How to Evaluate an Antique or Modern Book: A Guide to Estimating Value
Evaluating a book, whether antique or modern, requires specific expertise and a careful analysis of key elements such as rarity, condition, and provenance.
1. Rarity of the Book
Rarity is one of the main factors that determine value. Out-of-print or hard-to-find works—such as incunabula (books printed before 1500), first editions from the 16th century, or travel books with antique maps—are especially sought after by collectors and libraries.
FABRIZI, Principio (1546-1618) - Delle allusioni, imprese, et emblemi..sopra la vita, opere, et attioni di Gregorio XIII. Rome: Bartolomeo Grassi, 1588. Sold € 20,480
2. Condition
The physical state of a book greatly affects its valuation. A complete, well-preserved copy free from damage will always be worth more than a worn or incomplete one.
TULLIO D'ALBISOLA (1899-1971) - Bruno MUNARI (1907-1998) - L'Anguria lirica (lungo poema passionale). Presentazione di Marinetti (dell'Accademia d'Italia). Chiarimento di V. Orazi. Illustrazioni di Bruno Munari. Rome and Savona: Edizioni Futuriste di Poesia, senza data [ma 1933?]. Sold € 33,280
3. Historical Provenance
Books once owned by famous figures, scholars, rulers, or artists can gain additional value thanks to their documented history or possible autograph inscriptions.
Santini Codex (1480-1530 ca.) - A remarkable manuscript on vellum, encompassing the summa of the Reinassance knowledge of Urbino, intricately illustrated at the courts of the Montefeltro and Della Rovere families. Its primary objective was to exalt their supremacy in both civil and military machinery. Sold € 330,000
4. Types of Books Most in Demand
In addition to ancient atlases and scientific treatises, first editions from the 19th and 20th centuries are highly appreciated, as well as special editions and artist’s books from the 20th century — true works of art signed by the greatest contemporary masters. The value of a book can depend on several factors: its rarity and number of copies in circulation, the uniqueness of the edition — such as decorations, illustrations, or original bindings — its condition, and, of course, market demand. The presence of an autograph or dedication by the author can also significantly increase its price.
HAMILTON, Sir William (1730-1803) - Campi Phlegraei. Observations on the Volcanos of the two Sicilies as They have been communicated to the Royal Society of London. Naples: [Pietro Fabris], 1776. [Legato con:] - Supplement to the Campi Phlegraei. Being an Account of the Great Eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the Month of August 1779. Napoli: [Pietro Fabris], 1779. Sold € 83,200
NOTE: How to Preserve a Book
Proper preservation of a valuable book is equally important: attention should be paid to humidity, temperature, and light; volumes should be regularly dusted and protected from dirt, preventing the formation of mold, bookworms, and other pests.
VITRUVIO, Marco Pollione (c.80-70 B.C.- c.15 B.C.) - De architectura libri dece. Tradotto da Cesare Cesariano (c.1478-1543). Commento di Cesariano, Benedetto Giovio e Massimo Bono Mauro. As: Gottardo da Ponte, 1521. Sold € 25,600
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