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Author Topic:   An Alternative To Reading Signed Books
randyc
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From: Chandler, AZ USA
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posted 07-21-2009 10:32 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for randyc   Click Here to Email randyc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As a collector of signed books I have to tell you that I cringe whenever I hear of someone getting a book signed, then reading the signed copy. Since the condition of collectible books is important, and since it's nearly impossible to read a book without degrading it's condition, my suggestion is this: instead of reading the signed copy of the book, get a copy from the library to read. That way you can keep the signed copy in 'new' or 'as new' condition (which is important from a collectible standpoint) and still enjoy reading the book.

AstroAutos
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From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
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posted 07-21-2009 10:44 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for AstroAutos   Click Here to Email AstroAutos     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for the advice!

I too have been contemplating this recently - I have books signed by John Glenn, Mike Mullane, Gene Kranz and Buzz Aldrin and I have to say I am afraid of reading them for fear of damaging them!

GoesTo11
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From: Denver, CO
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posted 07-21-2009 10:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for GoesTo11   Click Here to Email GoesTo11     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I don't collect signed editions myself, but it seems to me the logical solution would be to keep your signed hardcover/first editions in a safe, dry place and wait for the paperback to read...If you have the patience

medaris
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From: United Kingdom
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posted 07-21-2009 12:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for medaris   Click Here to Email medaris     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I don't disagree with the advice - it's very sensible from a financial point of view.

Personally, I do read the signed copies I buy, unless I've already read the book. I like the sense of connection I get from it, and for me it's worth the possible monetary loss.

Oddly, one of the signed books I enjoyed reading most was Gene Kranz' disintegrating copy of 'A Fall of Moondust', which he'd bought in the sixties. I added to its state of disintegration, but I had a good time!

OLDIE
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From: Portsmouth, England
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posted 07-21-2009 02:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for OLDIE     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As a reader of signed (and unsigned) books, I would say "if you're not going to read the book, why buy a book in the first place?". Books, after all, are meant to be read. It's akin to buying a work of art and locking it away in a safe. Why not buy a baseball, cover, or some such and get that signed instead. I'm only (half)joking here, since everyone is surely free to collect what they want, and use it as they want.

Mark Zimmer
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posted 07-21-2009 02:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mark Zimmer     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I certainly can understand the original poster's point, but I don't collect signed books for financial gain. I collect them because they have some kind of meaning to me. So yeah, very often I'll read them (or I will have already read them) carefully.

randyc
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From: Chandler, AZ USA
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posted 07-21-2009 02:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for randyc   Click Here to Email randyc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I honestly don't understand several of the replies to my original posting. I didn't say don't read the book; I said don't read the SIGNED book. When you get a book signed, like when you get a baseball signed, it's a collectible, not something that should be used. As a sports memorabilia collector as well as a space memorabilia collector I can assure you that when someone gets a baseball signed they don't use it in a game. It is now a collectible, and is displayed as such. And what's the problem with going to the library and checking out a copy to read? Heck, maybe when you're there you'll find other books that interest you. Or if you don't mind having an 'extra' copy buy a second one to read.

It's obvious from the replies that several of these book 'collectors' don't understand the importance of condition (or don't care, which implies that they don't appreciate the concept of condition when assembling a collection). Even if you have no intention of ever selling the book as a collector you should want the book in your collection to be in the best possible condition. What applies to stamp and coin collectors (where condition is very important) also applies to book collectors. And if you ever do want to sell the book the condition is important (at least to the 'serious' collector).

AJ
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posted 07-21-2009 02:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for AJ   Click Here to Email AJ     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Personally, as a collector of books, I don't collect them because of value, provenance, etc. I collect books because I buy them, read them, and love to have my very own, continually growing library. I think with something like books, a "collection" has different meanings for different people. I have a number of signed books and have read each and every one of them. That is my own personal decision and I think that a book, signed or unsigned, that shows signs of wear simply shows signs of life and a love of reading. That doesn't mean I'm right, or that Randy is wrong: I think that what we each choose to do is right.

I do have to say, though, that I slightly resent Randy's implication of who is or is not a "serious" collector. I'm sure no offense was meant, but I love my books more than just about anything I own, I love to collect them, show them off, find old editions in obscure shops... just because I don't collect them the same way you do doesn't mean I'm not serious or don't love my collection.

Aztecdoug
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posted 07-21-2009 03:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Aztecdoug   Click Here to Email Aztecdoug     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have gone both ways, read signed books and read unsigned. I would prefer to read unsigned books though. My local Banning St Library is pretty small and I just couldn't find Two Sides of the Moon anywhere in the system. (I finally read a spare unsigned version of that one.)

One example of why not to read signed books follows... My wife put her ice cold diet coke on a somewhat hard to find 1950s test pilot signed book and left a nice little drink ring. I think that hurt more then when she backed her van into my sedan several months ago.

