At a time when we take e-readers to the beach and read novels on our smartphones, is the book-collecting hobby
still relevant? Yes, more than ever. This illustrated guide gives you everything you need to start in the world's greatest pastime:

What it means to build a collection
How to identify a first edition
Where and how to get the best deals
Understanding the value of autographs
How to sell books to upgrade your library
Care and repair of books
A guide to current values

When we spend our days in seamless digital environments, we need more life in our lives. Books forge an immediate connection to real people, lives, emotions, ideas, and imagination. They link us to history, and are a way to make an aesthetic and intellectual statement about your interests and values. Make no mistake: e-readers are with us for the long run, and right alongside them are the real books we've always loved.