such
as those on travel and sports, from the late 19th century onwards,
are perennially popular. They also give rare insights into previous
eras. But beware: just because a book is old and a first
Increased
TV coverage of cookery and lifestyle topics has stimulated interest
in books on these subjects, with prices being affected by factors
such as rarity, desirability, and fashion.
Despite
their popularity, first-edition cookery books from the late 19th and
early
20th centuries can often lie found for less than ,£15-25.
Mrs
Beeton is the best-known Victorian author of domestic science hooks,
and a top-condition, first edition of her
Book of Household Management
(1861) can cost more than £1,000. The book was rewritten and
reissued several times
, though, and
COLLECTING BOOKS |
, though, and
for
about £20-40. Modern reprints will usually cost less than £10.
Others
to look out for include the 19th-century writer Mary Henderson, whose
hooks fetch around £20—150. and 20th-century authors X.M.
Boulestin. whose works can sell for £10—50, and Ambrose Heath
(about £5-15).
COLLECTING BOOKS |
From
the 1960s, the number of cookery books rocketed. Authors of interest
include Elizabeth David, Theodora Fitzgibbon, Primrose Boyde, and
Patience Grey. Values usually range between £5 and £30. The books
of early TV chef Fanny Craddock tend to fetch around £10-20.
Travel
guides can fetch high prices. Baedeker produced a range of travel
books between 1860 and the outbreak of World War II, at a time of
increased interest in travel. The series is known for historical
information, attention to detail, and its early star-rating system.
The first and only English edition on Russia (1914) can be worth up
to £600 or more
. The classic 1929 guide to Egypt, which includes information on the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, is worth around £100-300. Later printings of other Baedekers,
. The classic 1929 guide to Egypt, which includes information on the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, is worth around £100-300. Later printings of other Baedekers,
such
as an 11th edition on northern Italy (1899), can sell for £10-30 or
more, although some can cost up to £300 if in good condition.
COLLECTING BOOKS |
Thomas
Cook also produced travel guides, and a pre-1930s first edition, such
as
Cook's Traveller's Handbook Venice
(1923), can he worth £10-300, depending on condition and rarity.
Titles in good condition with illustrations or photographs of well-
known sights are the most desirable.
Sports
books — especially on golf, cricket, football, and tennis, or ones
commemorating a particular event -
are
popular. William Tilden's tennis classic
Aces, Places, and Faults
(1938) can fetch £150-180, while Teclclie Tinling's
Sixty Years in Tennis
(1983) is worth about £30-60. Sports annuals are also worth keeping.
Fishing
hooks are almost as popular as the sport itself. First editions of
Frederic M. Halford's
Dry Fly Fishing in Theory and Practice
and
The Dry Fly Man's Handbook
can fetch £200-400.
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