Gore and More discussion

Do we have any members who fancy themselves as book collectors?

I'm curious, because this is something I haven't even realized I had become until it was pointed out by my sister. She was visiting and happened upon my book shelf. After going through the titles, she asked me when I started collecting 1st editions.

I have quite a few 1st edition, 1st print books in near fine/fine condition. Now mind you, most of my books are very modern and wouldn't fetch much on the market. I own them, because I love them and purchased many when they were first released.

My collection would be considered an author collection. Most books on my shelf were written by :

Laymon
King ( I only have 5 at the moment)
Koontz
F. Paul Wilson
Simmons
Barker
Gaiman

I do have a smattering of other authors in different genres, such as Clive Cussler and James Rollins.

Now that I realize I'm a collector, I've been trying to locate a few books such as "Something Wicked This Way Comes", and I truly would like to have a first edition of "Carrie". Unfortunately, these two books when purchased would be the equivalent of buying a new car.

I'll keep hunting.

If anyone has any questions, or your simply looking for something, please feel free to drop me a private message. I love discussing books.

Kevin, I've been buying and reading favorite authors for about 35 years now, guess that makes me a collector. Like yours, my collection consists of fairly modern authors/books. I collect Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Michael Marshall Smith, Glen Hirshberg, Jonathan Carroll (my favorite author), William Browning Spencer, Phil Rickman, Manly Wade Wellman, Charles de Lint, Kelly Link, Jonathan Lethem, and Robert McCammon, among others. I'm lucky enough to have a few signed first editions by some of these folks. Horror, fantasy, dark fantasy and slipstream are my favorite areas of reading and collecting, but I also have mainstream fiction by authors like Dennis Lehane, as well as a LOT of non-fiction books about the horror and fantasy genres and genre authors. I even have the original hard-cover Pulphouse monthlys from the late 1980s/early 1990s, which introduced me to more than a few authors who have become favorites of mine. I'll keep reading, and collecting, as long as my wits and my wallet hold out. Good hunting - you never know when you'll find a wonderful book buried in a box at a yard sale or gathering dust in a used bookstore.

Sue wrote: "Kevin, I've been buying and reading favorite authors for about 35 years now, guess that makes me a collector. Like yours, my collection consists of fairly modern authors/books. I collect Stephen Ki..."

Hi Sue,

It's nice to see another collector here. As I stated, I never considered myself a collector until it was pointed out, now I'm happy to collect and also learn about the publishing of books and there many forms of release.

Recently I have been adding quite a few ARC's to my collection. I just like the thought of owning the uncorrected proofs especially if the book has been altered for final release. Some long galleys would also be very nice to add to my collection.

Happy hunting and good reading Sue.

I have been collecting for a ling time and love my signed Asimov, Bradbury, Gaiman, King, etc. However, space became a problem when we moved to a smaller place. Then the Kindle came around which became more affordable and easy to accumulate the written word and with the joy of having children came the difficulty of standing in lines for hours to get a book signed. Some of my faves: Gaiman, King, Asimove, Bradbury, Frank Herbert, Barker. It was a wonderful hobby when I was active with it.

Eric,
Space can be a huge problem, this is why I only collect certain authors at this time. I have some great ARC's, one happens to be One Rainy Night by Richard Laymon, I also have a very cool F.Paul Wilson ARC, "Black Wind", I need to get it signed. I also have some great signed CD limited releases from Simon Clark and Brian Keene.

I have been hunting for a Fine/Fine - Pristine copy of Peter Benchley's "Jaws" USA 1st edition. Very hard to locate in pristine condition.

I love my Nook, but nothing beats the real deal. Collecting is fun and very challenging. Understanding trends is very tricky, what may be a very hot item now could be worthless 10 years from now, but for the most part books will hold their value.

I also collect Barker and Gaiman, I would like to add some Asimov but most of his titles are out of my price range at the moment.

This is much more than a hobby for me, I'm OBBSESSED!

I have gotten lucky with ebay and alibris.com usually for reasonable prices.

Eric wrote: "I have gotten lucky with ebay and alibris.com usually for reasonable prices."

Eric,
Check out this link to the true 1st edition, 1st printing of "I Robot"



Here's the link to the original release:
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookD...

They get cheaper, but the condition also deteriorates. The cheaper books range in the 2,500.00 mark.

