How much value does an Author's Signature add to a book?

No - Stolpi's normal, he just happens to live in Arnhem!

 

They only signed book that I have an emotional attachment to is when two vets signed my copy of The Storm Boat Kings at the book's launch. Both men were surprised that I wanted them to sign my book. One of them, Russ Kennedy, has since passed on so the signatures have an even bigger meaning now.

Generally, I like it when the author signs the book. However, like a few of you have mentioned, what is inside in the most important thng.

 

Andy, I'm actually a book dealer with a shop on Amazon US, so I have some experience in buying and selling rare and signed books. The short answer to your question is it depends on the rarity of the book and also the condition. Signatures generally do add value to a book, but not always. However, if you find a signed and a rare book, that would generally add quite a lot of value.

The #1 single most important item that adds value to a rare or collectible hardcover book is the dust jacket. If it is in very good condition, it can make up to 90% of the value of the book.

Steve

P.S. Here's a link to my Amazon shop, but you won't find too many military books because I usually end up keeping them for myself...

http://www.amazon.com/shops/Sutton_Park_Books

 

No - Stolpi's normal, he just happens to live in Arnhem!


Then I totally apologise and thanks for pointing this out idler.

 

I think Diane hit the nail on the head when she said that the value will depend on the demand. Market forces apply to books as much as anything else and something is only worth what people are willing to pay.

The question of signatures and dustjackets is purely one of personal taste but I know from experience that books which have both are almost invariably more expensive than ones without! My "Arnhem/1st Airborne Division" collection currently runs to 452 books (not including magazines and the like) of which 138 are "signed", either by the author/s or by someone connected to the book ie a participant in the particular action or a member of the unit concerned.

For me, these signatures add a "personal" touch and I'll always buy a signed copy over an unsigned one given the choice (now I know why I'm so skint! ).

As for dustjackets, again, for me, they are an essential part of the "package" and show the book as the author/publisher intended. I have been known to buy several copies of the same book in order to get a better condition dustjacket (sad I know!) and once I'm satisfied I cover the jacket in an archive quality Mylar sleeve to protect it. Whether or not any of this increases the value of the book I guess only time will tell but I don't buy them with a view to their potential future value, I buy them because I want them and because I want to learn as much as I can about the subject!

I happen to know another "Arnhem Student" who has bought several books that he has not even opened for fear of damaging them!! No names, no pack drill!

All the best and happy book buying whatever your personal preference! ..............

 

No - Stolpi's normal, .... !

Thanks Idler, you're the expert ... I sometimes am in doubt

 

I have never paid more for a book to have an author sign it , I have a number signed by authors but no extra cash was involved. ( Several books published by Rodger Bender Publications , Martin Middlebrook, Bill Chorley etc) , some signed by various veterans again no extra money involved.
Dust jackets , yes if there is a dust jacket on the book I like them keep them intact.

 

It's nice to have books signed by your fave author. I like to keep the jacket intact and neat. I don't really think about money.
I also have some book proofs.

 

Thanks Idler, you're the expert ... I sometimes am in doubt


Now Pieter, you need to make you're mind up here!!

 

I have the same book signed by DB & by Laddie Lucas!

Wouldn't part with it!

Rob

 

How sad is that ?

Weirdo.


Ive purchased Arnhem related books in duplicate, one to read,one to store, so I suppose that makes me equally weird Owen. Then again, you think all us Arnhem/1st Airborne nutters are a strange sad bunch anyway

 

Think?

 

I think I'm going to give up on trying to get Regimental Histories with Dust Wrappers...Trying to find some are like lloking for water in a desert.

 

Think?

Charming:p:p

 

Then again, you think all us Arnhem/1st Airborne nutters are a strange sad bunch anyway

Correct ... .... B) .. but nevertheless we love you !!

 

This favourite quote of mine seems appropriate for this thread
“To be a book-collector is to combine the worst characteristics of a dope fiend with those of a miser.”- Robertson Davies
He was an avid collector himself so understood the addiction we all battle with.

 

Books are there to be read, so what if they get a bit tatty in the process.


I agree with that sentiment Owen, although I do try and keep mine in as best condition as possible.

As for being signed- it doesn't bother me either way for my Airborne stuff but it's nice to have a signature from the author if available.
I only have a few signed, unlike some of the Arnhem 'nutters'! on here but do have a couple of signatures from the author/subject in a couple of my rugby autobiographies- my other passion!

As for the Calvert book I think I have a copy somewhere but don't think it's signed ......

Regards to all

Andy

PS. what if all books were only available on kindle,how would you get a signed copy then?

 

Acquired a tidy copy of A British Achilles at the weekend, signed by the subject rather than the author!