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Thread: I found a book... Emerson's Work

  1. #1
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    I found a book... Emerson's Work

    Its titled Emerson's Work:: printed in 1906..
    Gold leaf pages, leather bound..
    its a tiny bit crooked, but it is from 1906, with "Pete from Esther 1908" written with what looks like either a fountain pen or a quill..

    I havent read it myself.. Im not a reader. Sorry about that..
    I just registered here because I know forums are were you get your best information!

    I was wondering to whom I could send pictures as proof and possibly sell the book? Would anyone know the value of the book?

    I've searched online, but no one reeeally gave me any useful information..

    Interested in hearing from you!
    Coin

  2. #2
    Artist and Bibliophile stlukesguild's Avatar
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    The value of the book would depend upon the particular edition, condition, demand, etc... If it were a first edition of Emerson's work it would certainly be of great value, but dating from 1906 I seriously doubt that it would be worth all that much. I have any number of books older than that which I purchased for well below $20. I have a few dating from the 1800's and another from the 1700s none of which will make me rich... although I might afford a lovely dinner out on the proceedings if I had such intentions.
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    Bibliophile JBI's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by stlukesguild View Post
    The value of the book would depend upon the particular edition, condition, demand, etc... If it were a first edition of Emerson's work it would certainly be of great value, but dating from 1906 I seriously doubt that it would be worth all that much. I have any number of books older than that which I purchased for well below $20. I have a few dating from the 1800's and another from the 1700s none of which will make me rich... although I might afford a lovely dinner out on the proceedings if I had such intentions.
    Also, a 1906 edition will probably become dust soon, unless it was printed on Rag paper, which, in itself would be rare - the pulp will probably disintegrate.

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    Quote Originally Posted by insertcoin
    Its titled Emerson's Work:: printed in 1906..
    Gold leaf pages, leather bound..
    its a tiny bit crooked, but it is from 1906, with "Pete from Esther 1908" written with what looks like either a fountain pen or a quill..

    I havent read it myself.. Im not a reader. Sorry about that..
    I just registered here because I know forums are were you get your best information!

    I was wondering to whom I could send pictures as proof and possibly sell the book? Would anyone know the value of the book?

    I've searched online, but no one reeeally gave me any useful information..

    Interested in hearing from you!
    Coin
    Could you provide the publisher? Perhaps some pictures, too?
    Unfortunately, unless from certain publishers/printing offices, in which some would consider it a "special/limited edition," I cannot find a whole lot of evidence that it should carry a significant amount of monetary worth. I could not find any evidence about a "Pete" and/or "Esther" either, to see if it came from any significant libraries, either. It sounds like a beautiful copy, regardless, authenticated in its age by leather binding; late 19th-century and early 20th-century printers and binders definitely renowned their skills in their trades, which we still value today.
    Quote Originally Posted by JBI
    Also, a 1906 edition will probably become dust soon, unless it was printed on Rag paper, which, in itself would be rare - the pulp will probably disintegrate.
    With proper care, vulcanized fiber can hold up, and there exist many chances this edition got printed on vulcanized paper, but, again, this depends on the publisher - difficult to say; I have a few late 19th-century books printed on vulcanized paper in excellent condition, but have seen plenty of books printed around the same era, rough with rusty granulations from the aluminum that protects well against oils, yet not too well from moisture - in opposition, zinc can work wonders against moisture and temperature, all in good care. The leather binding, explaining their commonness in the 1906 era, can protect against things like moisture, temperature, and even the natural oils of human skin, but leather itself can get quite high-maintenance.

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