Your New Pride and Joy!

[St. Troy]

I don't know if anyone here watches the show Billions, but on that, one character (Bobby), upon learning that his nemesis (Chuck) had pawned his prized signed (by Churchill himself) set of The Second World War with an understanding that he could buy it back in a matter of days, not only bought that copy before Chuck could get it back, but sought out and bought all such signed sets he could locate (I am pleased to say that I've handled such a set, although the set I actually own (though beautiful) is unsigned) so that when his Chuck's cash problems abated, he would have no options. That always gave me like three types of heartburn. Ruin your enemy if you must, but be enough of a gentleman to leave books (particularly historical and/or collectible ones) out of it.

I mean, what would you rather have happen:

1) someone buys up all copies of Centipede's Salem's Lot and destroys them, just because he can, or

2) it turns out Barlow is actually real and kills you, while leaving the full Centipede run, untouched

Books are important.

[kingfan2323]

I for one agree with Ben on this... I understand buying the exact same book two (or three, four, five, etc.) times whenever you find a slightly more pristine copy, to get it as close to perfect as possible. I can even understand collecting different versions of the same book (like, say, this edition of Pet Semetary, in addition to the US 1st/1st and the PS Anniversary Edition).

What I don’t get is collecting multiple copies of the exact same book. It’s even worse when the book is a limited edition. If someone is holding on to two or more copies of a limited edition book, that just means one or more collectors who might really want one are deprived of their chance of owning one.

Speaking for myself, I get rid of the previous copy of a book whenever I find a better version. For example, I upgraded my paperback copy of Eyes of the Dragon to a US 1st/1st not too long ago (thanks Biomieg!) but last week I bought a Philtrum Press S/L (thanks Frik!), so the hardback is out of the collection again.

However...

a) I know a lot of you do collect multiple copies of the same title. It is not my intention to open up a can of worms or cause offence. I’m only trying to understand a part of the collecting mindset that’s alien to me. To each their own.
b) This might not be the right place for this discussion, if that’s what it turns into.
c) If this has been discussed before on the forum, please point me in the right direction. I’d love to read people’s thoughts and personal collecting philosophies.

Interesting, Munnercom. So when you got your beautiful limited edition Eyes of the Dragon you got rid of your 1st/1st trade copy? Curious.

[WeDealInLead]

That's what I did with some books. I didn't have infinite space and I'll always go with a book that looks "better" to me. My The Shining, Night Shift, The Stand, 'Salem's Lot were all signed firsts too. I have absolutely zero regrets.

[kingfan2323]

Interesting approach. Didn't know collectors did that. I think the most important thing is to have some kind of guidelines for your collection if you do not have a huge amount of funds. That is definitely a way of doing that. I admittedly have occasional trouble sticking to my own guidelines Damn it! Ha.

[MikeDuke]

I am running out of space but even if I have S\L and a F\F of the same book, I will keep both. I do have a plan though. I would like really nice ed of the early Double Day books. I think my Stand is good, but the others have various issues. I hope to correct them and get all nice ed of those books.

[Munnecom]

Interesting, Munnercom. So when you got your beautiful limited edition Eyes of the Dragon you got rid of your 1st/1st trade copy? Curious.

Indeed. If you gave me a choice between a set of six first editions of the Doubleday books in fine condition or the Cemetery Dance gift editions of the same, I'd take the latter - even if the first editions were signed.

Monetary value aside, the modern releases are just better, more beautiful and more desirable books to me, with their slipcases, oversized dimensions, illustrations, fine bindings and paper quality.

Perhaps mine is its own kind of madness...

[Ben Mears]

I am running out of space but even if I have S\L and a F\F of the same book, I will keep both. I do have a plan though. I would like really nice ed of the early Double Day books. I think my Stand is good, but the others have various issues. I hope to correct them and get all nice ed of those books.

Do they have to be from the original print runs or could they be the later "re-issued" Doubleday versions that have a stronger binding but otherwise look the same as a first edition? Those would be much more affordable and look exactly the same as the first editions.

[allasorte]

I for one agree with Ben on this... I understand buying the exact same book two (or three, four, five, etc.) times whenever you find a slightly more pristine copy, to get it as close to perfect as possible. I can even understand collecting different versions of the same book (like, say, this edition of Pet Semetary, in addition to the US 1st/1st and the PS Anniversary Edition).

What I don’t get is collecting multiple copies of the exact same book. It’s even worse when the book is a limited edition. If someone is holding on to two or more copies of a limited edition book, that just means one or more collectors who might really want one are deprived of their chance of owning one.

Speaking for myself, I get rid of the previous copy of a book whenever I find a better version. For example, I upgraded my paperback copy of Eyes of the Dragon to a US 1st/1st not too long ago (thanks Biomieg!) but last week I bought a Philtrum Press S/L (thanks Frik!), so the hardback is out of the collection again.

