Q&A for How to Find the Value of Old Books

Yes, any book before 1900 is a collectors dream. Find one, and you can get well over what it's worth.

Try googling it on sales sites, such as eBay or Amazon. If you can, try consulting a bookseller or a specialist.

Quite possibly, yes, depending on how rare the book is and whether you can find the right collector. Dust jackets often deteriorate anyway and are not the most important part of the book.

Take them to a history shop or book appraiser to find out their worth.

If it's only a small cut, then probably not, unless there was something notable about the price or the dust cover itself. (Most early dust covers did not survive, and some of them are worth more than their books.) Depending on other wear, tear, and marks on the book, it may tip it from "as new" to "excellent," or "excellent" to "very good."

It's hard to say. Go to get it authenticated and go to book stores to see if there's any interest.

You can usually take it to an appraiser or do some more looking around on the internet.

You can check eBay, or just google the title of the book and the year of publication and see what pops up.

You have an Icelandic book from 1856 by Dr. P. Pjetursson, a notable Icelandic figure. One known work from that year is "Reports on the Pastoral Seminary in Reykjavik," significant for understanding Icelandic ecclesiastical history and education. Consider consulting a rare book dealer or appraiser familiar with Icelandic works for more information or valuation.

To find the value of a signed old book, check its condition, verify the signature's authenticity, and see if it's a first edition. Research similar books on eBay, AbeBooks, or auction sites for past sale prices. Consulting a rare book dealer or appraiser can provide a professional opinion, especially for books by well-known authors or with historical importance.

It depends on rarity, demand, and condition. Prices for similar Goodspeed histories typically range from $100 to over $1,000. Rare editions in excellent condition, especially with intact illustrations, often fetch higher prices. For an accurate valuation, consult a rare book dealer or check sales on sites like AbeBooks, Biblio, or eBay.

They will range in value depending on their condition and completeness. They are generally valued between $50 and $300 each, with pristine copies or rare editions fetching more. Check sites like AbeBooks, eBay, or Biblio for similar listings, or consult a rare book dealer for a more precise appraisal.

Your copy might need verification, as the first edition of that book was published in 1887. Look for unique features like first edition marks or illustrations. Check sites like AbeBooks or eBay for similar editions or ask a rare book dealer for an estimate. The split spine may lower the value slightly, but condition and rarity matter most.

The value of your book depends on its condition, rarity, and demand. As it's in good condition and illustrated, it might have some collector value. Later editions are usually worth less than first editions but can still hold interest if rare. Check online marketplaces like AbeBooks or eBay for similar books, or consult a rare book appraiser for an accurate estimate.

It may hold some value, especially if it's a first edition or in excellent condition. First editions from 1965 (Jonathan Cape, UK) or early reprints can range from $50 to more than $1,000, depending on the condition and presence of a dust jacket. Your 1966 edition might be worth $30 to $150, based on these factors. Check listings on AbeBooks or eBay, or consult a rare book dealer for a precise valuation.

You can donate your 1914 dictionary to a library, archive, or historical society. Consider selling it online or to collectors, even in its current condition. You might offer it to friends or book enthusiasts. If no one is interested, you could repurpose it into art or crafts. Recycle it only as a last option.

Your 1991 Illinois Revised Statutes may have limited value but could interest collectors, law libraries, educators, or legal professionals. Try selling them on eBay or similar sites. If there is no interest, consider donating to a library or recycling them.

The value depends on its condition, rarity, and demand. Check similar listings on eBay or AbeBooks for pricing. For a more accurate value, consult a rare book dealer or consider selling it through an auction house.

Your 1921 "Victrola Book of the Opera" is typically valued between $20 and $50, depending on its condition and edition. Check similar listings on eBay or AbeBooks. For an accurate estimate, consult a rare book dealer or list it online with clear photos and details.

If you can't find your book listed, contact a rare book dealer or certified appraiser who specializes in antique books. You can also join online forums or groups for rare book collectors to seek advice. Auction houses like Sotheby's or Heritage Auctions can also help with valuations. These experts can assess your book's value based on its rarity and condition.

The value of your hardcover "Representative Men" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, published by Hurst & Company, depends on its condition and demand. Hurst & Company produced many reprints, so its value might not be high unless it is in excellent condition or has unique features. The handwritten date adds historical context but likely does not increase its value significantly. To estimate its worth, check similar listings on rare book sites like AbeBooks, where prices vary depending on condition and edition. For a precise valuation, consult a rare book dealer or appraiser.

It depends on its condition and the current market demand, with online listings ranging from approximately $6 to $32. Keep in mind that these are asking prices, and the actual selling price may differ. For a more accurate valuation, consider consulting a professional appraiser or a local rare-book dealer who can assess the book's condition and provide a market-based estimate.

Research it online and/or show it to a book collector or a used book store.

Yes, but not necessarily by very much. You can't sell them as "like new," and it could decrease the condition from "excellent" to "very good," depending on the condition of the books. Some collectors even enjoy having "ex libris" stamps/cards in their secondhand books.

This signed book's value never increased immediately after his passing, although over time, that should change, given its rarity. The specific book and its demand among collectors also play a significant role in determining its value.

It's possible that it is worth something. Take it to a used-book store and inquire. Incidentally, according to Wikipedia, the first Blue Book was not published until 1926.

A university or seminary may have more resources. If you know which religion the book is about, you could try asking a leader of that religion whether they know where you can find out more about it.

Possibly but more likely, no. The book having an error probably means it is one of the first few printings. As mentioned in the article, that can up the book's value. On the flipside, it could be intentional and therefore giving no added worth to the book. Also, errata additions by way of a piece of paper with corrections on it have been added to books for centuries, and it does not necessarily change the value of the book.

It depends. For example, if a publisher published 100 copies of a book in the 1930s, and was the first to do so, then it matters. The book is rare and old, and therefore possibly valuable. If the publisher printed 2,000 books two years ago, it is worth nothing if based on these facts.

Supply and demand, more or less. If more people want or are interested in that book for whatever reason, yet not many copies are available, the price can be high to buy one. On the other hand, if there are a lot of copies, the price may be lower. Old books with unique qualities, such as first editions, author signatures, aged but in good condition, etc., will sell for more. If people become less interested in the book, the price will drop as the number of people fighting over the copies will drop.