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Buying Rare Photobooks

The definition of ‘a photo-book’ (or photobook) is a book in which photographs make a majorand significant contribution to the content.

Photo-books have flourished in recent years with the ever improving innovation of the digital revolution; however examples of the earliest books date back to the mid-1800s.

The rarity of photo-books is determined by a number of factors.Let’s have a look at the elementsthat can determine a book’s rarity; a guide in the buying of rare photo-books.

  • Age

As a general rule ‘old’ is good! The early photo-books were mostly created within a printing system that employed the Letterpress of Lithographic printing processes; the text was created with spaces left for the addition of photographs, the relevant photographs were then ‘tipped in’ to fill the gaps. The photographs were extras and did not form part of the original printing process.

There are examples of earlier processes such as Anna Atkins’ scientific book, Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions (c1950’s). The book incorporated images of specimens created by pressing them on to light-sensitive paper, (cyanotype printing process).

So take a close look at the date of publication and the process used to create it.

  • Condition

The condition of any item is a big determinant as to value and collectability. Look for a book that is well presented, protected and not been thumbed through by every Tom dick and Harry.

Early books were produced by a process not totally resistant to the fading effects of light, plus regular handling means that older books are rare to find in good condition.  An older book in poor condition could of course still be most desirable, however as a general rule aim for mint condition (unblemished, as new).

  • Print Run

Of course the number of copies produced can impact on the book’s value. However scarcity does not guarantee collectability. It has been known for the market to be manipulated, a crafty byer could buy up the majority of copies and create anartificial shortage. All very well until a second run print is authorised!

A limited print run is certainly an indicator of interest to a prospective investor.

  • The Photographer

A photo-book’s appeal is more than often dictated by the quality of the photographs, and/or by the name of the photographer. Check out who the current trendyphotographers are; a good source of up to date information can be found on such sites asPhotoEye.

There is an element of pot-luck; remember John Lennon’s words ‘everybody loves you when your six foot in the ground.’ As cynical as it may sound death can be a good way to inflate the worth of the poor unfortunate author’s works.

Sometimes it pays to just pick a photographer, author or subject and start collecting.

  • Signed Copies

Whenever you can, buy signed copies. If it’s a contemporary author then usually you will be able to prove authenticity; more ancient documents bearing signatures can be a little more untrustworthy. Check out handwriting samples, question the book’s history; deal with a reputable dealer.

A good idea is to concentrate on a specialised market; a specific theme, author or era. Build your knowledge and become an expert in you chosen area. Knowledge is power but remember a little good fortune goes a long way!

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