How can I find out the value of old, rare books?

Question

And, what characteristics make an old book valuable?

Answer 1

Because it is old means nothing, and in line with your question do nothing to the book (rebinding, etc.). Here try this they have always answered my questions. http://www.bookguys.com/archives.htm

God Bless You and Our Southern People.

Answer 2

You said rare, so I'm guessing you might already know it has some value.

Right, old doesn't translate into $. It there were tons of copies, then it's probably available and the price is low.

Things that can affect price: edition, dust jacket (if there is one), spine, corners, tears, writing, aging, rubbing, smells, collectibility. I have a 1901 Bureau of Animal Industry I haven't listed because at the time, the going price was too low. (I need to check on that, as a matter of fact.)

If it's really old, it probably doesn't have an ISBN. You could go to bookfinder.com. It hooks up to many different on-line venues so you can see what other copies are available and the asking price. You may want to check out eBay, too.

If there is an ISBN, try Amazon.com, again, just to see what's out there. I also have used fetchbook and addall to research prices (links below).

Looks like you have some other good resources listed from other answerers, too. I'm listing another on-line site with prices for older books which might help. Hope you have a winner or two!

Answer 3

Bauman Rare Books has a website. They can give you all the info you need. Pax - C

Answer 4

check www.abe.com

All you would want to know about old rare books...maybe more than you want to know

Answer 5

There is a site, ABE exchange.com that does just that.