Antiquarian books, prices and rarity

[Евгений]

Anatoly Borovkov commented on the results Antiquarian Book Fair
ARTinvestment.RU - 11.12.2009, 16:44

In the CHA held its fifth Antiquarian Book Fair, which were exhibited for sale, and just in the information order rather interesting and valuable rare Russian books. At the fair was attended by sixteen shops and galleries, including the participants, showing books from his private collection, from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don. In general, buyers were not many, although the total number attending the fair was quite large.

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sold mainly inexpensive editions, in the range from 2 to 25 thousand rubles. This is usually the beginning of the twentieth century poetry, historical collections and books in beautiful bindings. On sales of expensive members preferred not to talk, because such books are usually reserved and final payment for them has been going after the fair.

A true rarity pleased with three members: BK-Office "(it's private collection), had sold the first publication of the poem the young Pushkin's" To a friend the poet, which appeared in the room "The Messenger of Europe" for 1814, with an estimate of 25 thousand dollars, the first edition of the same Pushkin's "Boris Godunov" (1831) and the first book by Marina Tsvetaeva's "Evening album (the cover of the publication of two books have not survived), with a modest estimate of only 10 thousand dollars, as well as several other editions of Russian classics including the first edition of "War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy and" Possessed Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

"Antique shop on Sretenke, 9" showed a rare first edition of Russian fairy tales "Ow. Dahl, banned by the censor, "Russian Decameron 1831" authored by VK Kiichelbecker, and published this book in 1836, Alexander Pushkin, a book by Nikolai Leskov in excellent condition and autographed by the author of "Trifles bishop's life "1879.

Gallery Russian Avant-Garde 10-30 years, operating always in CHA, offered for sale, in addition to books Russian avant-garde "Lipstick", "Game in Hell", "Vozropschem", "Buch Lesin" and other books Kruchenykh, and more a compilation of earlier books, guides XVIII - XIX centuries on the history of Moscow, of which exhibited the first Russian book about Moscow VG Ruban, 1782, with the rare version of the title page, described in all publications about the Russian rarity. This gallery also offered to sell the first publication of NI Lobachevsky "On the basis of geometry" in 1829, the first publication of the periodic table, 1869, in the journal Russian Chemical Society, which appeared in an edition of 80 copies, and the world's first publication scheme radio Popov, published in 1895. Here you can see and the first book Shevchenko Kobzar, 1840, and two rare lifetime Pushkin's Almanac "Snowdrop" and "Alcyone".

Shop from Rostov-na-Donu offered for sale is a very good copy of the first collected works of Alexander Pushkin in 11 volumes, with portrait and publishing cover, but asked for a very large amount of 1 million rubles. In general, the books were quite good, as sales results kept secret.

Expert, a member MKAAD Anatoly Borovkov (especially for AI

[Евгений]

Lithography Rodchenko went for 61,250 pounds .. Lot number 220
-------------------------------------------------- ---------
214 AKSENOV, IVAN.
875
                                                                               216 GRIGORIEV, BORIS.
938
                                                                               217 KRUCHENYKH, ALEKSEI. 1,500
                                                                              

