Why Collect Science Fiction and Fantasy Books?
September 6th, 2006 by Alan Chudnow
It all begins with sense of wonder.
At some point it hits you, an almost magical attraction to books. It may be books by a particular author or books about a distinctly engaging concept or it may be the sheer joy of holding a unique volume with a compelling physical appeal. However it happens, what ever causes it, there is an upwelling of affection and a sudden sense of wonder.
It is important to keep in mind that almost all book collectors begin as readers. Readers become collectors when they find that the books themselves have become important objects in and of themselves. The book has transcended the state of being merely a vehicle for passing on the author’s stories and thoughts and becomes an object with intrinsic beauty and value. Object and content enhance each other, heightening the unique experience the book brings to its owner.
By most accounts, the origin of Science Fiction as a distinct literary genre dates back to 1926, when Hugo Gernsback started publishing what he called “scientifiction” in a new magazine known as Amazing Stories. Gernsback said,
“…sense of wonder comes not from brilliant writing, nor even from brilliant conceptualizing; it comes from a sudden opening of a closed door in the reader’s mind.”
Collecting the objects that initiated that amazement is the best way to keep it vivid, alive and immediately accessible.
Consumers vs. Collectors
Almost all Science Fiction and Fantasy book collectors begin as readers. This is an important point for by far the largest numbers of F&SF readers see books as consumables. They are content with reading a library copy or a paperback reprint and think of the book as simply a medium for conveying the author’s subject matter and deserve no more consideration than that.
Most readers use, and often abuse, the book as they please, dog-ear corners, make notes in the margins, bend the covers back and break the spine. For them, books are as disposable as a McDonald’s hamburger wrapper. They are book consumers.
For such readers things like the edition of a book, or its condition don’t matter. They perceive little difference between a hardcover first printing and a paperback reprint. The joy they receive from a book, and one must acknowledge that very real pleasure, comes from the author’s content alone. All other considerations are inconsequential.
The Book as an object of beauty and inspiration
For those of us who are not book consumers but book collectors, the joy of the text is but one of several delights in a book. Look, feel, the very tactile uniqueness of a volume elevate the book from simple container to an object of physical beauty and romance which augments the thoughts and ideas of its author.
We take care of our books like we would other valuable objects. We treat them gently, store them properly and do our best to protect them from injury. The very act of owning our books, being able to take them down off the shelf, turn them over in our hands and take pleasure in their presence, enriches our lives and gives continued delight.
Most collectors of Science Fiction books begin to do so because they have found something in the genre that is inspiring. Science Fiction stretches your imagination, introduces you to a future of endless possibilities and creates a sense of wonder. Included within the realm of Science Fiction are also Fantasy books that take you into the world of magic and myth and Magic Realism books where everyday life is transformed into the supernatural, while yet remaining grounded in reality.
Science Fiction Collections can be valuable
There are other reasons to collect Science Fiction and Fantasy books, the economic value among them. As the popularity of science continues to grow at an astonishing rate the value and desirability of first edition and limited edition Science Fiction books continues to intensify as well. First editions and limited runs ensure that availability decreases over time. There exists a large expanding market for books. A carefully assembled collection of first edition or limited print volumes will become increasingly valuable.
Why collect books? Collect them because they engage your sense of wonder. Collect them because they are beautiful. Collect them because they are valuable. Most important of all, collect them because you love them.
The consumer/collector portrait you paint seems a little oversimplified to me, very much like us or them and all black and white type attempts to categorize. Perhaps, it is because I fall into the consumer category and feel insulted. I hate it when a book or author I want to read becomes collectable and is priced out of my reach. However, I don’t think people who fold down page corners and otherwise mistreat books are book consumers; I think they are criminals! And libraries leave me unfulfilled, because I don’t want to borrow what I read. I want to own it, possess it and call it mine, but I don’t have high standards. I buy used library books and used paperbacks at yard sales. If I really like something, I will trade up when I can afford it. I will replace a paperback with a hardcover or a well-worn edition with a more pristine copy.
Once upon a time, there was an SF store in Santa Monica called A Change of Hobbit. There was also an SF store in Pasadena, but I can’t remember the name. Sometimes book signings didn’t attract a lot of attention, and, if I didn’t have to stand in line, I was willing to schedule and spend to buy a first edition and have it autographed. I think I even have two autographed firsts of Niven’s Integral Trees. (Must comment here that Niven was one cantankerous son of a bitch)
Now one can sit comfortably at home and visit autographed first edition categories on one’s computer. In general, I find the prices prohibitive, but I have developed a weakness for the fancy editions of Charles de Lint books published by Subterranean.
I have a 10′x20′ storage space lined with full bookshelves, and science fiction is the first category on both sides inside the door. Hardbacks and paperbacks are shelved seperately for convenience. First edition hardbacks sit along side (oh horrors!) ratty book club editions.
OK, that was a little sarcastic, and I apologize. We have some common interests and should be friends. I was shocked by booksale statistics I saw recently, either on grumpy old bookman or one of his links. Romance…romance, good god, represents almost 40% of booksales. Mystery titles make up almost 30%, and I must confess my mystery category is second only to my science fiction in size. Science Fiction was dead last with 6%. There was a lengthy article attached about why SF readership is falling. What was once science fiction is now reality. That seemed to be the most important reason cited with a ‘we’ve seen it all’ attitude. I think that is a reason to continue reading science fiction, because that is what the modern day prophets are writing.
Charles,
I think you may have more of collector sensibility than you think. Your preference to own your books rather an borrow them from the library, your willingness to make a special trip (however occasional or convenient) to have a book signed and your “weakness” for the limited Subterranean Press editions of de Lint’s works are all telling indications. Being a collector does not mean that you refuse to buy ex-library or book club editions or that every book in your personal library need be a rare first edition. It simply means that some books are important enough to you that you prefer to own a copy that’s special to you.
It is true that many collectors value a first edition for its primacy and resale value. If one has a concern for the monetary value of a book then its condition, scarcity and printing state become an issue. There are also other reasons for wanting to acquire first editions that I’ve discussed here. However, it is certainly true that not everyone is concerned with the resale value of a book. Ultimately, the significance of a book is a very personal thing.