Clouds, Coffee & Classics discussion

Can you believe the prices that people pay for some of the collector's editions? I am floored!

In a way, I agree! But on the other hand, I don't know if you can put a price on when you capture something you desire that badly! This author is so incredible and has such a way of describing things, I find myself literally nodding along! I can completely understand at times why this is such a huge industry, but I also know that myself, personally, I don't know if I could spend that much money on something that could go up in smoke or be gone for all time in the blink of an eye! I've never been great at owning one-of-a-kind things. For instance, owning my violin, even though it was not tens-of-thousands of dollars (!) I still feel like I'm just borrowing it for the new few decades and then it will go to someone else, so I need to keep it pristine and since I'm a classic over-thinker, I almost ruin the joy and beauty of it for myself! This has kind of turned into a ramble, but it all is sort of in answer to your thought - I am floored as well and I doubt I could pay it!

It does seem a bit absurd at times. Up to half a million dollars for a book?? But then, when I'm reading about what these books ARE that cost this much I find myself gasping and thinking "Oh my GOODNESS what I wouldn't do to own that!" So, I can see where these collectors are coming from. But then, it seems most of them (as she says states in the book) are rich old men. Which means they can afford to spend ridiculous amounts of money on a book! Where as, those of us with moderate income would have to make a much larger sacrifice to purchase something like that. So I guess it has to do with perspective too. When it comes down to it though, I can think of worse things to spend half a million dollars on. Just saying. Books = An AMAZING investment.

I suppose if I were to figure this out mathematically, the percentage of my spendable income that I've spent on books may be comparable to the amount of spendable income that a million spends on books. Then again - maybe not. But I do know I HAVE spent a lot of money on books over the years. Not so much anymore though. I'm in the post-collecting years of my life.

I think that a lot of these collectors might also think to themselves that they are preserving a piece of irreplaceable history! That's how I feel a little bit about my books - even the ones I buy new! Some day, they will be given, sold or somehow get to another person/collector :)
I've decided that this book is not good for me... I find myself already justifying the expense! I know that, like Charmaine, I have spent way too much on books and there have been times I've spent more than I should have on a book, even if it was just at Barnes & Noble.
Is anyone else concerned with the ideas this might be giving current or up-and-coming book thieves?! I can't imagine the phrase "nothing - I'm telling you NOTHING - ever happens to these guys [book thieves]." is deterring them!

HA! Annie- that is an excellent point! I remember that exact sentence as well giving me pause. I sure hope that isn't the case! Maybe, on the other hand, this book will promote more awareness about the book world and that these things happen (and often apparently!). I for one, had no clue this was such a big thing in the rare book circle! Perhaps it will open peoples eyes to being on the lookout for book theft?? I don't know.
I agree about this book being dangerous though for myself. I just drove by our little Fort Wayne "Half Price Books" store yesterday (new and used books) and was SO tempted to go in and see if I could find any "treasures". :-) I refrained. I need to be saving money for my groceries right now instead! But the temptation was definitely appealing!

I confess, I made a quick stop at Northwind Book & Fiber and I wasn't strong... I grabbed up the copy of "Jane Eyre" I have been wanting/needing for a while! It has the French-to-English translations of all of Jane and Adele's conversations, which are fairly important to understand at times, so I don't regret it! While it was not tens-of-thousands of dollars, I still feel like I splurged a little with my $8.00 purchase :\ (;))
Books have a way of doing that to people! And I love how this authoress has been delving into the many different motives that spur people to collect things, but books mostly. I can understand the NEED to have a book - it's like you're out of control and it's not an option! Even though it is... but it isn't ;)