Old books - who to ask?

Question

My friend has come across an old book on her shelf - its a second edition of Wuthering Heights, with the author being Ellis Bell and edited by Currer Bell.

She would like to know if there are any institutions in the UK where she could find out more information about this book; for example; would the British Library be of help?

She's not really interested in monetary value - she's not looking to sell it - just information like how rare it is, how many were published, etc.

Answer 1

The British Library might have information: their website is www.bl.uk.

You might also try the Bronte Museum in Haworth, where the Brontes lived. I've attached a link to their website.

I assume you know that "Ellis Bell" was Emily Bronte's pen name, and "Currer Bell" was Charlotte Bronte's. In their day, there were few professional women writers, and it was thought that books would sell better if readers thought a man had written them.

Answer 2

To assess the monetary value of the book, she can take it to a rare book dealer or do a little internet research, by searching for that particular edition (and printing) on such websites as www.bookfinder.com, www.alibris.com or www.abebooks.com.
Bookfinder is good because it consolidates various offerings by dealers, and sorts by price.
She might be disappointed to find that it might have had a large run and that there are a lot of copies out there for sale. Also, condition matters greatly in value.

Answer 3

I would suggest getting in touch with Blackwells Bookshop at Oxford. They were able to get hold of out of print books for me whilst at college and I would consider them one of the best bookshops in the country.

Answer 4

Go to www.abebooks.co.uk
Log into the Booksleuth section.
You should get good advice from the forum.
some smart bookworms on there.

Answer 5

this site might help http://www.bookride.com/2007/03/wuthering-heights-emily-bronte-1847.html

Answer 6

I always use abebooks.com