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218 LISSITZKY, ELANDILYA ERENBURG. 6.875
                                                                               220 RODCHENKO, ALEKSANDR M. 61,250
                                                                               223 ALBUM.
6,875
                                                                               225 DELISLE, JOSEPH NICOLAS. 23,750
                                                                               228 LERMONTOV, MIKHAIL YUREVICH.
2,750
                                                                               229 KONDAKOV, NIKODIM PAVLOVICH. 9,375
                                                                               230 KONDAKOV, NIKODIM PAVLOVICH. 11,250
                                                                               234 KUTEPOV, NIKOLAI. 51,650
                                                                               236 PLUCHART, ALEXANDRE,PUBLISHER. 18,750
                                                                               239 ST PETERSBURG - SHELKOVNIKOV, ANDREI. 3,750
                                                                               240 TROTSKY, LEON. 1,750
                                                                               241 TSVETAEVA, MARINA. 2,125
                                                                               243 VARENIUS, BERNHARD. 17,500
                                                                               244 YAKOVLEV, ALEKSANDR. 5,625
                                                                               245 KVADRI, VVANDV.K. SHENK.
31,250
                                                                               246 PANCHULIDZEV, SERGEI ALEKSEEVICH,EDITOR.
30,000
                                                                               247 MARKOV,COLONEL.
1,500
                                                                               248 GABAEV, GEORGII,CAPTAIN. 2,375
                                                                               249 VORONOV, PAVEL, VLADIMIR BUTOVSKY, I. VALBERGANDN. KAREPOV.
2,000
                                                                               250 KOZLYANINOV, VLADIMIR,EDITOR.

[Евгений]

The book "Birds of America by John James Audubon was put up for auction Sotheby` s «Books, manuscripts and drawings in London and became not only the most expensive at auction, but also the most expensive printed book in the world. For $ 11.5 million "Birds of America buys London dealer Michael Tollemach, who said that the book is priceless."
"Birds of America" is a four-volume format of the giant double-elephant folio, decorated with 435 illustrations, painted by hand. Initially, there were about 170 copies is considered that now remained 122 sets of (3 - in Russia). The author of an impressive publishing - John James Audubon, artist and ornithologist.

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John James Audubon was born in 1785 in Haiti. Several years studying in France, in the workshop of David. In 1803 he moved to his father in Pennsylvania. There several times took up the scam - was chuchelnikom, held a dance class, portraits of five dollars apiece. His next venture was an even greater adventure - he decided to represent all species of birds, known in America, and to publish the drawings in the form of an atlas. Almost five years he worked with his son preparatory work: draw birds in nature, collected pelts and stuffed animals, found a publisher in England. Work on the publication lasted from 1827 until 1838. The drawings of Audubon lithographs were printed, then hand-painted watercolors with 50 helpers. Feature of the publication was not only the highest artistic quality, but also absolute scientific accuracy. The birds are depicted on sheets of large size (97h64 cm) full-size - from tiny to gigantic oatmeal herons, which tightly "packed" in a rectangle of the sheet. Full set of 435 sheets in four folders worth the incredible sum for those times - one thousand dollars.

Since then, no matter how many times "Birds of America" may have appeared at auction, they always put record, surpassing even the First Folio of Shakespeare (published in 1623, considered the primary source text, a significant number of his plays), formerly sold for $ 5.6 million in 1992 year at Christie `s complete set of" Birds of America "was sold for $ 3.7 million in 1998, the cost of publication was determined in a $ 5 million in 2000, Sotheby` s, it took a $ 8.8 million

London bookseller Pom Herrington, owner of Peter Harrington rare book, commented on the AP news agency that the purchase, saying that among the printed books, which might just "break" "Birds of America", he can say except that the Gutenberg Bible, a good copy of which now would cost market $ 30-50 million - only no one is selling.

Tatiana Markina

[Евгений]

Alexander Sobolev: "Antiquarian books are rarely bought to read. They are from this port,"
On the market antiquarian books in Russia, setting prices on them and on what should be wary of "deliverer" and postmaster of antique books - with an expert antiquarian department of the Moscow House of Books in Novy Arbat Alexander Sobolev interviewed Maya coachman. (Interview, 2005)

You said that three days a week are taking an old (pre-revolutionary - as I understand it?) Books in the Book House on Novy Arbat. That bring? And what do you "wrap" back to what is not?

