The Book Buying and Collecting Thread

DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
edited November 2020 in General Discussion Posts: 17,727
As there are a good few book buyers and collectors here on our community I thought that it was about time that we had an actual general book buying and collecting thread.

It's designed for the discussion of all aspects of book collecting from Bond to non-Bond and beyond.

I'm an avid book collector and love nothing better in my free time than perusing bookshops, antique shops, charity shops and the Internet in search of new and interesting titles to add to my collection which, like Goldfinger's gold stocks, is considerable.

I hope all of the book collectors and just general regular book buyers will come out of the woodwork and make this thread into something special. Hopefully we can learn some good tips and advice on the art of book collecting and can share some of our collection here. :)

Comments

  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    So does anyone want to turn the page in this thread?
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 23,448
    I love to talk about books but book collecting sounds pretty artsie. :) Not sure I belong in this thread.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    edited August 2016 Posts: 17,727
    Just a little update post to say that I mean book buying generally as well as specifically collecting. Please believe me when I say that there's no snobbery here from me!

    I've amended the title a little bit to make it more inclusive. Sorry to give off any elitist vibe as that's just not me! :)
  • ChriscoopChriscoop North Yorkshire
    Posts: 281
    I used to have a collection of old leather bound Charles dickens books, they were various editions some quite valuable some nit at all, I simply love old books, I've also had many different variations of the Bond novels, sadly my entire collection was ruined by damp when I lived on my boat, I've since bought all the bond books again, new and some onto my ereader, I shall be reading Dr No next week on holiday.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 23,448
    I get really good prices and services here:
    https://www.bookdepository.com/

    I buy all my books there.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    I get really good prices and services here:
    https://www.bookdepository.com/

    I buy all my books there.

    Thank you. I will certainly give them a look later.
  • PropertyOfALadyPropertyOfALady Colders Federation CEO
    Posts: 3,675
    I bought two expensive books lately. Filming Quantum of Solace and The Most Famous Car in the World.
  • JohnHammond73JohnHammond73 Lancashire, UK
    edited August 2016 Posts: 4,151
    I am always buying books, whether they be reference book, biographies, novels, comic books etc and I do have quite a collection stored in various places around my house (unfortunately our house is still a work in progress so not too many bookshelves around at the moment).

    The reference books, biographies and comic books I buy are always very well read from cover to cover, however, I'll admit I am not much of a reader of novels and, despite claims that I want to get the Fleming 007 novels read, I still have only got though Casino Royale. I know I'm missing out on that but novels have never been a big read of mine, despite the fact that I really do buy so many. Most will no doubt never be read and get passed on to my kids, if they want them.

    I try not to buy books at their full price, I'll always wait until they are either in a sale or find their way to The Works bookshops where I know they'll be much cheaper. Charity shops are another great source of finding books for me (I once found a Shaun of the Dead graphic novel in a charity shop, signed by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in a 50p box). If you search around you can find hidden gems in charity shops.

    So, yes, I'm a book collector, I find them a great way to just get away from everything around you and any problems that you may have bothering you. And, despite not reading the amount I should, I include novels in that, they are a great escape from the real world; and when I have read a novel it's easy to picture scenes from the book; like little movies in your head. Great stuff.

    I've tried to urge my kids to read as much as they can but, unfortunately, with my lads it's been very difficult and they have shown zero interest in reading, apart from on a laptop/phone or tablet. My daughter, on the other hand, is a massive reader and she can spend hours at a time with a book in hand; it's great to see. I've assured her that there are massive benefits to reading and she's taken it all on board. Her collection of books will no doubt one day eclipse my own.

    Anyway, I hope that this is something similar to what you were asking @Dragonpol. I'll do my best to contribute to this thread as much as I can, I'm not as good with the words as others but hope that this gives an idea on my thoughts. Cheers.
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 13,882
    I collect almost entriely fiction, with a small reference/biographical collection. I also detest these ebook things. You cant beat the smell of a new book, or the feel of turning the pages.

