Becoming a rare book collector is an exciting thing to do. It will provide you with the opportunity to go ahead with a magical journey back in time. While going ahead with such a magical journey, you should also have a clear understanding on what can transform a book into a rare book. Then you will be able to spend your money accordingly on the rare books and make sure that you create your own collection in the best possible way.

Is age the only factor that makes a book rare?

No, age is not the only factor that makes a book rare. This is one of the most common myths related to rare book collecting. If you want to become a rare book collector, it is important to have this in your mind. Then you can make sure that you are not making any mistakes with the process of collecting rare books.

For example, you can take a look at the first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone book. This book was published around two decades back. However, it is one of the most prominent rare books available out there. If age is the only factor that transform a book into a rare book, this should not happen. It happens because age is not the only factor. You should keep this in your mind and invest your money on the rare books.

However, it is also important to note that age is one of the crucial factors, which can transform a book into a rare book. For example, any book that is published before the 1900s have a significant value when compared to the others. That’s because printing technologies were not available or relatively new to the world during that time period.

What other factors contribute towards a rare book?

As you can see, age is not the only factor that is transforming a book into a rare book. There are many other factors, which can transform a book into a rare book. Here is a list of some of the most prominent other factors out of them. A book is classified as a rare book or not based on the combination of all these factors.

Importance

Importance is a prominent factor that can transform a book into a rare book. Some of the books, which are especially compiled by renowned authors are in a position to contribute heavily towards human knowledge. These are some of the best rare books available out there. If the book contains seminal work, you can also call it as a rare book.

For example, there are books, which explain the very first theories related to solar system. Those books were published when people were having numerous incorrect information on their minds. In fact, the books were published to get people to understand the reality. Due to the same reason, the level of importance associated with such books are relatively high. Hence, they get into the category of rare books.

Scarcity

Scarcity is another prominent factor that can transform a book into a rare book. This factor is based upon the principles of supply and demand. Some of the books were printed in limited quantities. Due to the same reason, a large number of copies of those books are not available within the community. However, the total number of people who are looking forward to get those books into their collections is high. Hence, the demand for the books will increase when compared to the supply and the book will eventually become a rare book.

When you are going through rare books, you will even figure out some of the books are published in history as instant rare books. Such books are well-known as limited edition books. In most of the instances, you will be able to find the autograph of the author in those books. Those books are rare and the total number of such books printed is usually under 500. Therefore, you will not be able to find a large number of such books circulating out there in the market.

Condition

Condition of the book is another factor that you should be mindful about while you are collecting rare books. The binding should be original. If the original binding is not present, it would not become a rare book. In addition to that, you need to take a look at the extent of wear while you are analyzing the condition of the book.

All the pages of the book should be available. Along with that, you must also check and see whether you are capable of going through all the pages of the book as well. There should be no markings along the spine of the book or along the title page of the book.

Any kind of a deterioration or a damage that exists in the book would detract its appearance. Therefore, it is important for you to keep these facts in your mind and make sure that you are purchasing a rare book accordingly.

Subject

Subject is not one of the critical factors, which define a rare book. However, there are instances where you can see how the subject is contributing heavily towards the precious nature of the books that are available for purchase. Most of the rare books that have become rare due to the subject are available in the historic sites and museums. These books are not usually available in the auctions as well.

Final words

Now you know how the value of a rare book is being calculated and how you will be able to consider whether a specific book that you can purchase from the market is a rare book or not. Hence, you need to make sure that you don’t calculate the value of rare books by just taking a look at the price tag associated with it.

What constitutes a rare book? Is it just the age of the book?