How much are old books worth?

Question

I have the original John Wanamaker Diary from 1933. Also I have a book that is about 135 years old. I have many books that I think are worth money, but don't know where to take them to find out. Can anyone help me?

Answer 1

I sell books on EBay. If you search EBay "Completed Listings" that is good information, because it identifies the actual sale price.

www.abebooks.com is also a good reference. If you enter the information for the book (make sure you have the same publisher and date of publication), and there are say, fifty copies for sale at $20-$100, chances are that the actual value is toward the lower end of the spectrum. If you find say, only half a dozen copies for sale starting at $150, you know you have something. Remember though that abebooks lists asking prices, which do not necessarily reflect actual values.

There are many factors affecting the value of a book. Some of the basic ones are: does it still have its dustjacket? (most hardcover books published after 1920 or so should have one), a book lacking a dustjacket is likely to be worth less than 25% of a book with its jacket; is it a first edition (more important for fiction than nonfiction); is it an ex-library book (likely to have little or no value). Age really doesn't play into it, there are many 20th century books worth $ and many 19th century books worth squat.

Finally, you can ask about specific books on the "booksellers" board on Ebay, there are some seriously knowledgeable people on there. Just make sure to give them all the details about the book. Also you can get all sorts of basic info from that board, more than I can go into here. Here is the link and good luck:


http://forums.ebay.com/db1/thread.jspa?threadID=2259864&tstart=0&mod=1168876519618

Answer 2

Search for an appraiser at the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America. The ABAA also will send a copy of its directory of members and their specialties by telephone request to [phone].

Many libraries own the old standby, Buy Books Where, Sell Books Where. Search library catalogs for the most current annual edition. A similar title is Bowker's American Book Trade Directory.

And don't forget the Yellow Pages

Answer 3

relies upon on the books, of route. some books are "first version" and in "solid challenge." and some are on concerns hardly were given right here for the era of, or notorious, etc. yet then, how lots might want to a e book it quite is worthless trash at present day going to be good properly worth in 100 years?

Answer 4

see if anyone has one posted on ebay