The old truism never judge a book by its cover, could not be further from the truth.

RULE ONE: NEVER PURCHASE A BOOK WITHOUT ITS JACKET.
The simple answer is most of the value of the book if it is a first edition is, 75% less without its cover. Most Dust jackets are often removed and are often torn and discarded. A case to point was when I purchased a copy of the first Winnie the Pooh trade edition by Methuen 1926. I paid the Princely sum of three hundred pounds, and smugly congratulated myself on completing; the steal of the Century. I in my innocence believed I was about to make a fortune.

My excitement grew as I read that this particular book was rated among the top ten most expensive books in the world. I submitted it to Christie’s Auction house and awaited with sweaty palms their valuation of my by now treasured copy. At first I thought it was a poor attempt at humor, when their venerable Book Valuer informed me that my prized possession was worth more than a few hundred pounds. Sadly The hoax of the century turned out to be true, without the pesky Dust Jacket; My pride and joy was of a greatly reduced value. You can imagine My shock when I found out that with its Jacket, it was worth 7000 pounds! I had learned my first lesson in buying first editions. It’s of little comfort to seller’s that despite the excellent condition of many ‘Jacket less’ books, their copies fail to break any kind of record sales on ebay.

Their are happily a few exceptions to the rule. Their are many older books 18th century books which were manufactured before the advent of Dust Jackets which fetch a premium value. Also despite not having a Jacket your edition still has a value; albeit a greatly reduced one. Just remember when purchasing a hot title today, with an eye on selling in future years; make sure its properly dressed. After all would you go into any bodies house without wearing your best Jacket. My next Golden rule will be about Condition, Until next time; Happy Collecting.

Eddie Ryan is a regular contributor to Ireland’s Own magazine and a former writer of the Tribune newspaper.

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