Becoming a rare book dealer

A book becomes rare when its both hard to find and highly sought. Magic is the most universal of the performing arts and one of the oldest. First editions of wellloved books can become the most prized in literature. Since 1997, bookfinder has made it easy to find any book at the best price. Id also recommend this book for someone that has had a family collection of books passed down, know what you have before getting rid of it at a yard sale. Or, use the form below to search the inventory of all booksellers who specialize in rare books. If you own one of these rare books, youre sitting on a. Only in rare instances are books valuable only because they are olda surprising number of one, two and three hundred yearold books have survived in large numbers and are not avidly collected. Peter harrington rare books first edition books, signed. Antique books have become increasingly popular amongst collectors and those interested in history. On the other hand, fine press or limited edition books which were published very recently can command considerable sums in the rare book market. Antique books and rare first edition books can be difficult to track down, until now. Yet if you look at the major rare books internet site. You can become a book dealer while still working a fulltime job, and little to no experience is required.

Alibris is your source for new and used books, textbooks, music and movies. Rare book dealers are usually selfemployed, so theres technically no degree required. However, you do need to be really wellversed in your subject. F or someone who loves old and rare books, buys and sells them, ed maggs hardly comes across as bookish, more of an energetic sporting type.

You probably think most rare book dealers are bona fide bookworms. How to get ahead or at least stay afloat in the rare book trade. Magic is an art that is, and always has been, known and practiced in every country of the world throughout the centuries. Heres a look at what you need to know about investing in rare books with advice from rebecca romney, a manager at bauman rare books. Bauman rare books opened in the grand canal shoppes at the venetian palazzo in february 2008. Alcuin books specializes in scholarly, rare and antiquarian books in all aspects of the humanities and the history of science with special emphasis in fine, rare and special printings of limited editions in an array of subject interests. Rootenberg explained, with certain dealers, you never even question authenticity or titleits almost a given.

As experts in the field, we have been in business since 1977 and members of the antiquarian booksellers association of america since 1982. When searching on its important to find copies that match the book in your possession as accurately as possible. Independent online booksellers association ioba 7 andor the antiquarian booksellers association of america abaa 8. As an antiquarian bookseller, your success will, in large part, be a function of your knowledge about the books that become your stock in trade. Use the list below to locate a specific specialist bookseller or book store near you. We strive to maintain the highest standards in the trade. Bookbid rare books specializes in rare antiquarian and modern collectible books. But then, maggs, 51, had ambitions of becoming a reggae. First and only edition of the antarctic book, with the signatures of every member of the shore party, including shackleton. If you have one of these rare books sitting on a shelf somewhere, get ready to cash in. Abebooks has been part of the rare book world since going live in 1996.

First editions, autographed and signed books from feminism to the occult, naval history to crime. How to get ahead or at least stay afloat in the rare. From the start, our gallery has received high praise as a truly unusual addition to the roster of las vegas attractions, and we have done our part to fit into the festive atmosphere by being open twelve hours a day, seven. Read about the family whose discovery in their attic of a copy of action comics no. Jenkins, a 49yearold rare book dealer from austin, texas whose body was discovered at the public boat ramp in balstrop. But then, maggs, 51, had ambitions of becoming a reggae superstar. This book is a real good place to start for someone thinking about becoming a collector, a part time dealer, or someone that is interested in obtaining a better collection through trading. A look into the dwindling world of rare books fortune. The universe of rare book dealers is small, and reputation is paramount. Our latest acquisitions of rare books and manuscripts in all fields, including first editions and copies in fine bindings. With the addition of amazon and other online booksellers having link to independent retailers, you can open your small business up to a very large audience.

Rare first edition, special limited large paper issue of shackletons fascinating account of the british antarctic expedition of 19071909, number 274 of only 300 copies printed. Adrian harrington rare books deal in a wide selection of literature, modern first editions, leather bound library sets, childrens and illustrated books and fine and rare antiquarian and old books in all fields. In rare books uncovered, expert on rare and antiquarian books rebecca rego barry recounts the stories of remarkable discoveries from the world of book collecting. Love antiques has brought a wide variety of antique books together for you, in one convenient location. For someone who loves old and rare books, buys and sells them, ed. Long before jenkins was a flashy dealer of texana, hed dreamed of being an author and a scholarhe published his first book in may 1958, not long after graduating from beaumont high school as. Rather than tweed, he favored white stetsons and alligatorskin cowboy boots.

We also offer a full and expert bookbinding and restoration service. All members agree to abide by the abaas code of ethics. One can obtain an advanced degree specializing in the history of the book, or something similarbut becoming a dealer is slightly different. Bookbid has been buying and selling rare books for over 30 years. Alibris buy new and used books, textbooks, music and movies. Determine the type of store you want to have to sell your books. Hans peter kraus october 12, 1907 november 1, 1988, also known as h. Whether you want the cheapest reading copy or a specific collectible edition, with bookfinder, youll find just the right book. Alibris has been selling books, movies and music since 1997. Bauman rare books was hiring, i went through a gauntlet of an interview process, and i was trained extensively in the particulars of rare books from there by a handson method. Whether youve been collecting rare books for decades or are just beginning to be interested now. Johanson rare books is owned and operated by donald and teresa johanson. Millions of books and other items are listed for sale on abebooks by trusted sellers from around the world. George street, mayfair, london, a georgian townhouse opposite the auctioneers sothebys.

Peeking into the world of rare books the new york times. Here within are found books rare and ancient, starting with the earliest printed works encompassing incunabula, 15th century and 16th century volumes. This article will explain a little bit about the job opportunities that await you in the area of selling rare books. I am rebecca romney, the rare book expert on pawn stars. If your local library has a rare book room, meet with the librarian to. We sell only first editions and the finest copies of rare and collectible childrens books. They have been selling old and rare books since 1977 when they opened their rare book business in baltimore, maryland. Vast theft of antiquarian books sends a shudder through a. Their journey stumbling into book collecting becomes the readers journey as they learn the fickle world of rare bookshops, first editions, dealers, collectors, auctions, and beyond. The new york international antiquarian book fair, held every march at the park avenue armory in manhattan, is the worlds premier gathering of buyers, sellers and lovers of rare books.

Learn the lowdown by reading shmoops career overview that outlines what it takes to get and keep the job. They swarm like an invasive species when an uberrare book surfaces. Inside the wild double life of rare books dealer john jenkins. The antiquarian booksellers association of america was founded in 1949 to promote interest in rare and antiquarian books and book collecting, and to foster collegial relations. They wouldnt turn much of a profit if they ate their own books. You could not, at the time, take a course on how to be a rare book dealer. First editions and signed copies are the two cornerstones of the rare book.

Bauman rare books first editions, signed and inscribed. Entrepreneur bootstrapping business idea become a rare. If youre a new rare book dealer, one of your most important goals is getting into the abaa, or the antiquarian booksellers association of america. We are members of the antiquarian booksellers association of america, the leading association of rare book dealers in america. They specialize in english and american literature, early travel and voyages, early printed books, and medical books. John austin squatty jenkins didnt live like a typical rare books dealer.