The cover is very 50's and very awesome. I had a first printing firsy edition Dune book which one day my dad threw away. Mine wasn't mint but saw a mont one the other day for 8 grand. Amazinf.

The only 1st edition I own of Asimov, is Foundations Edge. Not much value on that title but it's still an interesting title for me.

I collect my books because the story itself meant something to me. I would never sell them.

Eric wrote: "I collect my books because the story itself meant something to me. I would never sell them."

I'm the same way, I only collect books I have read and enjoyed.

Monetary value is an added perk. There will be a point when you have to make hard decisions due to lack of space. I prefer to donate books when possible, but if the title is rare I will sell it. I have trimmed my collection at least a dozen times merely for space and to add titles I value above others.

Decisions suck, but it's a necessary evil.

Well Kevin, as you already know I collect also.

I wanted you to know that the Blatty books are now safe at my house. Feel free to stop by and take a look.

Your royal cousin,
Joe

I have several soft cover and hard cover books in my collection. Over 200 books.

Kyle~Special K~Rebel Leader~ wrote: "I have several soft cover and hard cover books in my collection. Over 200 books."

I had to give away all my paperbacks, well most of them. I ran out of space, I had paperbacks triple stacked on book shelfs. Now the shelfs house all my 1st/1st F/F or like new HB's.

JDB wrote: "Well Kevin, as you already know I collect also.

I wanted you to know that the Blatty books are now safe at my house. Feel free to stop by and take a look.

Your royal cousin,
Joe"

I heard these books are signed and they were given to you for free. I'll stop by and check them out. You know I wanted my copy of The Exorcist signed.I'm a bit jealous.

You have The Exorcist and Legion right?

Here's my Stephen King collection:

http://d.gr-assets.com/photos/1368097...

James wrote: "When do you consider yourself a collector? I would imagine there's a lot more going on than simply adding books to you shelf. I have some 1st edition, 1st prints, but I'm not sure I would call myse..."


Collecting is for anyone. If you love books and horde them you just may be a collector.

I am not a serious collector by any means. There are collectors who have thousands of 1st edition/1st printed books(singed) by the likes of Hemingway and other HIGH POINT authors. My collection is in the range of 300 or so books, none of them considered HIGH POINTS.
Much of my collection is post 1960's.

I will say that if you are interested in collecting and want to build a collection, collect books that fascinate you. Remember that cost is a factor. As much as I would love a 1st edition/1st printing of "The Catcher In The Rye", or "Something Wicked This Way Comes", I realize my wallet is much too light to acquire these works.

I am serious about learning about collecting and I feel anyone who decides to collect should learn as much as they can about it. If someone told you they only collected A's and B's, and will entertain the thought of E's only if they are signed, would you know what they meant? Do you know what colophon means? Do you understand how to identify a true first edition from a book club edition? (this is tricky at times). There's a lot to learn, I would strongly suggest reading "The ABC For Book Collectors" before entertaining the idea of starting a serious collection,( it's considered standard reading by collectors). After reading that there are many other books that will help move you in the right direction.

If you enter an antiquarian book shop it will be of much help if you understand the jargon used by serious collectors, also understand that this can be a realm filled with academics and uppity-up's who tend to look down their nose at those not in the know, don't let this discourage you, if you show a general interest in the field most of these stiff-upper lip types will be glad to help you and some may even befriend you and help you build your collection.

(I don't mean to offend any academics)

But remember, anyone can collect, it's just a matter of how far you want to take it. I'm happy where I am, but I would like to take it much further.

I hope this was of some help, I'm still in the process of learning the field myself.

Kyle~Special K~Rebel Leader~ wrote: "Here's my Stephen King collection:

http://d.gr-assets.com/photos/1368097..."

Nice collection, are any signed?

James, as Kevin has stated, anyone can collect. You dont have to be a specfic type or know everything. Usually people start collecting by accident. They simply never let go of the books they purchased.

James wrote: "Kevin wrote: "James wrote: "When do you consider yourself a collector? I would imagine there's a lot more going on than simply adding books to you shelf. I have some 1st edition, 1st prints, but I'..."

Thanks James,

It does take time and patience to be a serious collector, but keep in mind, there is no rush, you can collect at your leisure.

A few recent great finds: Robert McCammon "Boy's Life" 1st edition. 1st printing, signed by author. Dan Simmons "Summer Of Night", 1st edition. 1st printing, signed by author.

