Start Collecting Books

u ever considered collecting books? But you're not- Collected books can be read (carefully) and
sure how to start. And you're not sure why youenjoyed.
should start?- Books are relatively compact ... you don't need a lot
I have to admit that I was somewhat intimidatedof space for a few hundred.
many years ago when I first saw my brother-in-law's- Getting your books signed will give you an
large book collection.opportunity to meet and talk to many famous as
He had first editions of well-known books such aswell as up-and-coming authors.
Stephen King's Carrie. Several Ian Fleming books from- Books are a good conversation starter ... not
the fifties and sixties. And a few Faulkners,everyone collects but almost everyone reads books.
Hemingways and Steinbecks. And many other- A book collection can be something you leave to
authors I'd never heard of.your children ... properly cared for books will last
He also had many recently published books ...decadesor even centuries.
hypermodern books ... that he said he picked up for a- And finally they can be decorative and impressive if
few dollars in both new and used book stores. Andstored in nice bookcases.
these books were appreciating in price. That reallySome good examples of the many ways that you
caught my attention.can build a collection of books are in student book
And so with Jim giving me helpful hints and showingcollecting contests held at many colleges and
me how to make sure a book was a first edition ... Iuniversities. The student collections may concentrate
started collecting 12 years ago. Mainly hypermodernon a single author, an historical period of time, a field
books (published in the last 10-20 years) but also aof science or a specific area of literature.
few older books.Student book collectors have been competing at
Here are some of the benefits of book collecting:collecting books for many years at various colleges
- Books can be collected on any budget.and universities. Nearly forty universities have book
- Collect what you like - there are no rules.collecting contests.
- Certain selected first editions may appreciate overThe oldest contest is the A. Edward Newton Student
time.Book Collection Competitions. It was started in the
- With the internet you can collect books without1930s by a famous Philadelphia book collector and
ever leaving your house!author, A. Edward Newton.