Rating: 
Summary: Was good but too out of date
Review: The book is well written and interesting. It gives a lot of valuable information about how to act as a dealer or scout for books (1st editions primarily) with plenty of pitfalls to avoid type advice. However, it was published in 1996 and the world has moved on rapidly. For example, there is no mention of the internet in the book - but there are now many sources of books on the net. A further example - his comment on "AB Weekly" : 'If you're serious about making any sort of living with used books, you need to subscribe to AB Weekly'. In the Maine Antique Digest there is an article stating the demise of AB Weekly and makes the following comment "The Internet may have done in the AB Weekly. Traffic on such sites as Bibliofind, which lists books for sale from member dealers, and the general auction sites that offer books, such as eBay, has seen huge increases during the last few years. It's hard fora print medium to compete with a service that lets you find a book you wanton the very day you want it, make the deal or leave a bid, and return to work, all within 20 minutes". If the author produces an edition updated for the internet it will likely be a 4 or 5.
Rating: 
Summary: Invaluable Resource
Review: This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in books and book collecting both for buying them and selling them. The author presents the art of book collecting as something that anyone can learn and the passion that he himself has for the hobby / profession is obvious. It is ideal for anyone who has given thought to beginning a collection of books. The author gives us the wheres, hows and even the whys on book collecting. You find that you get the urge to rush off to the nearest used bookstore in your lunch break to begin your search. I think the Chapter listing 1,001 Collectible Books is a great idea and, as well as providing valuable suggestions on what to collect, is a handy reading list when it comes to the finest works in each genre.
Rating: 
Summary: Solid, readable book - emphasizes buying and selling
Review: This is a solid, readable book for those interested in its areas of focus:
1. An introduction to book collecting and book selling
2. Actively buying and selling all kinds of books as a "book scout"
3. Understanding MODERN first editions
It does not discuss the broader world of book collecting in any depth - understandable, given it's size. If you are primarily a collector, you may or may not value the lengthy discussion of buying and selling used (but not rare) books.
Also, BE VERY CAREFUL in taking his suggestions on how to repair books, for collectible books. Don't rely solely on this book, inappropriate repairs can easily destroy the integrity of a book.
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