Book Collecting and the folks who indulge

[gonewiththewind]

Although I am pretty new on this forum, it has been suggested that I start this thread. My great love of reading lead me to the passion of book collecting. Ebay and local bookshops allowed me to begin my collection, which I view as a lifetime preoccupation. It did not take me long to decide that author signed books (preferrably first editions, first printing) was where I wanted to focus. I also love beautifully bound books with leather and gold guilt. I also discovered a great community of folks who collect and are generous with their knowledge. I am sure some of you readers out there are also collectors. Tell us about it. What do you collect? How long have you been at it? What is your most amazing "collecting story"?

Mine was a book I picked up at a local thrift store. It interested me but that was about all I noticed (along with the 50 cent price tag). After getting home, I sat down to browse through my new find. Wait, there are some sheets of paper in here! They are from James Russell Lowell a (most likely unpublished) birthday poem to... Oliver Wendell Holmes, Senior. I am assuming most of yaw'll know who those folks are. I sure did. What a wonderful surprise! This book and poem are now one of my most prized possessions. along with the signed note from Eleanor Roosevelt that fell out of a book I'd picked up on FDR. The book had been a gift to her niece, Alice Roosevelt and the note was on a card created by Fritz Kleiber (who she collaborated with on a children's book - which I also found a copy of).

Enough about me. What about you? In what area do you collect?

 

[sparkchaser]

I am a collector of sorts. While I do strive to own a copy of everything a favorite author has produced, preferably in hardcover, I don't really consider that a particular collection.

As far as true collecting goes, I am attempting to assemble complete sets of:

The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies - the original printing, not the National Historical Society reprints.

Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion - once again, the original printing, not the National Historical Society reprints.

Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology

The Choose Your Own Adventure series

Currently I am not actively buying through my usual venues as I have taken time off from the collecting to buy other books.

 

[jaynebosco]

I tend to collect a bit of everything. If it catches my fancy, then I will likely purchase it.

 

[Migey]

im too young yet,but when i am older,i plan to have a big room in my house crammed with books,full of every kind of edition of every book i have ever read,every cover and blah blah,preferably signed by the authors

so there will be bookshelves all around,each shelf dedicated to one seiries

 

[gonewiththewind]

im too young yet,but when i am older,i plan to have a big room in my house crammed with books,full of every kind of edition of every book i have ever read,every cover and blah blah,preferably signed by the authors

so there will be bookshelves all around,each shelf dedicated to one seiries

That sounds fun, Migey. I am always tempted to try to collect everything but space seems to be an issue more than anything. I read in many areas. What you describe sounds like my dream library.

 

[gonewiththewind]

I am a collector of sorts. While I do strive to own a copy of everything a favorite author has produced, preferably in hardcover, I don't really consider that a particular collection.

As far as true collecting goes, I am attempting to assemble complete sets of:

The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies - the original printing, not the National Historical Society reprints.

Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion - once again, the original printing, not the National Historical Society reprints.

Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology

The Choose Your Own Adventure series

Currently I am not actively buying through my usual venues as I have taken time off from the collecting to buy other books.

Interesting your interest in the civil war. I am from the South and have strong feelings about it. One of the next books I have to read is Gen. Sherman's autobiography. I have always despised the man so I thought I'd see how he justified his "March to the Sea".

We seem to have lots in common. I have a strong interest in Archeology so I can understand your Paleontology leanings.

I have not heard of the "Choose Your Qwn Adventure" series.

I have just decided to sell my Vonnegut collection so will be listing it on Ebay soon. My collection is running me out of the house.

 

[Champagne]

I also try to collect all the books I can find by favourite authors. I think I've got all the books written by Richard Dawkins, Stephen Jay Gould, and Niles Eldredge, as well as everything by Terry Pratchett that's generally available. Pretty sure we have all the Douglas Adams books, as well as the complete Jane Austen, Shakespeare, and JK Rowling. I don't collect particular editions - as long as it's in one piece and readable, and not covered with highlighting and annotations by previous owners, I'll find room for it.

 

[Migey]

That sounds fun, Migey. I am always tempted to try to collect everything but space seems to be an issue more than anything. I read in many areas. What you describe sounds like my dream library.

well it wont be a library because only the books i like are in it

and only my best friends can borrow from it

 

[Captain America]

I collect anything related to the Chesapeake Bay. My family roots are from this region and I managed to spend many Summer days during my youth on "The Bay". Now as an adult I don't have the free time to fish, crab, explore the creeks and tributaries as I had in the past. The next best thing for me is to read about it and remember my grandfather and uncles who worked these waters nearly every day of their lives. Fortunately there are a surprising amount of titles relating to the Chesapeake and it is always rewarding to find an out of print gem for my collection.

 

[sparkchaser]

Interesting your interest in the civil war. I am from the South and have strong feelings about it. One of the next books I have to read is Gen. Sherman's autobiography. I have always despised the man so I thought I'd see how he justified his "March to the Sea".

When you move to the South, it's hard not to become interested in the Civil War. I have the copy of Lee's Lieutenants by Douglas Southall Freeman that every Virginian is required by law to own, as well as several other Civil War related titles. The Official Records collection came out as a combination of my book collecting as well as my militaria collecting as the books have value in both areas.