However...

a) I know a lot of you do collect multiple copies of the same title. It is not my intention to open up a can of worms or cause offence. I’m only trying to understand a part of the collecting mindset that’s alien to me. To each their own.
b) This might not be the right place for this discussion, if that’s what it turns into.
c) If this has been discussed before on the forum, please point me in the right direction. I’d love to read people’s thoughts and personal collecting philosophies.

Interesting, Munnercom. So when you got your beautiful limited edition Eyes of the Dragon you got rid of your 1st/1st trade copy? Curious.

I have pretty much done this to all my US firsts. Now I am debating about selling my gifts. It's about space for me. But also when I move as packing so many books as if selling them is a chore.

[MikeDuke]

I am running out of space but even if I have S\L and a F\F of the same book, I will keep both. I do have a plan though. I would like really nice ed of the early Double Day books. I think my Stand is good, but the others have various issues. I hope to correct them and get all nice ed of those books.

Do they have to be from the original print runs or could they be the later "re-issued" Doubleday versions that have a stronger binding but otherwise look the same as a first edition? Those would be much more affordable and look exactly the same as the first editions.

I am looking for first ed of these. It's just the way I started with Christine and I kept on going that way. I know they won't be cheap. But I really only need Salems' Lot 2nd state and if I am lucky a Nightshift. What I also need is a First ed DJ for my Carrie. My Carrie is flat signed but the Double Day on the spine is missing the "D". So I would like to fix that. My Nightshift is a library copy but it's inscribed with a neat inscription. So, I will try and work on the ones I need.

[Kongo]

Just got home and found this in the mailbox! I fought myself for awhile on it, but I I just had to open it up

Sorry about the huge picture folks! That was my very first one I've uploaded, so I'm still a noob

[Garrell]

Nice

[jcmanske]

Congratulations, Kongo! I know what that excitement is like.

[MikeDuke]

Very nice Kongo. I recently got the numbered version. Congrats. And the pic is fine.

[Kongo]

Appreciate it guys! I'm glad I opened it, because this art is something else. I told myself I would be content once I got most of the 1st editions I wanted, but as you all know this site can be awfully tempting

[kingfan2323]

Hey!... congrats on your new copy of The Dark Man, Congo! The art is amazing right! Cool little bookmark too. You have passed beyond the world of "just first editions"! Welcome to heaven AND hell! Ha!

[Merlin1958]

Interesting approach. Didn't know collectors did that. I think the most important thing is to have some kind of guidelines for your collection if you do not have a huge amount of funds. That is definitely a way of doing that. I admittedly have occasional trouble sticking to my own guidelines Damn it! Ha.

I am running out of space but even if I have S\L and a F\F of the same book, I will keep both. I do have a plan though. I would like really nice ed of the early Double Day books. I think my Stand is good, but the others have various issues. I hope to correct them and get all nice ed of those books.

Interesting, Munnercom. So when you got your beautiful limited edition Eyes of the Dragon you got rid of your 1st/1st trade copy? Curious.

Indeed. If you gave me a choice between a set of six first editions of the Doubleday books in fine condition or the Cemetery Dance gift editions of the same, I'd take the latter - even if the first editions were signed.

Monetary value aside, the modern releases are just better, more beautiful and more desirable books to me, with their slipcases, oversized dimensions, illustrations, fine bindings and paper quality.

Perhaps mine is its own kind of madness...

I for one agree with Ben on this... I understand buying the exact same book two (or three, four, five, etc.) times whenever you find a slightly more pristine copy, to get it as close to perfect as possible. I can even understand collecting different versions of the same book (like, say, this edition of Pet Semetary, in addition to the US 1st/1st and the PS Anniversary Edition).

What I don’t get is collecting multiple copies of the exact same book. It’s even worse when the book is a limited edition. If someone is holding on to two or more copies of a limited edition book, that just means one or more collectors who might really want one are deprived of their chance of owning one.

Speaking for myself, I get rid of the previous copy of a book whenever I find a better version. For example, I upgraded my paperback copy of Eyes of the Dragon to a US 1st/1st not too long ago (thanks Biomieg!) but last week I bought a Philtrum Press S/L (thanks Frik!), so the hardback is out of the collection again.

However...

a) I know a lot of you do collect multiple copies of the same title. It is not my intention to open up a can of worms or cause offence. I’m only trying to understand a part of the collecting mindset that’s alien to me. To each their own.
b) This might not be the right place for this discussion, if that’s what it turns into.
c) If this has been discussed before on the forum, please point me in the right direction. I’d love to read people’s thoughts and personal collecting philosophies.

