Inherited a book collection

I recently inherited several hundred books from a retired minister.
Most were purchased in the 1930s to 1970s. Many are on the subject of
religion or philosophy, but there are also novels, etc.

I'll eventually donate most of them to a local library, but I'd like to
check first to see if any have any significant value. Does anyone have
any recommendations on how I can go about checking values?

Thanks,

James

wrote in message
ups.com...
I recently inherited several hundred books from a retired minister.
Most were purchased in the 1930s to 1970s. Many are on the subject of
religion or philosophy, but there are also novels, etc.

I'll eventually donate most of them to a local library, but I'd like to
check first to see if any have any significant value. Does anyone have
any recommendations on how I can go about checking values?

Thanks,

James

http://used.addall.com

Of course, you need to compare like-to-like, so make sure that
you consider the condition of these books and learn the bookseller's
condition terminology. (You can Google for that.)

Kris

I always start with the general book search places like other people
have noted, including Abe.com, bookfinder.com, Addall, etc. You DO have
to type in the tile correctly at Addall; even one letter off and a copy
may not show up.
Book search sites tell you what other sellers may be asking. It is a
starting point. If NO other copies are listed, your book may be:
Rare and desirable
A vanity publication (rare but not necessarily desirable)
Rare and not desirable
DO NOT assume rarity equate to desirability.
However, you can also get an indication of "perceived" value, if only
a rough guide, by doing a search of other sites. Go to Amazon and look
for what askers are asking for that book (people sell used books
there). Be sure to compare like condition to like condition.
If you see NO copies for sale but a BUYER WAITING list, that can
be an indication of desirability and proceed cautiously before donating
to determine value. If a buyer wants that book, the price offered may
or may not be a lowball figure. Do not use it to "vet" (value) the book
but just as another source of info.
For rarer books, do a WorldCat search:
http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/
This tells you how many libraries have the book and, with luck, may
even tell you in what from (microfiche, etc). Again, a clue to
availability and/or rarity. One more tool you can use.
Next, DO go to Ebay and see what closed auctions have bought for
any of those book titles. See how common the book is there. Again, this
may be only a "rough" guide for rarer items but it is still a guide.
For common items, you may get a pretty good idea of TODAY'S market
value.
Ask about any books you have ALREADY researched and come up with
nothing at the Booksellers Chat or Diiscusson forums there. (ebay.com -
then go to Community - then look under relevant Chat and/or Discussion
boards. There is one in CHat and one in Discussions, both aimed at
booksellers and/or collectors).
ALWAYS check the signatures in your books because sometimes a
signature can be AS valuable, if not MORE valuable, than the book. A
quick search of Genealogy.com websites or Wikipedia may give you more
info about the book and/or owner's role in history and importance.
Once you've done as much as you can on your own, DO NOT HESITATE
to ask forr assistance or info from specialists in the field. But don't
do so without doing what you can yourself- people don't mind helping
but they DO like to know you've given it a game try yourself first.
Assume their time is valuable and act accordingly.
I'm always glad to help IF I know someone is a beginner or has
tried to find info first. I do NOT like being asked to do book searches
after I've taught someone where to look for the relevant info.
wrote:
I recently inherited several hundred books from a retired minister.
Most were purchased in the 1930s to 1970s. Many are on the subject of
religion or philosophy, but there are also novels, etc.

I'll eventually donate most of them to a local library, but I'd like to
check first to see if any have any significant value. Does anyone have
any recommendations on how I can go about checking values?

Thanks,

Jameshttp://www.worldcatlibraries.org/