We seem to have lots in common. I have a strong interest in Archeology so I can understand your Paleontology leanings.

I have been collecting fossils for over 20 years now and it's great to have your own reference library. I am very slowly adding to this reference library. Late 19th Century and early 20th Century monographs are real prizes.

Interestingly enough, my interest in paleontology has also resulted into me picking up several archeology titles.

I have not heard of the "Choose Your Qwn Adventure" series.

They were a series of children's books in the 80's. I spent many a summer in elementary school reading these and this collection is a attempt to remember those times.

I have just decided to sell my Vonnegut collection so will be listing it on Ebay soon. My collection is running me out of the house.

Oh noes! Don't you know the solution is not to sell books but buy a bigger house?

 

[sparkchaser]

I collect anything related to the Chesapeake Bay. My family roots are from this region and I managed to spend many Summer days during my youth on "The Bay". Now as an adult I don't have the free time to fish, crab, explore the creeks and tributaries as I had in the past. The next best thing for me is to read about it and remember my grandfather and uncles who worked these waters nearly every day of their lives. Fortunately there are a surprising amount of titles relating to the Chesapeake and it is always rewarding to find an out of print gem for my collection.

I grew up in Chesapeake Beach! Well, slightly South of there. Calvert Cliffs is what got me interested in fossils.

I miss those carefree summers growing up when we'd go out crabbing and fishing and beach combing.

 

[HermioneWeasley]

This is another time for me to mention my obsession with various french books...I am trying to collect the complete works of Alexandre Dumas(not a set, but different editions, his poetry that was published separately, etc...) and any sources that directly inspired him, such as memoirs. I also like to collect old sequels to his books and books about the history in his books. There are a couple of books where there was only one copy for sale that I could find and I got it, those are my ahppy collecting moments...

Also, if anyone is interested, i have a complete set of Terry Brooks' Heritage of Shannara autographed. They're paperback, recently published(not first editions) and in perfect condition. I"d be willing to sell them as a set for something near the price of what they originally cost. Let me know if you're interested(someone on this thread mentioned collected autographed books).

 

[Fantasy Moon]

I don't collect anything in particular.

 

[lionsroar13]

Many books have come into and gone out of my life. Now I have decided I want a shelf of "classics" that I have read. A reread after 20+ years gives a new perspective and I want my kids to read them as well.
Examples: To Kill a Mockingbird, Wuthering Heights, A Separate Peace, Frankstein, The Good Earth, etc.

 

[gonewiththewind]

Alexandre Dumas

This is another time for me to mention my obsession with various french books...I am trying to collect the complete works of Alexandre Dumas(not a set, but different editions, his poetry that was published separately, etc...) and any sources that directly inspired him, such as memoirs. I also like to collect old sequels to his books and books about the history in his books. There are a couple of books where there was only one copy for sale that I could find and I got it, those are my ahppy collecting moments...

Also, if anyone is interested, i have a complete set of Terry Brooks' Heritage of Shannara autographed. They're paperback, recently published(not first editions) and in perfect condition. I"d be willing to sell them as a set for something near the price of what they originally cost. Let me know if you're interested(someone on this thread mentioned collected autographed books).

Hi, Alexandre Dumas huh? I don't know much about him though I bought one of his books in my attempt to collect "classics". I think I will google him to see what's out there about him. He obviously struck a cord with you. I find it fascinating the various types of things folks collect. The background books: books that inspired him, the history of his subjects and early poetry - those are a true mark of a collector... things that have meaning in context with his work. I wish you luck in your search to add to your collection.

 

[Writer44]

I was a huge fan of Alexander Dumas and have to give him credit for my choice to become a writer. His stories, with their classic plotting, unforgettable characters, and stunning locations, took me places that I now seek out whenever possible.

Since you reminded me of this I'm going to restock the library with some fresh editions.

 

[angerball]

I wouldn't really say I collect books, but I do like to own the ones I have enjoyed and plan to re-read. I'm on a bit of a book-buying hiatus at the moment due to limited space (and funds ). When we eventually move into a bigger place, then I will probably start buying books again.

 

[HermioneWeasley]

I was a huge fan of Alexander Dumas and have to give him credit for my choice to become a writer. His stories, with their classic plotting, unforgettable characters, and stunning locations, took me places that I now seek out whenever possible.

Since you reminded me of this I'm going to restock the library with some fresh editions.

If they're translations I will be breathing down your back to make sure you get the good ones...I've seen some very bad translations of Dumas in my day.

Which of his books are your favourites?

 

[Writer44]

Hermione,

Please recommend what you think are the best ones in English. Sadly, I do not read French. Spanish to some degree.

Thank you for your help in advance.

 

[HermioneWeasley]

For The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, most definately the Modern Library Classics editions. For 20 Years After, The Viscount de Bragelonne, The Black Tulip and La Reine Margot, I read the Oxford World's Classics(David Coward) translations - they're the next best. I haven't read the translations of The Women's War or Georges that came out recently, so I can't judge on those, though.