The books which have lived out their printing days are generally called old books . These are not classics and thus have not been reprinted. But the old books have their own charisma and nostalgia attached to them. Henry David Thoreau very aptly commented ‘books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations. ' But it would be wrong to say that all old books are valuable and rare. In general books of the past are in demand for their antique value and rarity. The costs of the old books are determined also by the condition of the books, like for example if the book is torn or has missing pages, the price falls considerably.
The most sought after old books are from the period before 1501 when printed books had just made their appearance on the face of the world. Books printed in America prior to 1801, in west of Mississippi before 1850 and in England before 1641 are of extraordinary value. But it doesn't mean that all the old books are rare and valuable. The books which do not qualify as antiques and singular books are Bibles, Sermons, collected editions of an author's work, encyclopedias, textbooks and facsimiles.
Old books can be of three types'
antiques, rare books , and
used books . All the major libraries of the world have some old books in their possession which are sometimes given to scholars and readers. Many renowned book and antique stores sell old rare books of monetary value. The old books are also available on various websites for sale.