I have my eye on Robert McCammon's "Usher's Passing" 1st edition. 1st printing, signed by author, plus the ARC chap book also signed by author. The chap book is quite hard to find so I'm truly giving the price consideration.

Kevin wrote: "A few recent great finds: Robert McCammon "Boy's Life" 1st edition. 1st printing, signed by author. Dan Simmons "Summer Of Night", 1st edition. 1st printing, signed by author.

I have my eye on Rob..."

If you can get a copy of that ARC your lucky. I would buy it now before it's too late. Those chap books are becoming scarce.

JDB wrote: "Kevin wrote: "A few recent great finds: Robert McCammon "Boy's Life" 1st edition. 1st printing, signed by author. Dan Simmons "Summer Of Night", 1st edition. 1st printing, signed by author.

I have..."

Yep, I know how hard they are to find, I just don't know if I'm ready to plop down the cash for the pair.

Joe,

Here's the pair of Laymon "One Rainy Night" titles.

Nice set Kevin.

Stacy, the ARC's are highly collectable and are actually released before the 1st edition, so some consider them the true first editions, although I don't agree. ARCs can demand a very nice price, even more than a 1st edition at times.

The true first edition is just that, "the first edition", the arcs are uncorrected proofs and advance reading copies for review sake.

ARCS are collectable, and some are extremely rare.

Kevin wrote: "The true first edition is just that, "the first edition", the arcs are uncorrected proofs and advance reading copies for review sake.

ARCS are collectable, and some are extremely rare."

I agree, but some will debate the issue.

They are collectible and do demand a hefty price tag depending on the book.

You know that you are in trouble when you start collecting publishers instead of authors. For example books from Eibonvale, Centipede Press, Subterranean Press. Most of these presses release books already signed by the author and at times sell out within hours of announcing the release of a book .. Take for example the new Stephen King book Joyland hardcover from Hard Case Crime (released through TITAN Books in the UK), gone within days. And they released three versions of the Hardcover.

I do not have many first editions or special editions. I do own a lot of books, seven large shelves worth. I have every Stephen King book with the exception of one. I own quite a few Richard Laymon, Brian Keene, Robert McCammon, my personal favorite. A few Dan Simmons, Jeff Strand, Jonathan Maberry, who is really growing on me. That in its self sounds like a good start to a horror novel. Sarah Langan, Jack Ketchum, Joe Hill and a host of other great writers. I just enjoy reading and not just a good horror novel. My wife owns a Kindle, but I have never read on it. May try it some day.
I am currently trying to read Brom Stoker winners and nominees. I like to compare and pick my own winners. I pick days and just go book buying and carry a list with me, so I guess I am a collector.

Karl wrote: "You know that you are in trouble when you start collecting publishers instead of authors. For example books from Eibonvale, Centipede Press, Subterranean Press. Most of these presses release books ..."


This is an issue with me.
I do collect a few of these pre-collectable, collectables, but I try to distance myself from such publishing's. I know many of these books will hold value in the near future and are released in limited runs, so your guaranteed a rare book right from the get go. My issue with such publishing's is the market it creates. It becomes more about grabbing that soon to be impossible to find Stephen King book for the monetary value it will hold and less about collecting for the love of books and the thrill of the hunt, such as chasing that illusive first edition, first printing of "Song Of Kali" signed by the author of course. :-)

I don't look down upon anyone who collects this way, I am simply stating that it doesn't fit my need. Although as I have already stated, I do own a few of these collectables, some are easy to obtain and are currently the only way to own such books such as "Baal", without paying an arm and a leg.

Any way you decide to collect, always have fun and enjoy the hobby.

Kevin wrote: "Karl wrote: "You know that you are in trouble when you start collecting publishers instead of authors. For example books from Eibonvale, Centipede Press, Subterranean Press. Most of these presses r..."

Finding a publisher of small press books for me, is not about a books value now or in the future. If you run across a publisher you like, because of the authors they publish, or create a beautiful work of book art, it has become a way to find new authors to explore. For example i read a couple of anthologies that Eibonvale published. I was impressed whith he choices of authors, many of whom I did not recognize, which in turn broadened my reading horizon. I have discovered great new voices through them.

