Posts: 72
From: Charlottesville, Virginia
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 02-01-2004 01:19 PM               

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I have a acquired two signed astronaut books so far, one paperback and one hardback. Obviously I hope to have more some day.

As someone new to this what is the best way(s) to make sure my books stay in good condition, other then not reading them?

Posts: 3307
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001

Posts: 1512
From: Washington, DC, USA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 02-01-2004 02:06 PM               

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First the basics: don't store them in an attic or basement. Heat, humidity, bugs, and dust are found in basements and attics and are major enemies of books. Store the books in your home and not near a radiator or heat vent (again, humidity and heat). Keep them dusted and away from direct light (light will fade the spine). These are the easy and cheap things to do that really will have an effect.

If you do open them, make sure your hands are clean or gloved (the concern is oil and dirt from your hands) and don't open them all the way if you can help it (stresses the spine).

For the hardback, if it has a dust jacket, get a poly dust jacket cover for it. They are available at most bookstores.

Posts: 969
From: South Fork, CO
Registered: Mar 2000

posted 02-01-2004 02:17 PM               

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While I agree with micropooz's thoughts above, please do remember books are bought to be read. Now if you have an extra unsigned copy then read it & treat the signed one with kid's gloves. Otherwise read & enjoy it. A quality hardback will last decades or more even if read hundreds of times. While it might loose much of it's value as a collector item you'll get many times it's value from reading it. I have well over a thousand hardback books, some 200 signed (mainly sci-fi). But I read them because I don't intend to resell. I know if I read a book a dozen times, never folding pages or laying a book open face down (lord forbid!) with reasonably clean hands it'll last for generations.

Read and enjoy them, then hand them on to the next generation.

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Happy trails,
Wayno
"...you are go for TLI."
www.TransLunarInjection.com

Posts: 1512
From: Washington, DC, USA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 02-01-2004 05:08 PM               

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Wayno - I agree wholeheartedly - Books were meant to be read. I guess I went to the extreme on my handling advice.

I also do what Wayno does, read them, use them for reference, but treat them with care.

Posts: 572
From: Ridgecrest, CA - USA
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 02-01-2004 05:13 PM            

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To add to the above, I also place my choice books in a Life magazine sized protection bag (keeps dust and "events away") and store them horizontally (to keep the pages from dropping). The bag is especially nice for paperbacks as you can't get covers for them. Mylar covers for the DJs is the first think I do.

Good luck - Danno