Uh-uh, you see, Maya! Here several questions, let me answer one by one. First, the chronological border - we are engaged almost exclusively pre-revolutionary books, quite a small degree - 20-30-mi years of the twentieth century, and later - never. There is a second-hand stores that sell books of the Soviet era, but it is a different profession. I - an art dealer and doing extremely rare and valuable, or, in other words, the Collector's Edition XVI - the beginning of the twentieth century. Now as to what brought - yes anything, and in the insane amounts. In general, the "gram extraction, a year of labor." Of the ten books I have rarely offered when buying one, often even lower rate. Bring a lot of bad things that can not be sold in principle - separate volumes, some textbooks are unhappy. Many simply books that are not collector's value - such, I usually travel to other stores. Still, the Book House is focused primarily on work with the books of a high enough level.

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What brings these books, what public?

Well, it is impossible to give some general portrait. The most enjoyable - deal with his brother-profiteer or to speak beautifully, dealer. The man realizes that he brought himself calls the price, not trying to scratch out your eyes, if he thinks you underestimate his relic. Usually easy to deal with collectors - these also generally understood in the light of what we all are. Individuals who have the book turned out to be random (in professional language they are affectionately referred to as populations), rarely come across anything interesting, but 99%of cases you will find high expectations - thanks klyatomu TV and Soviet novels in which any old book worth billions nemeryannom. As a result, even if you simply refuse to purchase, looking at you as an enemy, triumphantly loud that you could not buy from them, as they say, on the cheap, noble thing.

And there were the opposite, that man and had no idea how valuable the book has brought?

Yes, of course, a few times it happened that people came out of our acceptance, disbelief descended upon them happiness in the form of a fair amount. Especially it is often the case when buying a futuristic edition. Imagine what twisted pamphlet titled ~ half-alive> may be worth a hundred thousand rubles, which we have paid for it crazed with happiness citizen, really difficult, but we had it a direct order for this amount, so that as a result everybody was happy. And that fear - the lady at the reception, cheap books on the shelves and auctions. It is necessary to detail the first two counts?

We must, of course, for that thou give? I'm not talking about cheap books ...

Of course, in the history of second-hand book trade were worthy ladies and even the famous, but, in principle, the ideal type of company receiving - the elderly, or at least middle-aged Jew. Excuse me, I do not know why so led, but a fact. In fact, a joke, of course, because I personally know three distinct priemschits that many older Jews, and give a hefty handicap. Relatively cheap books, there really is simple. Shops in principle, segregated by the level of selling positions. And accordingly, if you - deliverer, it's always better to start with the most expensive and luxurious, just because there's inspector thinks bigger numbers. Especially if you suspect (or know) that the object that you are bringing to pass, nezauryaden.

And what are the sources of information about the price of a book? As it is formed, which determines?

It's a tricky question. Antiques - goods not exchange, any price is partly on a whim. Objective factors such. First - case law - information about the sale of the same or similar books in recent times. Second - as an instance. Liquidity theme (let's say, books on hunting any more books about worms). Availability is currently active collectors, which this book is certainly interesting. Well, and more. Sometimes I'm willing to pay more, just that the book did not get hated rivals (just kidding). Sometimes you pay for a unique instance, to show off their sweat. In principle, there is an old adage; <bought - has acquired, sold - hit>. This is very correct. If there is any doubt - it is better to buy, and then investigate. But this is my philosophy, it is not common, and the glory of God.

And that means ready to "more" to pay? What are the price fluctuations?

Fluctuations in the instances of the same book are highly dependent on many factors. For example, for books that fall regularly, they are almost entirely dependent on the quality of the instance. Thus, 86-volume Brockhaus and Ephron in an ideal state is always going to cost 250-300 rubles. But if he Podran roots (plain evil), then the price will drop once at least twice. Another thing - the true rarity. For example, the description of fireworks of the XVIII century - they were issued copies 50-100 copies and occur every few years. Five years ago, my colleague and friend bought a 4 fireworks at the rate of somewhere in 1000 dollars apiece, though many twisted his finger to his temple - very expensive. Well, that since they did not come across anyone. We would be happy to buy more, but for how long - who knows. True, I do not know. How can this be evaluated? Probably would suggest to 60-80 thousand rubles. Although it may well be that in another store would not give a tenth of this (small pamphlets, useless for the type) and a hypothetical maniac-gatherer would have showered the owner of the golden rain. Or, say, <Driving in the island of love> translated Tredyakovskogo. This is the first Russian book of poems, a thing is absolutely legendary. On the mind, for it must pay as much as asked, but still thank humbly. I honestly do not even know how much I offered for her, but I have such books of particular relevance. 300-500 thousand? More? I do not know, and not the fact that someday I will offer it.

