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Someone not familiar with the industry may wonder why anyone would be interested in antique books. After all, a lot of times the information contained in them is so outdated that it’s downright inaccurate! Science books are almost comical with their rudimentary knowledge of the universe, medical books are surprisingly inaccurate about the workings of the human body and cause of many illnesses, and of course history books seem almost like fairy tales when held up against today’s modern world. But for many, antique books are something to be treasured and they are actually quite valuable to a lot of collectors. Especially bibles and other holy books, and writings of very famous people throughout history; all of these can fetch quite a sum at auction.

Some of the reasons that antique books are so coveted by collectors include the fact that they are so inaccurate when held up against today’s modern textbooks. When we understand how inaccurate medical books were from decades ago, we realize how much work doctors and scientists have done to get to where we are today - and how much more work there is to be done. Some appreciate that antique books are seen as almost elementary because this really paints a picture of the progress that people have made when it comes to science or medicine.

For others, antique books appeal because of the timelessness of their text. Human beings have not changed very much since they first began writing. We still have all the same emotions and feelings our ancestors had. About the only thing that has changed is that our body of knowledge is much wider today than in the past. Our feelings and emotions are still about the same.

Turning to history, most of it comes from antique books, of course. Most civilizations left us their history in the form of stories and tales that made their way into books over the years. Without them, we wouldn’t have any idea what our history was. Look at the pirate treasure, and the lost scrolls and the mummies and everything else about history that is being found today. It all comes from antique books. Just think of the laws that govern people and how they have evolved. The only reason we know any of this, is because of antique books. On top of all of this antique books are connected to real people who lived hundreds of years ago. Reading one can be like getting into a time machine and going back into the past. Knowing that a book is hundreds of years old, allows us to wonder about the person who wrote it, the people who’ve owned it, the meaning they got from it. Who touched it, who read it, what did it mean to them? Knowing the books people read is probably the best connection you’ll ever have with them.

So who might be interested in antique books? It takes someone who enjoys history and connecting with the past. People who like to transport themselves back in time, so that they feel that they are in the shoes of the writer. These people can be fanatical about books. Many auctions have separate showings for books. Antique books and antique toys and antique furniture, probably don’t all appeal to the same buyers. So there is a separate crowd of buyers looking for antique books. Many libraries specialize in historical books, and they’re always buyers. University libraries and large legal libraries are always looking for antique books. Religious organizations are always looking for old Bibles and religious texts. There are also many private collectors looking for something unique that no one else has. While there are some in the antique business, who shy away from books because they feel it’s not as exciting as a piece of18th century Victorian furniture or a 200 year old piece of jewelry, there is still a huge market for antique books that are prized by collectors.

Antiques can make an interesting hobby and a great business. Millions of people are finding the joys of the antique business ever year. Get started with Rob Gormly’s exciting report “Ka~CHING How to Buy and Sell Antiques … Just Like They Do On TV!”or learn more about the antique business on our blog.