    If you haven't done so and get the chance, I strongly recommend book lovers to visit <a href="http://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/bookshops/default.asp">Hay-On-Wye.</a>;
  • JohnHammond73JohnHammond73 Lancashire, UK
    Posts: 4,151
    You cant beat the smell of a new book, or the feel of turning the pages.

    Couldn't agree more. I really don't like ebooks. Physical copies are a must have.

  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    edited August 2018 Posts: 17,727
    I think this must be the condition that I have when it comes to books. Now I finally have a word for it - "Tsundoku"!

    https://www.treehugger.com/cleaning-organizing/tsundoku-practice-buying-more-books-you-can-read.html
  • Posts: 17,241
    Dragonpol wrote: »
    I think this must be the condition that I have when it comes to books. Now I finally have a word for it!

    https://www.treehugger.com/cleaning-organizing/tsundoku-practice-buying-more-books-you-can-read.html

    I've lost count of how many books I've collected, yet to be read. Probably up to 40-50 books by this point.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    edited August 2018 Posts: 17,727
    Dragonpol wrote: »
    I think this must be the condition that I have when it comes to books. Now I finally have a word for it!

    https://www.treehugger.com/cleaning-organizing/tsundoku-practice-buying-more-books-you-can-read.html

    I've lost count of how many books I've collected, yet to be read. Probably up to 40-50 books by this point.

    Yes, sadly it's the same for me, only with vastly elevated numbers!

    It's definitely a disease, but it could always be worse I suppose! ;)
  • edited August 2018 Posts: 17,241
    Dragonpol wrote: »
    Dragonpol wrote: »
    I think this must be the condition that I have when it comes to books. Now I finally have a word for it!

    https://www.treehugger.com/cleaning-organizing/tsundoku-practice-buying-more-books-you-can-read.html

    I've lost count of how many books I've collected, yet to be read. Probably up to 40-50 books by this point.

    Yes, sadly it's the same for me, only with vastly elevated numbers! It's definitely a disease, but it could always be worse I suppose! ;)

    Absolutely! I've sometimes wondered if I should make a plan how to get through these books, like setting aside half an hour a day or something, just for book reading.

    As things are now, I probably read 3-5 books a year, and buy 4-8!
  • Agent_99Agent_99 enjoys a spirited ride as much as the next girl
    Posts: 3,099
    I'm a terrible collector/hoarder. If I like an author I want everything they've written (I'm the same with music) and if I own two books in a series, suddenly it's A Collection and I have to track down the lot.

    Things I collect (other than Bond and spy lit):

    Biggles (currently in boxes due to lack of shelf space, alas)
    The Saint
    1960s orange Penguins
    Tintin
    Books about huskies
    Aviation books, especially WW1
  • Posts: 4,023
    What books have you got of The Saint?
  • Agent_99Agent_99 enjoys a spirited ride as much as the next girl
    Posts: 3,099
    vzok wrote: »
    What books have you got of The Saint?

    Not sure off the top of my head - I'll try to take a photo!
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    As this thread's creator I have been remiss so I thought that I would revive it after a fairly long hiatus as it is still a keen interest (and indulgence) of mine. Here's an interesting interview with John Cleese that I found today and I thought I'd share it here:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/03/books/review/john-cleese-by-the-book-interview.html
  • NickTwentyTwoNickTwentyTwo Vancouver, BC, Canada
    Posts: 7,518
    Is anyone interested in a first edition TSWLM?
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    Is anyone interested in a first edition TSWLM?

    Does it have a dust jacket and what is the price? Is it the Jonathan Cape UK first edition?
  • NickTwentyTwoNickTwentyTwo Vancouver, BC, Canada
    edited November 2020 Posts: 7,518
    1962 Jonathan Cape, with dust jacket, good condition. I honestly don't really have a clue what it's worth.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    1962 Jonathan Cape, with dust jacket, good condition. I honestly don't really have a clue what it's worth.

