Book Collections

I found several small paperbacks published 1886-1895. I have no idea if they're worth anything, since they're not in the greatest condition. I looked on the internet for ideas on how to preserve them, but I found almost nothing (keep in mind that I am absolutely terrible at computer searches :) )

So, this inspired me to begin this thread. I was hoping we could share ideas and tips on how to preserve rare/antique/old/pretty/nostalgic books. Sad stories about passing up that underpriced copy of a very rare book would be fun to read. Basically, anything goes, I suppose.

Just in case someone is interested, here is a list of the books I found:

Enoch Arden by Alfred Tennyson (1894)
Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Irving (1894)
Rip Van Winkle; The Spectre Bridegroom by Irving (1894)
The Tempest; A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (1895)
The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare (1892)
Snow-Bound; Among the Hills; Songs of Labor, and Other Poems by John Greenleaf Whittier (1886)

All of these seem to be bookclub-type paperbacks, as they have specific 'issue' dates.

Anyhoo, this was a much longer post than I had intended.

~Z!

Hello, Punc Rock On!
Wow, it seems you really found a decent collection of nostalgic books. Over the years, I have gained quite a collection of antique books also, and managed to keep them in relatively good shape, despite moving so often.
Book preservation can seem quite a challenge, and frequently comes with experience. For these books, keep them away from many windows, from direct sunlight, extreme heat or extreme cold. Never store them in attic or basement spaces, as these areas seem prone to great temperature changes and dampness. Find a good bookshelf (not made of unsealed wood, as the wood's oil can eventually soak into paper), and keep them sturdy in a vertical standing position; when retrieving the books, or placing them back in the shelf, try grabbing the books sideways by the spine, and not by pulling on the top, near the pages.
If any of the covers consist of leather, most preservers no longer recommend using oil to protect the leather, as this tends to do little, besides for cosmetic reasons. Apparently, now, librarians use something called Klucel G to preserve leather-covered books, and it remains highly recommended.
For other tips, it really depends on how you care for your books. If you get really concerned on their condition, I would try using some plastic covers to prevent any further damage.
Good luck!