We can see many different forms of art being practiced by people who live out there in the world. Among those different forms of art, collecting rare books hold a prominent place. If you are about to start the art of collecting rare books, you will come across the need to confirm whether it is a form of art that would die in the future or not. Keep on reading, as we will be able to share more details on the art of collecting rare books and share details with you on what they will be able to offer to you.
Will Collecting Rare Book Die?
The simple answer to this question is no. rare book collecting is an art that is followed by lots of passionate people out there in the world. These people are obsessed with collecting rare books. In fact, you can discover an excellent community among rare book collectors.
When you deep dive and take a look at this community, it is quite difficult to tell that the art of collecting rare books will die in the future.
It seems like we are shifting from the era of using books. Along with the development of technology, we are focusing more on digital devices. For example, we even use e-readers for reading books. However, this doesn’t mean that the value that rare books hold would lose its place. They are unique and one of a kind. Hence, the value associated with rare books will continue to increase along with time. You don’t need to keep any second thoughts in mind about the process of collecting rare books. It is a form of art that you will love. You will also appreciate everything that comes on your way as you collect rare books as well.
There Is An Association For Antiquarian Booksellers
Another reason that supports the fact on why rare book collecting would not die is that there is an association for the antiquarian booksellers. This is only just one example for the initiatives that exist out there for the progression of the art associated with collecting rare books. It will be possible for you to discover many other associations like this.
The most prominent association out of them would be the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America, which is also known as ABAA. Not all people can join with his association. If you want to become a part of the association, you will need to showcase that you have a proven history with the process of dealing with rare books in a professional environment. In fact, you will have to show that you have a history of at least four years in doing that.
When a new member is about to join the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America, the existing members will have to do a review. This is where the members will check and confirm whether the businesses are being run legitimately. If all the qualifications are met, a book dealer will be able to obtain the membership of this association. Along with the membership, it would be possible to experience many outstanding benefits that would come in the future as well.
Likewise, we will be able to see many other organizations, which are helping the people who collect rare books and who deal with rare book. They will always make sure that the art of collecting rare books will not be lost in the near future. People will be able to become members of the association and continue to experience the benefits that would come on their way.
For example, such organizations are responsible for hosting exhibitions, conferences, and book fairs on a regular basis. On the other hand, they are providing guidance to the antiquarian book dealers and book collectors as well.
There Is No Need to Have Lots of Money to Collect Rare Books
Some people assume that rare book collection is a hobby that is only available for the wealthy people. If that is limited only to wealthy people, there is a risk for the art to die along with time. In reality, it is not just limited only to wealthy people out there. Any person with an interest will be able to go ahead with collecting rare books. Then you will be able to enjoy the value that the rare books are adding into the collection.
It is true that some of the most desired titles of rare books are extremely expensive.
You might not even be able to think of purchasing such books. For example, the First Folio of Shakespeare is priced at $6 million. On the other hand, the first edition of the book written by Walt Whitman under the title Leaves of Grassi s priced at $150,000. If you don’t have a lot of money to be spent on collecting rare books, you shouldn’t focus on these titles. Instead, you will be able to focus on the titles that are available within the range on what you can buy.
You will be able to take a look at the rare book dealers and rare book fairs, where you will notice that there are lots of rare books available for the prices that you can afford. If you can get a good understanding about rare books, you will be able to carefully go through those options and buy a rare book that would actually increase in its value along with time. This will help you to get the maximum return out of your investment. Even if a book is not popularly sought as of now, there is a possibility for that to happen in the future. You just need to be careful to pick those books available out there.
Final Words
As you can see, the art of collecting rare books is not something that would die in the near future. We can expect this form to last for many centuries. Hence, you can go ahead and become a rare book collector as well.