    That sounds great. Not sure of the exact value myself but it'll be worth a fair bit in good condition. I have first editions with their dustjackets of the last three Fleming Bonds: YOLT, TMWTGG and OP & TLD.
  • NickTwentyTwoNickTwentyTwo Vancouver, BC, Canada
    Posts: 7,518
    YOLT would be amazing to have, one of my favourite of the novels.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    edited November 2020 Posts: 17,727
    YOLT would be amazing to have, one of my favourite of the novels.

    Yes, one of my favourites too. I picked it up relatively cheaply from eBay in 2012. The dustjacket is a little frayed around the edges and I think the flyleaf has been torn out but apart from that it's in good condition. They're very hard to find at an affordable price these days sadly, and in good condition.
  • M_BaljeM_Balje Amsterdam, Netherlands
    edited November 2020 Posts: 4,416
    Have all Dutch 17 Zwarte Beertjes James Bond pockets include James Bond Onder Het Mes ''Double O Seven, James Bond: A Report'' / Contra Kolonel Soen ''Colonel Sun'' by Robert Markham aka Kingsley Amis / Casino Royale re-release from 2006. Also two English Pan editions from Goldfinger and DAF. The Saint: De Saint En De Musketiers (Translation from original French release: Le Saint Chasse La Blonde). John Gardner - Vergunning Verlengd ( Licence Renewed) and English version of Licence Renewed.

    Also in Dutch:

    Jeffery Deaver - Carte Blanche
    Sebastian Faulks Devil May Care
    John Gardner - Goldeneye (Book based film script)
    Raymond Benson - Tomorrow Never Dies (Book based film script)
    Raymond Benson - Twine (Book based on film script)
    Raymond Benson (Neal Pervis & Robert Wade) - Die Another Day (Book based on film script)

    I wish be better / bigger editions of the novels and i missing some good Dutch translations of inside/making off books who are only avaible in English. For example more present there release soon a book about The Aston Martin with picture of NTTD and book about the cars, but only in English. This is why i am very happy with James Bond car collection magzine's and two inside books in Dutch that i collect: De James Bond Films: Van Dr. No Tot Octopussy / Dossier James Bond and i have bio from Roger Moore (Roger Moore - Voor Altijd James Bond).

    The Essential Bond - Twine update
    James Bond The Legacy - DAD update/ big version
    007 For Your Eyes Only - Ian Fleming + James Bond
    Kiss Kiss Bang! Bang! - The Unofficial James Bond Film Companion

    Designing 007 50 Years Of Bond Style. Designd as Pasport Chapbook Paperback. Avaible for € 5,00 at Kunsthal Rotterdam, The Netherlands made for ''Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style'' event that takes places between 12 October 2014 - 8 February 2015. Dutch Version, printed in 2013 (Copyright credit as 1962-2013). Text by Bronwyn Cosgrave. Translated by Huub Stegeman. Pagecount: 26.

    Comic books in Dutch based on movies: For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy. Also have 3 James Bond callenders (2001, 2011 and 2019)
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    edited June 2021 Posts: 17,727
    Here's an interesting article from the Guardian on a scheme to benefit authors by means of secondhand sales of their books as well as the primary sales when their books are new. I thought this quote from the article was especially interesting:

    Previously, authors could only receive royalties on sales of new books, but the growth of the used book market, which is predicted to be worth £563m in the UK by 2025, had seen calls for a new approach to writer remuneration.

    So who's to say the secondhand book market in the UK is dead yet with those type of projected figures? Of course that's presumably counting online sales as well but it's evidently a service people still want so bricks and mortar secondhand bookshops should hopefully benefit too.

    https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/books/2021/jun/01/authors-to-earn-royalties-on-secondhand-books-for-first-time
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    edited January 2022 Posts: 17,727
    A book collector's heaven by the look of it:

  • I was totally not expecting that. That was pretty awesome.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    The Critic - The demise of the second-hand bookshop: Why Oxfam bookshops, as tremendous as they are, may be the end of the second-hand bookseller (11 August 2020):

    https://thecritic.co.uk/the-demise-of-the-second-hand-bookshop/
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