Your Guide to Guides: Collected Books The Guide to Values (1998)

Have you ever wondered if that old, dusty book on your shelf is a valuable first edition? The world of rare book collecting can seem intimidating, but with the right tools, you can become an expert in identifying and valuing your literary treasures. One of the most essential resources for any aspiring book collector is "Collected Books: The Guide to Values" by Allen and Patricia Ahearn.

This comprehensive guide is a staple in the rare book community, offering a wealth of information to help you navigate the complexities of first edition identification and valuation. Here's a breakdown of how to use this invaluable resource:

1. Understand the Terminology: Before you dive in, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the language of book collecting. The Ahearns' guide includes a detailed glossary that explains key terms like "first printing," "first trade edition," "points of issue," and "dust jacket." Understanding these terms is the first step to accurately identifying your book.

2. The "First Edition" is More Than a Single Printing: The Ahearns' guide emphasizes that a "first edition" can encompass multiple printings. For a book to be a true first edition, it must be the first printing of the first edition. The Ahearns' guide helps you distinguish between these printings by providing specific "points of issue"—unique typographical errors, publisher's marks, or other details that identify the true first printing.

3. Look for Publisher's Points: Many publishers have specific practices for identifying first printings. The Ahearns' guide provides a detailed list of these "publisher's points" for various publishers. For example, some publishers used a number line on the copyright page, with a "1" indicating the first printing. Others used a specific code or a symbol. The Ahearns' guide decodes these publisher's secrets, making it easier for you to pinpoint a first printing.

4. Condition is King: The Ahearns' guide doesn't just help you identify a first edition; it also helps you understand how condition impacts value. The guide provides a comprehensive grading system, ranging from "Fine" to "Poor," and explains how a book's condition, particularly the presence and condition of its dust jacket, can significantly affect its market price. A first edition without a dust jacket can be worth a fraction of the value of the same book with a pristine dust jacket.

5. Cross-Reference with Market Values: The heart of the Ahearns' guide is its extensive list of books and their estimated values. The authors meticulously track auction results and dealer prices to provide a realistic range of values for various first editions. While these are just estimates, they give you a strong starting point for understanding the potential worth of your book.

Using "Collected Books: The Guide to Values" is like having a seasoned book expert by your side. It's a tool that empowers you to move beyond guessing and into the world of informed collecting. By understanding the terminology, looking for publisher's points, and appreciating the importance of condition, you'll be well on your way to unlocking the hidden value of your literary collection.

So, next time you're at a garage sale or Browse an old bookstore, keep the Ahearns' guide in mind. It might just lead you to your next great find!

Carolina Dean 
Rare Book Dealer 

The Pages of My Past Loves: The Search for The One!

We've all been there. A new bookstore opens, or a used bookshop a town over is having a sale. The thrill is undeniable. It's the chase, the hunt for that one special book. It's the feeling you get when you first lay eyes on a promising spine peeking out from a cluttered shelf, its cover worn just so, its pages yellowed with the promise of a forgotten story. This, my friends, is the beginning of a love affair.

Just like any great romance, it starts with an intense infatuation. You bring the book home, carefully peel back its cover, and for a few blissful days or weeks, it's all you think about. You read it, you digest it, you let its words become a part of you. This is the one, you think to yourself. This is the book that will define me. You highlight your favorite passages, you write notes in the margins, and you feel as if the author is speaking directly to you, and only you.

But just like love, things can change. You finish the book. You've devoured its secrets, learned its lessons, and now you know it, perhaps, better than it knows itself. The initial passion fades, replaced by a deep and abiding affection, but it's no longer the all-consuming fire it once was. You haven't outgrown the book, exactly. It's more that you've grown with it. You've taken what you needed from it, and now you are ready for something new.

And so, the search begins again. You're not looking to replace your last love, but rather to find the next one. The shelves of your local library and bookstores start to look like a sea of potential partners. Each book has something to offer, a unique story to tell, a different perspective to share. You hold them in your hands, weigh their potential, and wonder if this one will be the one to finally capture your heart.

The truth is, we're not just collecting books. We are collecting experiences, feelings, and pieces of ourselves. Each book we read, each love affair we have, leaves an indelible mark. We keep them on our shelves, not as dusty trophies, but as silent witnesses to our journey. The well-worn copy of the novel you read in college reminds you of the person you were then. The battered paperback from a flea market holds the memory of a rainy Saturday afternoon. And the pristine hardcover that you just finished? It represents who you are now, and the person you are becoming.

Our bookshelves are a curated gallery of our past loves. We never truly let them go. They sit there, waiting, ready to be revisited when the time is right, their stories and secrets ready to be rediscovered with a new perspective. We are forever in search of the one, that singular book that will change everything. And in that search, we find that the true joy lies not in finding that one perfect book, but in the beautiful, messy, and ever-evolving series of love affairs that lead us there.

Looking for your next great love? Start your search here!

Carolina Dean 
Certified Bibliophile 

Wishing Stones & How to Use Them

Have you ever found a smooth, perfectly shaped rock on the beach? It might have a white stripe of quartz running all the way around it. If so, you've found a wishing stone.

For a long time, people have thought of these stones as special. They've been called "lucky stones" or "wishing rocks," and they show how we can find magic in nature.

What makes a wishing stone special?

The white stripe is the key. People believe this stripe holds a special kind of energy. The stone has been shaped by the ocean for years, and the stripe is a symbol of that enduring, powerful force.

The magic isn't in the stone itself, but in your own personal intention. It's about what you bring to it.

How to use your Wishing Stone

The process is simple. Once you find your stone, hold it in your hand and feel its smooth surface.

1. Find a quiet place. Take a moment away from distractions.

2. Focus on your wish. Close your eyes and think about what you want. Be clear about your intention.

3. Rub the stripe. Gently rub the white stripe with your thumb. As you do, imagine your wish coming true.

4. Make your wish. A common tradition is to throw the stone into the water to release your wish.

However, many people keep their wishing stones. They can be carried in your pocket or placed on a table as a reminder of your wish. Just holding the stone can help you remember your purpose

The real power of the stone

The real magic of a wishing stone isn't a spell or a guarantee. It's the process of using it. It makes you stop, connect with nature, and think about what you truly want. It's a physical reminder of your hopes and dreams.

So next time you're out for a walk, keep an eye out for these little treasures. You might find a beautiful reminder that a little magic can be found anywhere. And sometimes, a simple stone is all you need to hold a powerful wish.

Carolina Dean 
Wish Master 
12th House Books 

Links:

Wishing Stones (12th House Books)