Miller's Collecting Modern Books

by Catherine Porter

Most of us already collect modern books - we have shelves crammed with copies that we have picked up over the years - but how do we go about turning this interest into a focused and potentially profitable collection? Collecting Modern Books will help you to assess the value of the books you already own and will guide you as to what to buy next.
Everything you need to know about collecting British and American books from the late 19th century to the present is included, from established classics that have stood the test of time to the instant successes of today. There are chapters on all of the major literature, children's, illustrated, fine printing, and binding, each explaining the factors that influence value. Special features focus on the life and work of key authors and illustrators from Arthur Conan Doyle to J.K. Rowling, and there are boxes highlighting popular collecting areas. Dust jackets, illustration processes, and collecting manuscripts and original artwork are also covered, and comprehensive practical collecting information is given, including a guide to where to buy and sell books and a glossary of technical terms. Over 350 books are illustrated and valued.

Genres: Books About Books, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2003

About the author

Catherine Porter is Visiting Professor in the Society for the Humanities at Cornell University, USA, and Professor of French Emerita at the State University of New York at Cortland, where she chaired the Department of International Communications and Culture from 1985–91 and from 1997–2001. She has translated some three dozen books and numerous essays from the French, including recent renderings of Avital Ronell’s Fighting Theory, The Animal Side by Jean-Christophe Bailly, and Luc Boltanski’s The Foetal Condition. Prof Porter was the 2009 President of the Modern Languages Association.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful book on the history of modern publishing and collectible modern authors. It has certainly helped me identify rarer editions in my book hunting. However, though published in 2001 I believe many of the estimated values have actually deflated since publication of this book. The advent of internet has meant that rarer editions are now easier to locate. Nevertheless, this is a helpful general reference book.