate and get into the hands of someone who will truly enjoy them.
Great article! I can think of no better advice than "Collect what you like and enjoy the process."
thank you. Excellent look at the world of selling collections. And for putting in paper the thought that the customers/sellers thought you were cheating them. I don't know what to say except to have your own rite of forgiveness and understanding for people who are mad at you for not being crazy about their world.
There are two common and contradictory perceptions about antiquarian book dealers - 1) that we don't do it for the money (Q: How do you make a small fortune in the book business? A: Start with a large one.) and 2) that dealers are always ripping people off. I don't see how both can be true, but it's an interesting question to consider, as someone who buys and sells books for a living.
Excellent post. More people need to see this.
I know a book “collector” who is keeping his books in a storage unit. This is the worst place for books.
It’s also sad the way some collectors have this idea that their collection should be kept together after they die. It’s like their child, their very own Frankenstein’s monster that they’ve painstakingly assembled.
It’s vanishingly unrealistic that such a collection would find a single buyer. The collection in that configuration has value *for you the collector.* Subsequent collectors will want a different combination of books.
The best thing heirs can do for a collection is trade it in at a reputable used bookstore, or contact a book dealer (and have realistic expectations!!). Getting the books to a used bookstore gives them new life, lets them circulate and get into the hands of someone who will truly enjoy them.