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Rare books explained
The traditional definition of a rare book is any book which has an enhanced value because the demand for the book exceeds the supply, usually because of its importance, scarcity, age, condition, physical and esthetic properties, association, or subject matter. If there is no demand for a book, it will probably not become a rare book even if the other factors exist. It is of little or no value if no one wants it. Demand
can change as interests change.
Encyclopaedia of South African Post Offices
Vols 1 – 3. Vol 1 (A-E. Pub 1986); Vol 2 (F-M. Pub 1987) and Vol 3 (N-T. Pub 1989).
Estimated Value R2000
Memories and Adventures 1930 Value
Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Memories and Adventures
Estimated Value R22 000 Read More
As I Lay Dying, First Edition 1930’s Value
First edition and first issue of William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying”.
Estimated Value R14 000 Read More
1710 Christian Thoughts For Every Day of the Month
Antique Book Christian Thoughts For Every Day of The Month 1710 Rare Illustrated
Estimated Value R7500 Read More
Register of the Times, 1795
Used to document all major transactions of a city or government
Estimate Value R55 000 Read More
The Importance of Rare Books
Is the book in question an important contribution to human knowledge? Is it a seminal work?
First editions of such important works have added potential value as do works by important authors.
Although it’s not always easy to determine if the book is the first edition, a good general rule to follow is to compare the date on the title page with the copyright date, which is usually found on the back of the title page. If the dates are the same, the book is probably the first edition.
Local importance is determined by asking if the book is vital to the interpretation of the site for its reference or artifactual value. Would it be difficult to replace, even if its market price, when available, were only a few dollars? If so, then the book should be given the same care and protection accorded to other rare books.
The Scarcity of Rare Books
Scarcity is a major factor. When coupled with one or more of the other criteria, scarcity becomes a deciding factor. In order to determine scarcity, some background knowledge concerning the number of copies that were Number 19/l printed and the number that survive is necessary.
Perhaps there was a fire in the book warehouse, or the publisher’s plates were destroyed.
Some books are published as instant rare books. These are usually limited editions, possibly autographed by the author. Some of these eventually become rare books. Any book printed in a quantity of less than 500 is potentially rare.
Age and Imprint of Rare Books
Age, like scarcity, is not always a critical factor. Any book published before 1900, especially on
Africana, is potentially valuable. On the other hand, there are many rare books that are not
more than 20 years old. Usually, these books are in demand and rare because of the combined
factors of importance and scarcity.
The imprint, which is the publisher and place and date of publication, is often a good indicator
of a book’s potential value. Movable-type printing started in the 15th century in Germany
and spread slowly throughout the world.
List of Rare Book Dealers in South Africa
Quagga Rare Books and Art
George & Simon Curtis
86 Main Road
Kalk Bay
7975
South Africa
email: info@quaggabooks.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)21 788 2752
Southern African Book Dealers Association
Joanne Rushby
c/o Ike’s Books & Collectables
48a Florida Road
Durban
4001
South Africa
Phone: +27-31-303-9214
Email: sabdasecretary@gmail.com
The Treasure House
3 Bordeaux Street
Franschhoek
7690
South Africa
Greg on 0836599995 or 021 683-0150
Clarke’s Africana and Rare Books
P.O. Box 186
Constantia
7848
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)21 794 0600 Paul Mills
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