Collected Books: The Guide to Values

The largest, most comprehensive and up-to-date single-volume guide to current market values of collectible books in America. Includes 20,000 titles in various categories all arranged alphabetically by author.

This book has the strengths and weaknesses of its predecessor, Van Allen Bradley's Handbook of Values (Putnam, 1982). It provides a convenient, one-volume source for prices of many collectible books, mainly first editions published since 1800, and includes brief notes to identify first printings. The continued popularity of Bradley's book and the appearance of this one suggest that booksellers and collectors find the list useful, and libraries (especially those lacking fuller resources like American Book Prices Current ) may find it useful for ready reference. Yet it should be used with caution: it omits many collectible books, prices vary widely, and the absence of a dustjacket can reduce value of a book listed by hundreds of dollars. The front matter notes some of the caveats, but the casual user may still be misled.
- Joseph Ro senblum, Univ. of North Carolina, Greensboro
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.