Book Collecting Now: The Value of Print in a Digital Age

by Matthew Budman

Print is back—and so is book collecting. As more people ditch their e-readers in favor of traditional paper, ink, and glue, a new generation of collectors—particularly young women—are reinvigorating the world’s greatest pastime. “Book Collecting Now” is more than a new guide to an old hobby—it aims to bring in people who are fond of reading but have never considered beginning a personal library, as well as novice and intermediate collectors. Illustrated with 100+ photos, the book offers a framework to think about collecting, along with all the practical information necessary to get started and go further.

And this is exactly the right time to focus on books. Especially now that so many of us spend our days in sterile, digital, seamless environments, we need more life in our lives. Books—as much as any objects can—forge an immediate connection to real people, real lives, real emotions, real ideas, real imagination. In the same recognizable form for the last five centuries, they are a link to history, as well as a way to make an aesthetic and intellectual statement about your interests and values.

It’s absolutely true that, as is written so often about books and book collecting, the internet has changed everything. But collecting is a centuries-old hobby, and most of the basic principles remain constant even if more people are browsing volumes online than in quaint little bookshops. It’s only the details that have changed—and those details are what “Book Collecting Now” aims to help readers navigate.

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books

168 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2019

About the author

Matthew Budman began reading books at age 2, buying at 8, collecting at 14, selling at 16, reviewing professionally at 23, and, some time later, buying and selling online, editing manuscripts, and writing books about book collecting. Chatwin Books published his guide "Book Collecting Now: The Value of Print in a Digital Age" in 2019, an update of his 2004 Random House/ House of Collectibles guide "Instant Expert: Collecting Books," which sold nearly ten thousand copies. A longtime editor and writer, he lives in Manhattan with his wife, political theorist Cristina Beltrán, and all the books they can squeeze into their apartment.

Reviews

[Jeff Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Collecting Now is an update of Budman’s 2004 book, Instant Expert: Collecting Books. In 2004 we did not have designated ereaders or smartphones or tablets. We did have desk and laptop computers, but those gave no serious competition to books. Well, today's emarket has brought a significant challenge to print. But, as we are discovering, the print experience is a different and often preferred experience over the ebook. So, Budman offers sound advice for those who want to continue with the art of collecting books.

Budman provides a useful introduction to book collecting. I have a practical print library for my profession, but I am not a collector, per se. But, if I were to start collecting, Budman answered all the questions I could think of.

He provides examples of what to focus on. He shows us how to tells the difference between a first edition, regular edition, and book club edition. He explains the difference between a publisher and an imprint. He imparts wisdom on what to look for in books in terms of condition, signatures, etc. He helps the uninitiated to understand how pricing and value work in the book world. He gives examples of where to find books.

The appendix provides a list of book collecting and book care product websites, a list of publishing houses, and a list of books on books.

This slim volume will prove invaluable to the curious or the newbie.

[Saima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Printed in 2019, this book's focus is on the new kind of book collector - young, perhaps female, one that defies stereotypes of book collectors (rich, older and male). Lots of useful tips and lists. Author emphasizes that books we purchase should be about what makes us happy and tells our story and if, in the process, has monetary value, then that's a plus 1

[Carter Lehman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro into book collecting. The information is useful; however, the writing kind of bored me... That surprised me because I can read Kant without getting bored...

[Tiffanie Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, great book for a beginner like me. I highlighted, underlined and wrote in margins like a (fun) textbook.