When we agreed to an interview, you said that you're sitting on the acceptance, not to lose the skills, what it means, what should be trained eye of the company receiving?

Acceptance - the cornerstone of any antique business, who owns the acceptance - that rules the world. It invigorates the soul and gives you an unforgettable experience. After retiring from the acceptance and seeding in the office, you become just a mid-level managers, whose million. A keen eye on what? It is difficult to explain. As my colleague - <I'm not looking for, I'm looking for a master>. I mean, no one can know all the books in the world, even all the Russian books, too many of them. You must be on the subject, even a stranger to you, to make such a representation of him, think him such a price, so as not to offend people and do not fly into yourself. Well, besides there is fake, there is a defective (and slyly defective) copies of the book is a <struck up a>, ie which has already seen the whole of Moscow and which to sell so it will be difficult. Total can not describe. If it is true intresno - this is very clever and deeply writes novels, my friend and colleague, Mikhail Klimov. He has a series of detective stories about antique dealer - everything is described.

Sasha, have mercy, Mikhail Klimov, with all due respect for correspondence - where? Are you here it is, side by side. What is a fake, what a sly defective copies?

Klimov works in the same house as the book that I am, so it is quite accessible, and his novels generally are sold on every corner. Fakes are such as: Xerox pages, though zafuflennye (ie, made to the old paper or artificially aged) so that is not easy to distinguish, sometimes trying to sell under the guise of modern reprints of the originals, fake autographs. Very common fake avant-garde books. Under the artful imperfection I do not mean glaring fatal loss, such as missing images. Accepter laziness take 80 engravings, and then is incident.

Who are the potential buyer of antique books?

Firstly, these are people with decent money, which at heart is singing a certain pipe, that is, that for some reason, the beautiful wacky whim, I would like to collect books - employment is absolutely meaningless, but inexpressibly attractive. Secondly - <investors> who put money into fast-growing book market. Third - <podarochniki> who buy books for the show.

What still motivates a person to buy old book for a lot of money if you can buy something new and beautiful reissue of a minor?

Antiquarian books rarely buy to read. Collect them, love them, admire them, brag about, but rarely read them. They are from this port, you see.

What happens at the Moscow book auctions - why should they, who come there, for what?

At book auctions in Russia there is a redistribution of books from the unlucky people to prompt dealers. In the West, auctions clearly structured - there is a garage sale and auction houses have an impeccable reputation and skilled expertise. We have, as far as I know, there is only a garage sale of all sizes. Slightly better than other auction Maria Yakovlevna Chapkinoy - at least, she knows a good book. The rest and it can not boast.

And what a garage sale? And the lovely Maria Yakovlevna Chapkina as her knowledge of books enhances the auction?

Garage sale - this old American invention. In the Specially Designated day dude who wants to eliminate any of its property, collect the people, causes special auctioneer and the procedure begins: "Bill's old hunting rifle, just two dollars. What more?" etc. Held them in every small town a few dozen a year, and in this way is sold lots of things. Now, however, partly it's all going through ebay. In nominal terms, it means put on stream the auction, where there are no qualified experts, where things are sold in large numbers, osprey, and for any arbitrarily low price because the owner of the auction in the first place <the percentage of care>. Maria Chapkina - a respected Moscow art dealer, she holds auctions for more than 15 years. Knowledge of books is radically improves the auctions - the quality and thoroughness of descriptions. The buyer is not required to understand all the nuances - how many images should be in the book in several volumes released multi-volume or anywhere whose nickname. Correctly and honestly describe it - a problem the seller, and herein lies the ground for auction abuse.

