TO A YOUNG AMERICAN BOOK-HUNTER

To Philip Dodsworth, Esq., in New York, the author addresses his experiences and advice on the pursuit of book-hunting, congratulating Dodsworth on joining this passionate quest. He begins by evoking the sentimentality and solitude that comes with the love for books, referencing Thomas e Kempis and the comfort found in reading. Despite offering advice, the author humorously acknowledges that like many enthusiasts, Dodsworth may not strictly follow it, highlighting the eager but often haphazard nature of beginning collectors.

The author advises against indiscriminate collecting, especially when one is not financially buoyant, emphasizing the value of restraint and selective acquisition based on genuine interest rather than the allure of bargains. He shares personal anecdotes of his own wayward purchases outside his literary interests, including works on curling and a truculent treatise on murder bought possibly out of admiration for Sir Walter Scott. He regrets these missteps, attributing them to whims, curiosity, or mere cheapness, and stresses the importance of collecting with a system and purpose.

The narrative then shifts to a more practical guide on building a valuable collection, suggesting focusing on areas less influenced by the fluctuating market trends like the highly priced illustrated French books of the eighteenth century. Instead, the author suggests investing in first editions of notable American and English poets like Longfellow, Poe, and Whittier, acknowledging the rarity and value of these works. He recounts the rare instances of acquiring early editions of Poe’s works and emphasizes the general high demand and prices of American literature of a certain age.

The author also points out the unpredictable nature of book values, with examples of modern works that have significantly appreciated in value, advising Dodsworth to discern which new releases might become valuable. The strategic acquisition of books printed on large paper as a potentially profitable investment is recommended, yet he cautions against buying purely for speculative purposes, advocating for a balance between a book’s inherent value and its potential as a collectible.

In closing, the author expresses a broad sentiment towards collecting, hinting at the joy, the pitfalls, and the serendipity involved in the hunt for books. He encapsulates the nuanced approach required to cultivate a collection that is both personally satisfying and potentially lucrative, underlining the importance of passion, knowledge, and selectivity in the world of book-hunting.