Glen Larson Bookseller

Rare and collectable Books

Please stop by the Maryland Antique Center and view our collection of collectable books including first editions, leather and antiquarian books. We buy and sell first editions and collectables.

Select first editions may be viewed for purchase by appointment. We have collectable first editions of the following:

  • Prince and the Pauper – Mark Twain
  • Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain
  • Jungle Book – Rudyard Kipling
  • Wind and the Willows – Kenneth Grahame, we have first editions from both England and the United States
  • The Man Within – Graham Greene
  • Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck, signed copy card
  • Ulysses – James Joyce (Illustrated and signed by Henri Matisse – Ltd. Ed.)
  • Hound of the Baskervilles – Arthur C. Doyle – Strand Magazine bound
  • Lolita – Vladimir Nabokov (Paper back, 2 vol. Olympia, Paris – 1st Ed.)

Publishers using the term First Edition often place it on the books copyright page. It is only a first if you don’t find indications of additional printings. Compare dates on the title page with those found on the copyright page. Some publishers use the words First Edition in conjunction with a number system. In such cases the number system should always take precedence and you should look for the 1.

Collectors use the term first edition to mean “first edition, 1st state”. Many publishers use the term “first edition” to mean a book reprinted without changes. Thus you could see the words “First Edition” on a book with the number starting at 4 or D. In this example, the book is technically a first edition but forth printing or fourth state. Book collectors in general would not accept that reprinted book as a first for their collections as it would probably have only negligible value. I doubt any reputable collector or dealer would sell, list, or post this example as a first edition book.

Damage to a book is cumulative. The repeated incorrect handling and storage of a book can quickly transform a new book into a worn or even an unusable one, while proper handling and storage in a stable, cool, clean, non-humid environment, can prolong its life.

The environment is a major concern because unacceptable levels of temperature and humidity accelerate deterioration. For example, the high humidity in an attic or basement can promote mold growth, cockle pages, and attract insects. Extremely low humidity, as found above hot radiators, can dry out leather bindings.

Direct sun-light, with a large ultra-violet (UV) component, will fade leather and cloth; blue leather fades to dull green and red leather to brown, especially along the spine of the book.

Dust, dirt and grime from handling can adversely effect books as well. Many people shelve their books in closed glass cases away from brightly lit windows or damp exterior walls.

How we handle and use a book contributes to its longevity. If a book will not lay flat, do not use force to open it further. The covers should always be supported when the book is open.

Many books are damaged by the habit of pulling the books off the shelf from the top of the spine. It is a much better practice to push the two adjoining books inward and remove the book by holding the spine.

Place similar sized books, vertically next to each other on the shelf, packing them neither too loosely or tightly.

The use of paper clips, folding down pages, and marking pens to make notations should be discouraged since clips will rust or crimp the pages and pens often bleed through obscuring text on adjoining pages.

The practice of using rubber bands or string to tie-up a book should be avoided because they often cut into brittle pages and damage fragile covers. An excellent way to protect fragile books is with a box that is custom made to the dimensions of the book. Books with dry flaking leather covers can be wrapped in paper or polyester jackets to keep the fragments from transferring to hands, adjoining books or the rest of the pages.

In the past, leather books were treated with a leather dressing; however the application of an oil or leather dressing can have a more adverse effect than beneficial and is, therefore, not recommended.

The preservation procedures described here have been used by the Library of Congress in the care of its collections and are considered suitable by the Library as described; however, the Library and/or the International Book Collectors Association will not be responsible for damage to your collection should damage result from the use of these procedures.