Should I Buy Rare Books as an Investment or for Reading?
One of the most controversial topics among book lovers is whether to view your rare books as an investment.
With the high prices you can get for first editions, signed and fine press editions in the secondhand market, it can be difficult for new collectors to decide. Should you actually use your rare books while still getting a good investment out of them? Or will you lose value by using your collectable books?
We have broken down how true book lovers and collectors use their books below :
1. Risk of Damage & Wear & Tear
The first reason people would argue against reading high-value collectable books is due to damage. Rare books are worth a huge amount depending on their condition:
● Opening books more than 90/120 degrees will cause damage to the binding (cloth, paper, or leather). This causes the inside hinges or spines to crack. This can cause a loss of value of 30-50% to rare books.
● Natural oils from your fingers will cause damage to uncoated paper. These oils will damage the delicate dust jackets made from paper. Modern first editions often have the original dust jacket making up 70-90% of the total value.
● Reading rare books outside or near sunlight or drinks will cause them to be damaged by fading from UV, damp, and staining.
2. The Case for Reading Copy
Literary bibliophiles with experience will rarely risk damaging high-value first editions and instead follow a common industry practice.
● Double Copies: Purchase an original signed limited edition, or a rare, verified first edition to keep for the long term. Purchase a modern trade paperback or e-book version to read and annotate.
● Protect Original Value: Keeping your original volume in an archival slipcase or mylar-sleeved jacket on a climate-controlled shelf means there is no risk of damage to your book through tearing, rolling, or cornering.
3. When Can I Read a Collectible?
There are many collectibles that are not actually too precious to read. Some are:
● Fine Press & Private Press editions: Fine press books (Folio, Suntup Editions, or classic letterpress) are all protected with strong buckram, leather, or heavy cloth covers so you can really get a feel for them.
● Signed Trade editions: Modern novels signed by authors can easily be read as they are protected with a Brodart mylar cover.
● Rebound or ex-library copies: If they aren’t in pristine condition, anyway they will still give you a great read without worrying about damaging a 4-figure investment.
4. What will make my books increase in value?
If you are buying the books as an investment, then just because they are a good read will not necessarily mean they will increase in value. They will only increase in value if:
- First Edition, First Impression: They must be first editions. They rarely increase in value if they are later printings.
- Signed by Author: Books that are actually signed by the author, especially if they are signed to a famous person (association copies), will have a unique value.
- In perfect condition: Boards should be clean, uncut dust jackets, crisp corners, and clean page edges.
- Culturally significant: Books that have made a lasting cultural and historical impact will always be sought after by future collectors.
The Bottom Line
If you treat your rare books as a purely financial investment, then you may be left disappointed if market trends change. However, the best way to get the most out of your books is to invest in ones that really mean something to you and have historical significance. Store them properly in an archive and read them!
Rare Books & Editions
Check out our verified range of Rare Books & Limited Edition Literature at Arts Limited.