12 Sep, 2017
(edited)Edited by The_Antiquarian on 2017-9-12 10:25:08 AM UTC
2017-9-12 10:12:09 AM UTC
I have spent hours looking through eBay and Abebooks.com, looking for books in "fine" pristine condition.
I have purchased half-dozen books in a period of two weeks and of the four that I have received till today, two of their conditions were subpar with "tear" present on dust jacket.
It just makes me furious that the sellers posted these books' conditions as "fine" or in "pristine" conditions. (Beren and Luthien signed copy and 1st Edition 1st Impression the Silmarillion) when even through novice's eyes, they are hardly in "fine" condition.
I suppose I can leave negative feedback and ask for returns, but since these books are of mediocre value, I am too lazy to spend another $50 dollars to ship these books back and start the claim process which will deprive me of another significant chunk of my time and brain cells.
I have collected artworks, Star Wars action figures, and movie prop replicas. When these items were shipped, they always came with the condition as described, all mint and beautiful. Also, as for rare sports memorabilia cards or action figures, I collect "graded" figures as in, they come in hardcase plastics provided by the grading authorities, making these items nearly impossible to be damaged (maybe except the UV sun damage) during the shipment.
But as for collecting books, there are so many variables that factor into books' conditions, starting from fragile dust jacket to slight bump or scratches, molding, and etc.
I am a perfectionist and I nearly cringed my eyes and feinted upon seeing these "scratches" and indentations on the dust jacket that was described as "excellent."
Am I suppose to buy at least a dozen First Edition Silmarillion that are described by sellers as "fine" in condition, in order to find a SINGLE decent "fine" condition copy?
At this point, I feel like I am playing a lottery. As a newcomer to this noble hobby, this is very disheartening and frustrating.
13 Sep, 2017
2017-9-13 4:10:13 AM UTC
I am extremely grateful for all the help, Mr. Stu and Khamûl!
What I forgot to mention is that prior to my purchase, I sent several emails/messages to the sellers, asking if their definition of "fine" and "pristine" condition are equivalent to the ones commonly used by the book collectors and they adamantly said yes.
Now I am left with two of the books that are subpar in quality and as a "perfectionist" when it comes to collecting, it's like having two tumors dangling on my bookshelf. I might as well give them to my baby son to use em as scrap paper...
I will keep purchasing 1st Edition 1st Impression copies of the Silmarillion until I find several of the actual "fine" condition books. What a quest....
13 Sep, 2017
2017-9-13 6:37:45 AM UTC
The_Antiquarian wrote:
I am extremely grateful for all the help, Mr. Stu and Khamûl!
What I forgot to mention is that prior to my purchase, I sent several emails/messages to the sellers, asking if their definition of "fine" and "pristine" condition are equivalent to the ones commonly used by the book collectors and they adamantly said yes.
Now I am left with two of the books that are subpar in quality and as a "perfectionist" when it comes to collecting, it's like having two tumors dangling on my bookshelf. I might as well give them to my baby son to use em as scrap paper...
I will keep purchasing 1st Edition 1st Impression copies of the Silmarillion until I find several of the actual "fine" condition books. What a quest....
You really just need to get plenty of photos before making your purchase decision. Of course, this isn't always possible and sometimes it is worth taking a punt. The Sil can be a hard one to find in true fine condition because as well as scuffing, bumping and all the other hazards that any book faces, the red dye is particularly vulnerable to fading (as is often the case with red). The dark blue top stain is also prone to damage from settled dust.
They do exist, though (I have one, which was boxed with other GA&U books until I purchased it a decade ago, and which I keep in a dark drawer, rather than on the shelf), but we are now talking about a 40 year old book, and there can't be THAT many copies kept essentially in a box / out of light for their entire life.
Your search for that perfect copy may take a little while. Just get photos and pass by the copies that don't meet your requirements. If finding great copies was as simple as firing up Abe and spending money, it would a pretty dull hobby*.
(Also remember that "Good" condition in book collecting circles means that it is only useful as a firelighter. Unless you *aren't* a professional seller, in which good condition can mean anything from firelighter to perfection).
[*As my wife is happy to remind me, it IS a dull hobby]
14 Sep, 2017
2017-9-14 2:17:12 AM UTC
The Antiquarian, I wonder if we know each other. I also collected vintage Star Wars toys and various other things. And now you know why third party grading is so popular in vintage toys, comics, coins, etc. I am about 2-3 years into the book hobby and find myself continuously disappointed as well. New books don't even come in mint condition because sellers pack them so poorly.
I have been looking for one of these for some time now.
http://tolkienbooks.net/php/details.php?reference=62330I bought one and the slipcase was damaged structurally. Returned. I am trying to finish this set because one of my first major purchases was this set
http://tolkienbooks.net/php/details.php?reference=43400Despite asking repeatedly about spine rubbing (which is so common you can even see it here) and being told repeatedly it was perfect, well, it was not. Better than most I had seen offered but still some slight rubbing.
14 Sep, 2017
2017-9-14 9:52:23 AM UTC
So let's put this out there for discussion then: why do you seek these perfect, unmarked copies? Why do you not want to own books that show signs of wear &/or previous ownership? I can guess the answer(s), but curious nonetheless...
BH
14 Sep, 2017
2017-9-14 10:18:04 AM UTC
Khamûl wrote:
So let's put this out there for discussion then: why do you seek these perfect, unmarked copies? Why do you not want to own books that show signs of wear &/or previous ownership? I can guess the answer(s), but curious nonetheless...
BH
I prefer books to be in fine condition if possible, just because they are more visually appealing. And realistically, the only point of collecting lots of editions of the same book is because they are nice to look at (coupled with the fun of the chase, I guess). If you *can* find a fine copy and it doesn't cost any more than a not so good copy, why would you buy anything other than the fine one, unless you were in a particular hurry?
I do think there is a point where one can be too fanatical, though -- books are made from materials that age and expecting anything different is probably a road to disappointment. I see people who keep their books in shrinkwrap and I think "really, what is the point?".
14 Sep, 2017
2017-9-14 1:33:13 PM UTC
As my favourite Tolkien book is The Hobbit, which is a children's book, and if I only looked to find early copies (first to fourth editions) in unread or mint condition, I would not have many or indeed any copies in my collection.
Books are intended to be read and often were, and as such they probably have condition issues.
As a book collector, I have accepted this.
14 Sep, 2017
2017-9-14 2:08:55 PM UTC
Surely there are exceptions and for these early editions it isn't an either or thing. You buy the copy you can afford basically. But for books that aren't particularly rare that were largely made to be collected (like the editions I linked to above) the expectation is that they weren't read, maybe thumbed through, but that's it. How many people use the COH SD for their reading copy?
Speaking of early editions, anyone following the sets offered on Heritage this month? I'd love to hear opinions on the first, first Hobbit, especially the restored jacket.
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