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by Janet Werver

Books continue to sell well at antique malls, regardless of the time and season of the year. Children’s books in series…Bobsey Twins, and the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, remain popular due to nostalgia. Age, condition and ‘shelf-lean’ should be taken into consideration when adding to a collection; all of these factor into pricing. For enticing children to read the ever-popular Golden Books are a best buy from $3 to $5 a book.

The popularity of the reality show “Top Chef” has created a renewed interest in cookbooks, specifically the fundraiser books with original family recipes. It seems everyone is testing their culinary skills these days with the exception of this kitchen-impaired writer.

The most popular book sales by far are history books. World War II books, especially the ones on specific battles or campaigns, outsell all others. Hard copies, many of which are out of print, sell for $15-$20. Historical accuracy is paramount to Civil War reenactment organizations who comb the antique malls too. A 4-volume set titled “Battles and Leaders of the Civil War” is available at the Spring Antique Mall for under $40. At less than $10 a book, this is a bargain for a set in excellent condition.

Books need not be very old to be collectible or valuable. A mint condition, 2-volume commemorative edition of James A. Michener’s “Texas”, issued for the Texas Sesquicentennial in March 1986, sells for $40.00. And it’s not unusual to find a First Edition of Lady Bird Johnson’s memoirs “A White House Diary,” published in 1970. It typically sells for approx. $8-$10, but if autographed, the price can more than double.

First Editions of Tom Clancy novels are valued at approximately $50 with the exception of his first novel “Hunt for Red October.”

The decorative market is more likely to purchase books for their aesthetic appeal than their content. Sets of early 1900’s encyclopedias fetch anywhere from $50-$100.

Originally released only in paperback, it was later published in hardback only through book clubs. The hardback copies in very good condition are worth over $500!

The 100-year old books with elaborately tooled leather covers, and gold or decorative edge paper, command high prices. For both the book collector and the decorative market, condition is the primary consideration. Some of the more unique books found at the Spring Antique Mall….

• A 100-year old (1907) book of O. Henry short stories . . .$35.00


• An early 1930’s Houston telephone book . . . $50.00

To research the value of old or collectible books, refer to the 13th edition of Huxeford’s Old Book Value Guide with over 25,000 listings. The following internet sites also provide current book values:

• www.abebooks.com
• www.onceuponabook.biz
• www.bizrate.com
• www.fadedgiant.net

Many unique and interesting books sell for approximately half of what new books sell for at the Spring Antique Mall located at 1609D Spring Cypress Road, on the southwest corner of I-45 at Exit 70A. (The U-Haul rental and storage center.)

Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-6 & Sun 1-5. Phone: 281-355-1110.

Comments and questions on this article can be emailed to werner@wt.net. Please also view the website at www.springantiquemall.com

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