On the other hand I do think it is a real good idea to buy an extra book copy to read that is not signed. That way more royalties go to our beloved heroes. Now who would argue with that logic!

mercsim
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From: Phoenix, AZ
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posted 07-21-2009 06:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mercsim   Click Here to Email mercsim     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I don't post much but I read them everyday. Thank You Robert! For some reason I felt compelled to reply here. I have asked myself over and over and over "Why collect something?" I just don't get it. I am never going to sell my collection (mostly books). When I pass, oh well, not my problem. I play with and enjoy every single space item I have. I have a few autographed books that were gifts that I have read several times. I have even loaned them out for others to read. How cool is it reading an actual book signed by an actual astronaut!

I took out my CSM and LM models and 'played' with them this week. I even took out my Buzz GI Joe and bounced him around my desk imagining him on the moon.

I looked at a lot of my books and tried to remember why some of the pages were dog eared. They are slowly getting back on the shelf. Some have a few more dog eared pages; Mostly of Neil and Buzz walking on the moon.

What fun it has been this week reliving the excitement through the web, the TV, and my own personal collection...

Scott
(I was 6 when it happened)

cspg
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From: Geneva, Switzerland
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posted 07-21-2009 11:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for cspg   Click Here to Email cspg     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by randyc:
and since it's nearly impossible to read a book without degrading it's condition...
I would agree if you're referring to paperbacks but for hardbacks (which I'm assuming are the ones that are signed), please explain the above quote (i.e. what on Earth are you doing while reading books?)

cjh5801
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From: Lacey
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posted 07-21-2009 11:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for cjh5801   Click Here to Email cjh5801     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I guess it depends on why you collect.

While an autographed book makes me feel an extra connection to the author, it's still in my collection to be read. I do try to treat all my books with care, though accidents have been known to happen, and I hope that someone will derive pleasure from my books after I'm gone.

However, I know other book collectors who see their books as investments, whether they have been autographed or not. They buy multiple copies of first editions, special editions, different states, or whatever -- which are then wrapped in inert protective covers, carefully stored away, and never read. I can understand why these collectors treat their books this way, but it isn't why I buy books.

The same is true of autograph collectors. Some derive pleasure from the feeling of having a special connection to the signer, and want to display the item or keep it readily available for frequent viewing -- despite potential fading or other damage that may occur from handling.

Others collect autographs as an investment, and squirrel them away in safety deposit boxes--secure in the knowledge that they will gain in value as time passes.

I really don't think that one way is necessarily better than another. It depends on why you're collecting in the first place.

gliderpilotuk
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posted 07-22-2009 12:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gliderpilotuk   Click Here to Email gliderpilotuk     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The first thing I do when I get a new book is to put a mylar protective sleeve on the book-cover, as this is the most vulnerable piece. Unless you've got exceptionally greasy fingers I really can't see what else can damage a book.

I must have 150-200 aviator, test pilot and astro/cosmo-naut signed books and there's only one I wouldn't read.

randyc
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From: Chandler, AZ USA
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posted 07-22-2009 01:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for randyc   Click Here to Email randyc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm glad that my original post resulted in responses from other collectors. It's easy to see that based on the replies there are different ways book collectors view their book collections

To answer the question: "What damage can one do by reading the book?" there are several ways that the condition of a book can be affected (again, it depends on how 'pristine' you want your book to be).

Examples are:

  1. The ends of the spine can be damaged (especially if the cloth cover extends past the end of the book) as well as the spine's 'backbone'.

  2. Pages could get torn, creased, 'dog-eared', wrinkled, etc.

  3. If you don't protect the dustjacket it's vulnerable to the same damage as pages.

  4. And, if you do have 'greasy' fingers, well, you know what that can do!

neke
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From: PA
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posted 07-24-2009 06:45 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for neke   Click Here to Email neke     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have just finished reading my signed Buzz Aldrin book, rather paranoid-ly after going through this thread! I did refrain from taking it to the Indian restaurant to read during dinner, or reading it in the bathtub...both excellent ways I've personally discovered in the past to ruin (non-signed) books.

Seriously, though...I read it gently and as I don't plan on reselling it, any insignificant damage it may have incurred won't interfere with my ability to enjoy having it and/or displaying it on my bookshelf.

But to each their own...

xlsteve
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From: Holbrook MA, USA
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posted 07-24-2009 07:57 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for xlsteve   Click Here to Email xlsteve     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My approach is a mix of both. I am not a hardcore book collector (though I have quite a number), but I do appreciate the role that condition has. I agree that if your main interest in collecting is signed books, then you don’t want to read them and risk degrading the condition. I collect comics also, and there is the same read/don’t read debate there as well.

When possible, I do get the book from the library (or a cheap secondhand copy) in preference to reading the signed version, but not always. I do a lot of my reading on the train to work, so my books are carried in my bag. Most books get pretty dinged up in that process, so if I’m going to read a signed book I do it only at home, taking care of the spine, and removing the dust jacket etc etc. The one exception is Failure is not an Option, which I bought when it first came out in 2000, and did not get it signed until just last year, so it was read before it was signed, but it’s condition is still excellent.

cspg
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From: Geneva, Switzerland
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posted 07-25-2009 12:14 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for cspg   Click Here to Email cspg     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by xlsteve:
I collect comics also, and there is the same read/don’t read debate there as well.
Really? Are those signed comics?

