What Makes a Book Truly Valuable: Identifying Books Worth Keeping and Protecting

Of the 150 to 200 billion physical books that have been published in the last 500 years, most have been lost or destroyed. Today, it is estimated that there are between 1 and 2 billion physical books in existence (of which between 80 to 100 million are distinct physical book titles). Still so many books, but what truly separates an ordinary book from a literary treasure? 

Like art, the value of a book includes a tangible and intangible element that goes well beyond age and sentimentality. Today, there are significantly less ‘cheap’ used quality books to be found compared to even just five years ago, and it’s not just bookflation. Quality books are becoming more valuable and pricier.

So, whether you’re just a curious reader or an aspiring collector, let’s lightly explore what makes a book more valuable so that the next time you are examining your own books, or rummaging through a garage sale or bookstore, you will know how to spot the qualities that make a book more valuable – just like a pro. Furthermore, developing a keen eye will help protect books that need to be cared for and passed on to future generations of book lovers.

Condition: The Silent Story Teller of Value

This is generally the most important factor. As it turns out, you can judge a book by its cover. Damaged books lose much of their value. If a book comes with a dust jacket; even if the dust jacket is slightly torn, keep the dust jacket! Lamentably, so many dust jackets have been tossed out, but in fact, a dust jacket (especially if it is in good condition or a first edition) greatly adds to the value of a book. Many collectors actively seek out editions with the dust jacket.  

Is the binding tight? Are the hinges firm? Are the pages clean and mold-free? You want to inspect for markings, underlining, highlights, marginalia, tears, dog-ears, page creases, and foxing (reddish-brown spots on ageing paper).

Physical Imperfections: Do-it-Yourself Don'ts

If you see some loose pages, and you think the book may be of value, please don’t start glueing!  You do not want to attempt to repair it yourself. Even professional restoration can devalue a book. Leave it alone!

The Human Touch: Inscriptions and Provenance

Previous owner’s inscription on the inside cover page can either add or devalue book. Personally, in some older books, I enjoy seeing old owner’s inscriptions. In fact, I often Google the name of oft long-gone book owner’s just for fun. Take this example of “Essays” by Ralph Waldo Emerson where the inscription actually adds value. 

       

 

It is lovely. It adds to the character, authenticity and historicity of the book. That is part of the magic of old books. When I hold that venerable old book, I am not only connecting with the author Emerson, and the original Christmas of 1906 signer (Mrs. Merton C. Robinson); I am also connecting with all the individuals that book has touched or been touched by since. I am in essence transcending time and space – all thanks to the author’s creative spark that connected and bonded us all together like a fine host. It really is magical! But, please, please don’t start scribbling and signing all your books as it will most likely devalue your book.  

Content and Significance: The Soul of the Book

Evaluating the condition and physical quality of a book is quickly learned. Evaluating the contents of a book (its soul) requires a different skill set. Naturally, the true value of any book lies in its content and enduring legacy. That is the driving principle I have built my own bookstore on – content quality. Evaluating content has much to do with impact. Is or was the content groundbreaking and visionary? Is it a milestone work? Was it revolutionary? Was it signed by the author? Valued content includes impactful ideologies and philosophies, classics, literary masterpieces and ideas that changed the world – from Anthropology and Art to Zeitgeist and Zoology. 

Age and Rarity: The Test of Time

Age alone does not equate to value. Early publications and printings for important works however are prized for that same reason that a 2007 first generation iPhone is prized; it was the first time it was shared with the world. Consider Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species” published by Penguin Classics in 2009. The value of this book is not in the craftsmanship – it’s a mass paperback book. Its importance is in its place in science and history. So many copies and editions of “On the Origin of Species” have been printed since it was first published, that the pecuniary value of this edition is minimal.

In fact, most classics and well-known works are so ubiquitous, that they sell for less than obscure titles where few extant copies exist, like for example, this well-worn copy of “Dangerous Foreigners, European Immigrant Workers and Labour Radicalism in Canada, 1896-1932"

It is barely known to anyone at all, but sells for three times the price as the famed, “On Natural Selection”. That is because, high-quality scholarly content, on that subject, is hard to find in physical print. Few copies were printed. And even less can be found anywhere at all. It is valuable.

It is also important to understand the true meaning of ‘First Edition’. Unfortunately, the term can be misleading and is generally misunderstood or misused. Let us use Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species” as an example. The book was first published and printed in 1859. The publisher was John Murray. But that first edition’s 1250 copies sold out on the first day. And so, subsequent printings were made. That second printing is still a first edition, but as a second printing it is not as rare as the first edition first printing. Darwin himself oversaw the publication of 6 more editions of the same book with the same publisher with revisions and additions. Those then, were not first editions either. 

In the over century and a half since then, hundreds and possibly thousands of different publishers (especially since the title entered the public domain) have published “On the Origin of Species” (many with annotations, etc.). Every time one of those publishers released their copy for the first time, it was a first edition (although not in the truest sense). For example, Penguin Classics’ first edition of “On the Origin of Species” was released in 1968. It’s not really a first edition per se, but it is ‘their’ first edition. They then released another (anniversary) edition in 2009 (below) with a new introduction, references, and cover design, which again makes it a first (Penguin) edition. That is why, despite the misnomer, both the books below are in fact first editions. The actual 'real' first edition on the right however is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.  

Online book sellers should clarify this – I certainly do – by listing edition information clearly, e.g. “On the Origin of Species” by C. Darwin, Penguin Books’ First Edition (2009). It is also helpful to pay attention to copyright. You may, for example see a first edition book from 1975, but in small print, the copyright is from 1946. 

The Art of Construction: Craftsmanship and Materials

There is also value in the book as an object of art. There is both an aesthetic component and an architectural component to a book. One must consider how it looks and feels, and how it is designed and constructed. Consider this Collector’s edition of “Jude the Obscure” by Thomas Hardy.

The cover is made of genuine leather (not leatherette) which adds significant value and longevity to this book. Notice the 22kt gold gilded edges, motifs, illustrations, and title. Notice the hubbed spine. The inside cover pages are made of fabric – moire fabric. Its pages were made to last and thus made on milled, archival quality paper. The bindings are tight and well sewn (not glued). Real attention to detail was paid when this book was made. Even the bookmark ribbon is made of silk, but the best part of a book like this, is how it feels when you hold it. It feels balanced and solid. It feels good. The most extraordinary thing about this type of book however, is that; it so well made, that it can be read multiple times, over many decades, and still look brand new, just like this impeccable 1977 edition.  

Conclusion:

And so, condition, book design, build, content, subject, age, demand and rarity all play a role in monetary valuation. But, for true book lovers and collectors, the biggest value will aways be found in the pure joy that can be found in simply reading, owning, holding and enjoying a beautiful or important work. That’s why I meticulously curate the EstimableBooks.com collection to ensure every volume offers not just a story; but an experience, a piece of history and enduring artistry.