Category : Reference

“Show me a man or a woman alone and I’ll show you a saint. Give me two and they’ll fall in love. Give me three and they’ll invent the charming thing we call ‘society’. Give me four and they’ll build a pyramid. Give me five and they’ll make one an outcast. Give me six and [...]

Here is a website I found that has quite a few author and illustrator signatures. It looks a bit daunting at first, but if you look closely, it’s alphabetized if you’re looking for a specific writer. A few notable signatures: Ray Bradbury Dean Koontz W.P. Kinsella Ed McBain Frank McCourt Arthur Miller Amy Tan Shirley Temple [...]

Here is a great guide compiled by Bev Vincent for identifying Stephen King first editions.  This is a great reference for anyone looking to purchase a first edition and who’s not quite sure what the first issue points may be.  This helpful guide includes First Edition Identifiers along with publisher and DJ (dust jacket) price [...]

Did you know that Stephen King did an American Express commercial in 1985? It’s not that long and it’s not clear whether it actually aired , but here it is. The video quality is not that great and you might have to turn your volume up to hear all the action. There is also a [...]

Below you will find some of the most valuable signed and rare books sold on-line in 2008. If you know of any others, please post it below. L’Abou Naddara, Journal Arabe Illustre (1878-1884) by James Sanua – $13,000 First edition published in 1878 and signed by author. The complete set of the first eight years [...]

Below is a list of several signed first edition clubs you may be interested in joining.  This list will be updated periodically. If you know of any other clubs , please send me an email at info@veryfinebooks.com and I will include them on this list. Signed First Editions Clubs: The Odyssey Bookshop – The Odyssey’s [...]

Very Fine (VF) The highest grade given to any copy. A crisp, fresh copy with NO flaws. Even a minor blemish must not be graded Very Fine – there will be NO “Very Fine except….” Some sellers describe these books as “Mint” or “AS NEW”. Very Fine books have never been read, or at least [...]

WHAT MAKES BOOKS RARE? A book doesn’t have to be an antique or one of only a thousand copies to be rare. Rather, a rare book is one that’s in demand, historically or otherwise relevant, and difficult to find. Relevance may mean different things to different people, but typically refers to a book that made [...]

Here is a list that you might find helpful. It is a glossary of commonly used books terms and definitions, both for reading and collectible copies. A Advanced Reading Copy – A copy for reviewers and/or booksellers, usually bound in paper wraps and usually with either the finished cover art or possibly trial cover art. [...]