Which ones are most valuable, a space signed book or a comics signed book? It would seem to me that both are "niche" markets (although I guess it would depend on what is a comics - differences between US comics and European ones).

And out of curiousity, if you "collect" model kits do you buy two sets, one you build, one you keep?

mjanovec
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posted 07-25-2009 01:52 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for mjanovec   Click Here to Email mjanovec     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
If you're going to enjoy having a signed book, then you'll probably want to open it up from time to time to at least view the signature. Otherwise, it just looks like an ordinary copy of the book if you keep it closed!

Realistically, unless you have a book with particularly rare or valuable signatures, then I see no harm in reading a signed book. Each person should take care of their items as they see fit. Perhaps some collectors get enjoyment out of reading a copy of a book that they know their hero has touched with their own hands.

garymilgrom
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From: Atlanta, GA
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posted 07-25-2009 07:04 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for garymilgrom   Click Here to Email garymilgrom     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I've never thought of a signed book as a collectible in the same sense as a signed artifact. Thanks for the insight.

Don't forget some astronauts have websites where signed books are readily available. Mike Mullane in particular is a great writer, has books for all ages and dedicates and mails them for a tiny fee. These make terrific inexpensive gifts - and anyone who receives a signed inscribed book from an astronaut becomes an instant space geek believe me!

xlsteve
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Posts: 391
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008

posted 07-25-2009 09:42 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for xlsteve   Click Here to Email xlsteve     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by cspg:
Really? Are those signed comics?
A few of mine are signed, but most aren't. Comics can be damaged much more easily than a book if they're read, and so people buy them and don't take them out of the bag. Some companies like CGC Comics actually 'encapsulate' the comic once it's been graded. Those comics are worth more on the market because their condition is guaranteed. Other people collect comics because they like to read them, but that lowers the value (potentially). Therein lies the debate.

I'm not sure how much a signature on a comic increases the value. I would guess that it has to do with who signed it, how rare it is etc. Similar to signed lithos.

cspg
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From: Geneva, Switzerland
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posted 07-25-2009 11:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for cspg   Click Here to Email cspg     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for the info - I can't imagine doing what CGC Comics is offering, with 1,000+ comics I have...

It's true that comics can be more easily damaged but all the comics I have are hardback (it seems that US comics are not) but they still need to be handled with care.

flight_plan
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From: Lincs
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posted 07-26-2009 02:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for flight_plan     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I went to see Buzz Aldrin at the Festival Hall in London and next day bought a signed book from Foyles online at £16.99 (they only had four left). I have noticed that a copy went on eBay seven days later for £52 quid so mine went back in the box it came in and I bought another un-signed copy for £8 on eBay to read.

I want to leave my mint one for my kids when I am kicking up some dust!

John K. Rochester
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
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posted 07-26-2009 07:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for John K. Rochester   Click Here to Email John K. Rochester     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Steve, what's the best way to store books, on their end or on their back? I would imagine there are pros-cons of each way.. right now I've got all mine on their ends, like a library.

cspg
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From: Geneva, Switzerland
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posted 07-27-2009 12:03 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for cspg   Click Here to Email cspg     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
John, not sure what you mean by "on their back" but I've noticed that over time some hardbacks, when stored "on their end", tend to have their pages take a u-shaped form (thanks to the paper weight, gravity and binding quality) so I have to turn them up side down...

Some of my books are stored horizontally ("on their end" is vertical) to avoid this problem from occurring. Drawback: it's always the book at the bottom of the pile that you want to read or have access to...

space4u
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posted 07-27-2009 10:09 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for space4u   Click Here to Email space4u     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Funny story about the signed and unsigned books. I bought Tom Jones' "Skywalking" book signed as a hardcover but was going on a trip later and wanted to read it BUT I never take signed astronaut books on trips -- I only read them in my house. So I took a paperback version of "Skywalking" to Mexico with me and happen to see Swedish astronaut Christer Fuglesang in the Houston airport while eating in the food court. I asked him if he would sign Tom's book and he said yes though he thought it was a bit funny to sign Tom's book. I still regret not getting a photo with him as he was eating with his family in the food court too. I didn't want to seem like a total pest. But of course, then I had the dilemma of reading the paperback book on vacation and trying not to screw it up!

--Marcy

P.S. These are good problems to have in my opinion.

xlsteve
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Posts: 391
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008

posted 07-27-2009 04:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for xlsteve   Click Here to Email xlsteve     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by John K. Rochester:
Steve, what's the best way to store books, on their end or on their back?
I've heard that the best way to store them is on their back, or "horizontally" as Chris says, to avoid stress on the binding. Turning them upside down is good idea.

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