0 sats \ 2 replies \ @siggy47 OP 18 Dec 2023 \ parent \ on: Book Collectors? BooksAndArticles
Do you concern yourself with value, like signed books, first editions, condition?
I have to say they're mostly utility. I have many first editions (as most academic books only have one anyway), some books that the authors gave me. They're not signed, though.
I think this is because of what signing signifies. It's something an author does to honor a reader; it signifies the status of the author, as the signature s a sign of value, and with that, it also signifies the difference in that status between author and reader; it's something the author gives out. But I'm an author myself, I'm a colleague. (and of course in academia books, most readers are colleagues and students; most of our books aren't written for non-academics)
To sign a book for me could actually be construed as an insult, as it wouldn't treat me as a colleague, if that makes sense...
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Yes it does. Your situation is distinct from what I would consider the typical collector, although your collection may have value someday if you've accumulated knowledge in a specific field. The whole antiquarian thing is a deep rabbit hole, where collections are deemed important, and have value that is not necessarily financial.
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