Interesting, Munnercom. So when you got your beautiful limited edition Eyes of the Dragon you got rid of your 1st/1st trade copy? Curious.

I have pretty much done this to all my US firsts. Now I am debating about selling my gifts. It's about space for me. But also when I move as packing so many books as if selling them is a chore.

I am running out of space but even if I have S\L and a F\F of the same book, I will keep both. I do have a plan though. I would like really nice ed of the early Double Day books. I think my Stand is good, but the others have various issues. I hope to correct them and get all nice ed of those books.

Do they have to be from the original print runs or could they be the later "re-issued" Doubleday versions that have a stronger binding but otherwise look the same as a first edition? Those would be much more affordable and look exactly the same as the first editions.

I am looking for first ed of these. It's just the way I started with Christine and I kept on going that way. I know they won't be cheap. But I really only need Salems' Lot 2nd state and if I am lucky a Nightshift. What I also need is a First ed DJ for my Carrie. My Carrie is flat signed but the Double Day on the spine is missing the "D". So I would like to fix that. My Nightshift is a library copy but it's inscribed with a neat inscription. So, I will try and work on the ones I need.

Very interesting and varied approaches. I agree that one of the first things you need to establish is a set of rules and/or guidelines that apply to your collection and preferences. I collect 1/1 U.S and U.K. editions first and foremost. Like you guys, at first I revolved copies based on condition until I was happy with what I deemed a final copy. Those 1/1 editions with their original DJ and non-clipped price are my primary treasures. As a rule I don't mess very much with reissues unless its for a number/signature. For example I have a CD S/L of "IT".

Once the original first edition (US&UK) has been collected to my satisfaction, I'll look to what I refer to as "upgrades" such as a flat signed 1/1, Flat signed & remarqued and/or a gift or S/L edition. Depending on condition (and sometimes where I personally rate the book) I may replace a standard 1/1 with a flat or inscribed copy. I don't buy into the "which is the TRUE first edition" debate. If I'm fond of a particular book or admire the production I'll look to add an "upgrade" like a gift or S/L edition. I'm a fan of remarques and have had the ability to kind of go to town with that as a result of my efforts with fund raising in the past. So generally speaking I tend to have only two copies of a title, but may have additional S/L or gift editions as well.

I also like to collect the odd edition or quirky promotional item, etc. For instance I have the Bag of Bones phonograph and DVD, A Christine car and other things of such a nature. That stuff I buy as it strikes my fancy. No particular set of guidelines other than I don't like to get started on something that should be a "set" and not complete it. If you know what I mean. Over the years I've managed to amass quite a bit of cool and personalized memorabilia that I'm pretty proud and happy with.

So, that's my story and I'm sticking with it. Hope that help a bit and if you've got any questions please feel free to shout it out. PEACE!!!! lol



Edit: Oh, yeah I'm also a big fan of slipcases especially, for signed or remarqued books. I've got "Thecollector", Dolso, Jeff Whiley and CD slip/tray cases. Wooden and cardboard. Mostly after market cases unless its part of the edition.

[MikeDuke]

Here are some new ones that I have. More pics in my thread.
ABA Gerald's Game

Signed Limited Dark Man

Riding the Bullet proof

Road to the Dark Tower Blue Line Proof

Many more pics in my thread.

[Randall Flagg]

I suppose I should open these sooner or later.

[becca69]

Hurry up!

[Garrell]

No stop, sending my mailing address

[webstar1000]

I suppose I should open these sooner or later.

Oh man, what shipped!!?!?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MikeDuke]

That's what I was wondering Kris. Unless this is older stuff that was never opened.

[Randall Flagg]

That's what I was wondering Kris. Unless this is older stuff that was never opened.

Bingo.

[lotuz]

I don't generally collect King-related art, but the majority of the art in my home office is book-related so when I do pick up the rare King piece, it's a nice fit.

So far I have purchased two of the fine Giclee prints from Suntup Editions: the first was the paperback version of The Shining, and this is the second.

This is my very favorite King-related piece of art, and one of my favorite works of art overall, so I was positively delighted when this was released. I'd love someday to own the original; I believe that it's in the supercollection of a former member here (I thought I saw it in a video but I could be mistaken) so it's unlikely to make its way to me, but one can hope



I realized a couple of years ago that the choice of frame can make a big difference, and if you can spring it, having pieces custom framed can really add an extra dimension to a nice piece. In this case, I chose a simple reddish-brown frame and a plain off-white mat. You can't quite tell from the picture but the frame pulls out the warm colors from the print, and it makes the blood trickle "pop" a little bit (here's a link to a larger size that I can't embed - http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/...hp?photo=25155).

I'm happy to own one of these, and even happier with the framed result. This weekend I'm going to put it on the wall right above my monitors, so I can look at it every day

[Garrell]

Very nice