Investing in Antiquarian Books
Wednesday, 19 July 2006 12:29 PM BST
Contributed by: Anonymous
Views: 1,609
With the fluctuation in the stock market within recent months savvy investors are seeking other alternatives to conventional investments. With Antiquarian books, there is something to suit any level of investment and unlike other investments something to treasure while the investment grows. When venturing into the world of Antiquarian books the first port of call must be Biblion at Grays Antique Market. For as little as ?50.00 one can pick up a fine copy of Banks, Iain M. Feersum Endjinn. London: Orbit, 1994. Inscribed by the author on the title-page and prices then can reach the thousands for something as scarce as Brisson Ornithologia First Edition 1760, for ?20.000.00 (it is considered the most important ornithological work of the eighteenth century) so even the most discerning collector will find something of interest.
Biblion is a consortium of eighty dealers who are all specialists in their chosen subjects, meaning there is something to suit all tastes and investment plans. Stephen Poole manager of Biblion says, We look to our dealers to assist us in providing investment opportunities. Like us, our dealers are aware that books begin life as multiple objects and that a number of factors (and combinations of those factors), such as scarcity and having a book autographed by the author, help individual books and thereby add value.
Stephen also recommends paying attention to the literary review news pages. When an author wins major literary awards, or their book is turned into a television adaptation or feature film, the value of the book can increase significantly. An incredible example is the dramatic increase in price of a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling. In 1997, when the book was first published, a copy would have cost around ?15. However, with the book rising to the status of a global phenomenon and with the making of a blockbusting feature film, a first edition copy would now cost in excess of ?25,000. This gives a staggering 167,000 per cent gain
Investing in antiquarian books and Modern First Editions is therefore a viable and profitable alternative and even if a book does not increase in value over night, an antiquarian book can be something of personal value to the investor to be enjoyed and cherished. At Biblion the knowledgeable staff are on hand to help select books for an investment but also take the time to suggest titles that match the individual's personal taste, making a rare book an investment to appreciate.
Notes to Editors
Top ten things to look for when investing in antiquarian books
Scarcity the rarer the book the better and the more chance it will be valuable and collectable.
- Always buy a book with its original dust jacket. The current orthodoxy is that they account for 80% of the total value and this is unlikely to change.
- Beware of buying antiquarian books over the internet. Unscrupulous individuals do sell fakes for vast sums of money.
- An author's signature generally doubles the value of the book
- Look out for books belonging to someone of importance with their signature or book plate in it.
- Pay attention to the news pages for literary award announcements, and forthcoming films or TV adaptations as this can increase the value of a book.
- Research what is popular in the book collector world. Book world trends have a big impact on prices for example first editions from the last century are currently proving very popular.
- Maintain the condition of your book. Keep it out of direct sunlight and dampness; store it properly on a shelf.
- Look out for popular Twentieth century authors such as Ian Fleming and Grahame Green whose books are most likely to hold their value.
- Always invest in a topic you have a genuine interest in. If your books don't make an investment over night, at least you will receive pleasure and enjoyment from them!
Biblion
Open Monday- Friday, 10am-6pm
Grays Antique Market, 1-7 Davies Mews, London W1K 5AB
Tel: 020 7629 1374
Fax: 020 7493 7158
Email: info@biblion.co.uk
Nearest tube is Bond Street
Grays Antique Market is home to one of the largest and most diverse collections of fine antiques, jewellery and collectables in the world. Seconds from Bond Street and Oxford Street, Grays is a focus of the London antiques trade and home to some of its finest dealers. It is open Monday to Friday 10am-6pm
Grays Antique Market, 58 Davies St, Mayfair, London W1K 5LP
020 7629 7034