At the Earth’s Core
Chicago: McClurg, 1922. First Edition. Hardcover. 1st edition. Dinosauriana. 1 inner paper hinge repaired else fine in a restored dustjacket. fine / good. Item #434
Let’s talk some truth about restored dustjackets, but only those that have been professionally restored by the capable and skillful. The first rule to remember is that they are worth no more (or no less) than they were worth before the work was done, and sellers who imply they are worth more have tailored their descriptions for witless façade zealots, ready to sacrifice reality for the appearance of it. And don’t ever buy anything, at all, from sellers who use words like “enhanced” or “benefited from”, or say “sophisticated” instead of “repaired” (insidious jargon), in fact, leave skid marks. Some collectors avoid renovated jackets no matter how little work has been done, and some of those same collectors will also avoid jackets in the condition they were in before the renovation (Goldilocks). Standards vary among this segment of buyers and most do weigh a 1st edition’s age and rarity, so the customer for Fleming’s Dr. No, who insists both book and jacket be perfect, might rush to buy Wells’ The War of the Worlds with a torn and chipped, or heavily restored jacket, and properly consider it a triumph. Now, how about you who’d buy a 1st edition in a repaired or restored jacket even when the book is available in a fine or near fine untouched jacket? You would, understandably, be hunting a deep discount. That’s ok too. Just exercise the caution you’d take crossing Frogger’s Highway and always be sure the book you’re buying has that really hefty discount, and still isn’t ugly after, or because of, the restoration. Like the pair of books we offer here. And 2 more things. 1. Dustjackets married to worn or grubby books are like a mangy Hermit crab that has found a pretty shell. 2. Facsimile dustjackets are like plastic blow up girlfriends. Embarrassing. Always mock those who circulate them (Book Code).
Price:
$650.00