Being curious I looked into their back catalog to see what else they published and found the books to be no longer available due to small print runs or what ever reason. When a publisher presents a fine consistent product with beautiful dust covers and well chosen authors you begin to trust their choices in authors. Sadly this does not work for the Big New York publishers. Publishers like Green River Press in Ireland, or Hieroglyphic create beautiful books and publish great authors that have become the pride of my collection.

Some of those leather bound books are beautiful. I was looking at a F.Paul Wilson, Dydee Town World released by Easton Press. I was tempted to pull the trigger, but it simply wouldn't fit in my collection.

My point about these presses is, they do re-release many hard to find books in beautiful and sometimes signed editions, but they create their own market. The true first editions are out there to find if you have the time, money, and patience.

On the other hand, if your collection centers around these publications, then they are well worth having. There is no wrong or right way to collect books, it's just a matter of preference.

I'm a true first edition hunter for the most part. My collection centers around 98% true first editions, with the exception of Baal (Subterranean), Kill Whitey (Cemetery Dance)Darker (Cemetery Dance), and The Traveling Vampire Show (Cemetery Dance).

Cemetery Dance has truly created a collectable market for their publications.

My collection is centered around the original founders of HOWL, with the exception of Dean Koontz at the moment.

Happy hunting Karl. It would be great to get an up-close look at your collection. Those leather bounds are something to see and hold in person.

Kevin wrote: "Some of those leather bound books are beautiful. I was looking at a F.Paul Wilson, Dydee Town World released by Easton Press. I was tempted to pull the trigger, but it simply wouldn't fit in my col..."

Not sure how leather bounds got into our discussions. I was talking about specialty small press publishers, many of whom publish True First Editions these days. Publishers like Easton publish re-prints.

Karl wrote: "Kevin wrote: "Some of those leather bound books are beautiful. I was looking at a F.Paul Wilson, Dydee Town World released by Easton Press. I was tempted to pull the trigger, but it simply wouldn't..."

I tossed the leather bounds in there because many of the presses make these available for collectors. if you don't have any, my bad.

Well, I wouldn't be considered a serious collector but I do enjoy adding to my collection, having first editions. I usually pick up whatever interests me which is anything from horror to westerns and by now I have well over two hundred books in my collection, which is still growing. I have a couple first editions of Kings work and one of Bachman, before he was known as King. Have several from the early 1900s and a couple from the 1890s, one from the 1850s even. Also have an H.G Wells anthology bound in leather..have a little of everything.

Alissa wrote: "Well, I wouldn't be considered a serious collector but I do enjoy adding to my collection, having first editions. I usually pick up whatever interests me which is anything from horror to westerns a..."

Hi Alissa and welcome to the discussion. keep us posted on your progress. It's always fun to hear about new finds, and pics are also great. if you happen to have a few pics of your prized books, feel free to post them.

Hey Kevin, thanks for the welcome. Okay, I'll have to post a couple sometime soon and I'll let you know if I come across anything well, collectible.

Is anyone else a book collector here?

Josh wrote: "i am"

What and who do you collect, Josh?

I also collect books. I have Stephen King, John Saul, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Ann Rule, Bentley Little, Alex Kava and quite a few others. All of those are either hardback or paperback.

Used book stores are like a magnet to me. They grab ahold and suck me right through the door. I try to get my hands on the older stuff that you can't download - stuff from the 1970s through 2000.

Ken wrote: "Used book stores are like a magnet to me. They grab ahold and suck me right through the door. I try to get my hands on the older stuff that you can't download - stuff from the 1970s through 2000."


I have the same problem as any thrift stores or goodwill will normally have books galore - hardback and paperback. Most of the time they will have books that you can no longer find anywhere else.

Have you ever bought anything from thriftbooks.com? They have thousands of books on there and 50% are under $4.00. They do have some hardbacks, but they have mostly paperback. But you can probably find out of date editions on there.

I have bought quite a few books from them. The other thing is that orders over $10 you can get standard free shipping. If you have the books expedited then it is $2.99 for shipping. :)

Marie wrote: "Ken wrote: "Used book stores are like a magnet to me. They grab ahold and suck me right through the door. I try to get my hands on the older stuff that you can't download - stuff from the 1970s thr..."

I haven't, but good to know. I'll check them out. Thanks!

Ken wrote: "Marie wrote: "Ken wrote: "Used book stores are like a magnet to me. They grab ahold and suck me right through the door. I try to get my hands on the older stuff that you can't download - stuff from..."

You are welcome! :)