The Price Of Books

[Norman Verona]

We had all my books stored in the old house since we moved here in 2005. One of the boxes had been attacked by damp and the books have been ruined.

My daughter phoned yesterday to say they were in an antique shop which had a complete boxed set of W S Churchill's The Second World War. She didn't know the price but was I interested. Book two (of 6) of my set is one of the ruined books so I said if the price was right she should get them. £20 was my limit.

I didn't think for a minute she'd get them so I want onto Alibris and bought a matching volume 2 to complete my set. 16€ including postage.

Later she popped up on HM's facebum to inform us she'd got the complete set for £15. The best price on Alibris for the same is £250.

Another result. I'd better get a lottery ticket at this rate.

[dombanks]

nice .... my mate gets all his books for when hes comuting from the oxfam website. recons they are as cheap as chips....

[Norman Verona]

Nowadays I get my books from the second hand bookshop in Hathersage. About the only shop there not called "Cleggy's..."

[*Emma*]

I use abebooks.co.uk occasionally, and thought I would look at how much the Churchill books cost from there. This set caught my eye http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=246780990&searchurl=an%3Dchurchill%26bsi%3D30%26bt.x%3D29%26bt.y%3D13%26tn%3Dhistory%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bsecond%2Bworld%2Bwar

[Norman Verona]

Emma, they are on the other site as well. $27,376.05. It's just because each one is signed.

In case you can be botherd:

The most wonderful SIGNED set by Winston Churchill you could ever wish to own. A complete SIGNED set of the true UK First Editions of "The History Of The Second World War - The Chartwell Editions". Each of the six volumes SIGNED by Winston Churchill. An incredible set covering the Second World War in 6 volumes. This is the complete set of 1st issue Chartwell books from the dates of issue. Each volume is SIGNED on the main title page by Churchill. In volume 1 Churchill has added the words "kind regards" prior to his signature. The collection originates from a world class art and literature critic. The set is accompanied by many unrelated original letters and signed photographs from the critic and famous ballerinas. Each book is beautifully preserved with all original maps, charts and illustrations and plates throughout. Bound in royal blue half goatskin crushed leather with matching boards by one of the world's leading hand binders to a world class finish. Matching heavy duty dark marble end papers specked with 24kt gold gilt and fully resown with Oxford cross stiched binding. An extra leather Morroco strip backing the spine has been inserted for greater support and a lifetime of pleasure. It has a 24kt gold gilt finish and superb blind tooling throughout. Five raised bands to the spine with 24kt gold gilted title, volume and author. Full royal blue accrylic finished top end papers to restore to original presentation. Presented here in a special matching slipcase. A superb compliment to this rare edition. The full titles of each volume are as follows; History of the Second World War - Chartwell Edition. 1, The Gathering Storm 2, Their Finest Hour 3, The Grand Alliance 4, The Hinge of Fate 5, Closing The Ring 6, Triumph and Tragedy. Please enquire for more images to show the key features and highlight the quality of this rare collection. A simply wonderful true first edition collection bound by one of the world's greatest hand binders, even more so fully SIGNED by the great Winston Churchill

This is NOT the set bought for £15.00!