Who Wants Those Old Antique Books?

If you're new to the antique business, you might wonder why the world anyone would be interested in these old antique books. If you glance through them, you'll see that they're totally inaccurate. Science and medical books are almost comical. Mere speculation on how the body works, or where the earth fit in the solar system and universe. The workings of the illness, and disease were totally misunderstood. The importance of hygiene was totally missing. Old history books sound more like fairytales. In fact, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between real history and true fairy tales. But for true collectors, ancient books are truly valuable treasures. Things like old family Bibles, the writings of famous people, or if it's old enough the writings of anyone at all can fetch huge sums of auction.

One of the reasons these antique books are so valuable to collectors is that they are so inaccurate they open a window to human development. I remember when I was in college, I did a report about the justifications for slavery in the United States written before the Civil War. I was astonished at how intelligent people had rationalized the treatment of slaves. They were actually not considered human. There was a lot of detail that I can't recall now about 40 years later, but to this day, that report makes an impression on me because of the antique texts I read for my research. The slave owners thought their slaves were so different from themselves, that it was obvious that they didn't have a clue about either their bodies and brains or those of their slaves. Because of that research, I realized how much all of us have progressed in a hundred years. Antique books open windows and doors to the past. They also help us understand that the journey never ends and the human mind on earth continues to evolve.

But for others, it may be the timelessness of antique books that appeal to them. When you read the writings of ancient poets and philosophers you realize that people really haven't changed much down through history.

Turning to history, most of it comes from antique books, of course. Most civilizations left us their history in the form of stories and tales that made their way into books over the years. Without them, we wouldn't have any idea what our history was. Look at the pirate treasure, and the lost scrolls and the mummies and everything else about history that is being found today. It all comes from antique books. Just think of the laws that govern people and how they have evolved. The only reason we know any of this, is because of antique books.

Many appreciate antique books because they're a true tie to the past. Knowing that a bible is decades old makes you wonder who else touched it and read it on a regular basis. Having books that some philosopher actually wrote in is probably the best connection you'll ever have to that person.

So who might be interested in antique books? Usually those with a love of history and reading itself appreciate these items more than anyone. Many auctions have a separate set of bidding just for books, as there is a particular crowd of collectors that will be especially interested. Some law libraries may also want older editions for their shelves even if they are no longer relevant. There are also many private collectors that specialize in bibles and other holy books and that are always on the lookout for something different and new to them. While some who are interested in the business shy away from antique books because they feel it's not quite as "exciting" as the world of antique furniture or jewelry or as fun as antique toys and collectibles, they have quite a bit of value to those who are interested.

About the Author

Antiques can make an wonderful hobby and a great business. Hordes of excited people are finding the joys of the antique business ever year. Get a head start with Rob Gormly's exciting eBook " Ka~CHING How to Buy and Sell Antiques ... Just Like They Do On TV!" or learn more about the antique business on our blog.

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