What books are now in demand more than others, there is some kind of statistics or feeling about this?

Firstly, the definitive book rarity - something that has been described in se as a hundred years ago. Secondly, - <thick wallpaper> - luxury books, gives the interior <inexplicable charm>, as they say in appropriate journals. There are eternal themes - hunting, oil, railroads. Oh, and much more, just do not remember them.

And why the railroad?

Railway - because in MPS under the late Aksenenko was got a nice tradition to give each other anniversaries are not senseless gifts, ultimately reducible to a wooden eagle in full size, but pretty old books about steam locomotives. Since then, the railway is considered one of the most Asked topics. And maybe, in another case - in principle, because a lot of people collect model trains, share them, build all sorts of layouts. Maybe it is just in this thread something very exciting.

What has changed in the market of antique books in the last ten years?

Expensive books, they become less quickly run out (just kidding). Yes there are all sorts of changes. Come and go big clients, some - a whole era. Five years ago entire book Moscow was looking for books for Mr. NN. And then Mr NN something is not shared with the governor of XX, and it was not sharply to books. So, in general, and live. There are some decent shops. Closed down several Soviet mastodons. Nothing happens. We work with eternity, we no hurry. It's not selling oranges.

What, in your opinion, how have all these things are arranged (auctions, booksellers) can be corrected? Arranged that stupid is wrong, is illiterate?

Life itself, I apologize, to explain everything. Nothing needs to be corrected. When I hear the wail over the fact that booksellers are becoming extinct and that they need to support at the state level, I always sprinkle gently into his fist. The more often osolovelye eyes of the state of workers and peasants stop at any branch of life, the worse it gets, it's an axiom! If I come up with something that can benefit from our trade (within the law and common sense), I immediately he will perform and wildly enriched. As for illiteracy - "the failure of England - a chance for Ireland", ie if Mr. auctioneer does not know what Alov - nickname Gogol, I gladly help him fix the problem, namely, buy book and selling it after himself. But as he later will be explained with the unhappy owner - absolutely not my concern.

Gradually, more and more old books transferred to electronic media, a growing number of publications available on the Internet - whether it changes anything on the market of antique books?

Absolutely nothing. <Gun itself, and the unicorn itself> as said in a joke my mother Empress, though on another occasion
http://www.alib.ru/polit01.phtml

[ФАИв]

Eugene, It was nice to read, learn Sasha's irony.
A very large professional, friend and neighbor.

[GalARTA]

Eugene, I would like to see this book.
True, the present is difficult!
Sorry, that does not happen.

[Евгений]

Сообщение от "GalARTA

I would like to see this book.
True, the present is difficult!
Sorry that will not work

What? Unclear ..

[GalARTA]

Eugene, Yeah about birds!
Such hefty.

[Евгений]

Сообщение от "GalARTA

Yes, about birds!
Such hefty.

There is in the State Darwin Museum in Moscow.

In 1968, the State library named after Lenin gave the museum a portion of their funds for natural science subjects.
Among them ....
"Birds of America Audubon ......

http://vivovoco.ibmh.msk.su/VV/JOURN..._03/DARWIN.HTM

[тандем]

Сообщение от FAIv

Eugene, It was nice to read, learn Sasha's irony. A very large professional, friend and neighbor.

Funny place: -

"imagine that twisted pamphlet titled ~ half-alive> may be worth a hundred thousand rubles, which we have paid for it crazed with happiness citizen, really difficult, but we had it direct order for this amount, so that as a result everybody was happy.

Reminded of the anecdote about a Jew who sells nuts at the same price as bought ....
The question - "what he has this?" , Jew replied - "rustle!"