Pricing and Worth of Rare Books: Seeking Advice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the pricing and worth of rare books, particularly in the context of making informed purchasing decisions. Participants share insights on specific titles, their conditions, and the general market for rare physics books.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the nature and current worth of several specific rare books, seeking advice before making a purchase.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of considering the condition and edition of books when investing, noting that physics books may not appreciate significantly in value over time.
  • A suggestion is made for a specific title, "Physical Papers of Henry Augustus Rowland, First Edition," which is considered hard to find in good condition but potentially high in price.
  • Some participants express a preference for purchasing books they enjoy rather than focusing solely on investment value, sharing experiences of finding good deals in second-hand stores.
  • One participant mentions limited access to second-hand dealers, relying primarily on online sources for rare books.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of personal enjoyment in book collecting, but there are differing views on the investment potential of rare physics books and the best sources for acquiring them.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific worth of the books mentioned, and the participants' insights are based on personal experiences and opinions rather than established market data.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in rare book collecting, particularly in the fields of physics and related subjects, may find the shared experiences and advice relevant.

impendingChaos
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A quick query, I collect rare books and am looking into making another purchase.
Does anyone know what this is:
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=17-9781135549800-0
perhaps an old magazine or something, and if you know what it is does anyone know its current worth and/or if that price is reasonable.
Same question on reasonable price for:
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=16-9781135432744-0
or
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=4-9781114523142-1
or
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=17-9781135537135-0 (i question this since onle 140 for 11 books seems like they must not be very lucrative)

I will purchase one of the above just need to see if anyone has any input before I decide, I try to do research before I make an investment.
Thanks,
Mikael
 
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If your looking to make it a investment, pay special mind to the condition, and edition. Physics books will not jump a whole lot in price over the course of your lifetime, so make sure you buy what you like. My personal choice would be, Physical Papers of Henry Augustus Rowland, First Edition. I find the price is at the high end, tho it is a hard book to find in good condition.
 
Thats the spirit, I only buy what I really enjoy. That way I'm not so worried about the price. My best deals have come from second hand stores, or places that don't deal in books. they honestly didn't know what they had.
 
Thats a really good point about second hand stores. Only thing I have access too is garage-style sales, there is a saddening dearth of second-hand dealers in my area so online is my main source of literature.
 

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