A solid investment:

A very rare 1610 edition

Please remember that an old or antique book is not necessary valuable just because it’s old. Common books like the works of William Shakespeare, prayer books, bibles and encyclopedias were printed in huge quantities during the Victorian era and usually have little value.

KEY FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE BOOK VALUE

• Age can be important, if before 1800; so, 17^th century, 16^th century, and 15^th century may be more valuable.
• Condition is very important and will greatly influence value. A beaten-up old book that is falling apart will have little value.
• First editions (sometimes new editions) are sought-after by book collectors and a first edition is usually more valuable than a later printing. A first edition signed by the author will have even greater value.
• Scarcity influences value.
• For hardcover books published from the 20th century onwards, the presence of a dust jacket and its condition also greatly affect value.

Remember that a book’s monetary value depends on the market and what a buyer is willing to pay.