Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide (Antique Trader's Book Collector's Price Guide)

Rating:
Summary: Saved Grandma's Treasures! A Great Investment!
Review: A close friend recommended Mr. Russell's book when Grandma died and I had to take care of her estate which included thousands of books.I was clueless about books.Several "reputable" book stores in our area wanted to buy everything for pennies. I knew Grandma had spent thousands of dollars on her books that she loved dearly.So, I read Mr. Russell's book,studied the pictures, and started to learn the simple basics of collecting in language that I could understand. I realized that there were authors that Grandma read who had had their books banned.There were books that she owned by Ernest Trueblood and Edith Van Dyne which were pseudonyms for William Faulkner and L. Frank Baum.(Actually,it would have been helpful if there had been more information about the Oz books.) So,instead of getting ripped off and losing everything that Grandma had cherished for many years,I kept all of her books.Now, I can go into those same bookstores and buy books for pennies that are worth hundreds of dollars.Thank you for sharing your knowledge,Mr. Russell

Rating:
Summary: A Guide That's Worth the Money
Review: A close friend recommended Mr. Russell's book when Grandma died and I had to take care of her estate which included thousands of books.I was clueless about books.Several "reputable" book stores in our area wanted to buy everything for pennies. I knew Grandma had spent thousands of dollars on her books that she loved dearly.So, I read Mr. Russell's book,studied the pictures, and started to learn the simple basics of collecting in language that I could understand. I realized that there were authors that Grandma read who had had their books banned.There were books that she owned by Ernest Trueblood and Edith Van Dyne which were pseudonyms for William Faulkner and L. Frank Baum.(Actually,it would have been helpful if there had been more information about the Oz books.) So,instead of getting ripped off and losing everything that Grandma had cherished for many years,I kept all of her books.Now, I can go into those same bookstores and buy books for pennies that are worth hundreds of dollars.Thank you for sharing your knowledge,Mr. Russell

Rating:
Summary: Warmed over info readily available elsewhere
Review: I bought this book hoping that it would add something new to the information available on book collecting. As a collector of antiquarian tomes for three decades, I am always interested in looking at books of this nature.

But this book disappoints. It's a mishmash of lists and information readily available elsewhere. The author is listening to some inner sense of direction which has little to do with the real book market or those who collect.

To be honest, any book that gives a list of collectible books has limited value. Any such list or lists are based on a single author's opinions. The world of books is far too complicated for a single volume to fill any real need. The Ahern volumes come closest.

If you are interesting in finding collectible books, you'd be far better off with the Ahern or McBride guides. In thened, this book will only disappoint.

Rating:
Summary: Well Researched, Tons of Information
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed the price guide. Not only a listing of prices, the book's introductions to each category are insightful, well-written and provide other bookseller's thoughts on collecting.

The book is very well researched and the category on banned books is thorough, and the pen names of various authors was interesting, who knew some of these existed?? Certainly, Russell did, and I look forward to other editions as well researched and written as this one.

My only suggestion for the guide is I wished a children's literature section was available within it(perhaps, for future guides? :) Other than that, I recommend this book for collectors, wannabe collectors, writers and readers.

Rating:
Summary: A Guide That's Worth the Money
Review: So many times I have purchased books that promise the information I will need to be knowledgable about a subject. And so many times it is an empty promise.

Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide makes no empty promises. It's filled with accessible information that informs the reader on this complex subject. I've not found one easier to use.

If you are interested in collecting or selling books, this guide belongs in your library.

Rating:
Summary: Poor information and a waste of money!
Review: This may look like a good book for people interested in collecting books. But the information is trite and there is really nothing new or of any value for a collector or seller. The book values are not reflective of current on-line pricing, or the pricing of any store I've ever seen. Save your money and do a little research on the internet for free instead.