>
>I got this on a mailing list I subscribe to. It was forwarded by one
>of the subscribers. Looks like an, um, interesting read. And only
>$200. <kof>
>

Hi Bob:

Funny that you should mention this. The first significant cookbook that I
acquired was Dr. John Doran's "Table Traits with Something on Them" (New York,
1855) . The dealer had no idea of its worth. Neither did I. I offered $5. The
dealer was happy to see it sold. It was beginner's luck, but I have continued
to buy cookbooks ever since-- including other editions of Doran's book, all of
which were priced under $50. It is very common book and even in perfect
condition, it is not worth $200.

But during the past few years, there has been a steep escalation in prices for
all cookbooks, especially in the US and UK. I assume this has simply meant that
there are now so many more cookbook collectors. Or perhaps, due to the
internet, dealers have found collectors willing to pay much more for pre-20th
century cookbooks.

Andy Smith

A. Smith wrote: <snip>

so I did a search at alibris.com and the result is below:


Table Traits With Something on Them.
by Doran, Dr.

price: $19.95
Ships within 2 to 3 days
Binding: hardbound Publisher: Redfield, New York Date Published: 1855

Description: Very Good cond (light stain to top of first 5 or 6 pages)
size: demy octavo (hinges cracked; extremities & joints rubbed or
shelf
wear or fraying)


I've edited a bit of the return from Alibris.com just for easy
readibility. So, Andy, $5- a good deal at any price.

I saw some used cookbooks at Brand Books in Glendale, California
today. They were asking $8- for books that are only $14- new at
Amazon.com.

I wanted to say that these bookdealers asking exorbitant amounts are
trying to deal them as antiques, but I guess "collectible" is a better
word.

(Mark Preston) nattered on
le.com:

> I wanted to say that these bookdealers asking exorbitant amounts are
> trying to deal them as antiques, but I guess "collectible" is a better
> word.

Bookie Babies!

Gotta buy 'em all, Bookiemon!

On Tue, 14 Oct 2003 13:00:04 +0000, Bryan J. Maloney wrote:

> (Mark Preston) nattered on
> le.com:
>
>> I wanted to say that these bookdealers asking exorbitant amounts are
>> trying to deal them as antiques, but I guess "collectible" is a better
>> word.
>
> Bookie Babies!
>
> Gotta buy 'em all, Bookiemon!

Don't you mean, Gotta sell 'em all (and charge as much as the market
will bear)? But I must admit some of the Beanie Babies are cool. But
I'm the parent who will cut the tags off and give the toy to the real
baby to play with. Luckily the girls have decided their favourite thing
to do right now is to pull out the books and read.

And to keep this on topic... anyone know if there are any historic
cookbooks for kids? I've got one but all the recipes are way off so the
book's been given back to them to use as a picture book. The oldest was
very disappointed in the fondue that flopped. I've still got my older
Betty Crocker for Kids cookbook but that's not really historic (or do
cookbooks become historic at only 30 years?)

--
Cymru Llewes
Caer Llewys