Book Printings

Yep, that's what it means. When collectors are looking for first editions, they are really seeking first printings. Subsequent printings are not particularly significant unless the reader is more interested in content than collectibility.

Book Jacket Protectors

Try Brodart - they are on line and have a large selection. They have, in fact, become part of the language, ie. "Did you Brodart your new book?"

There are plenty of other suppliers as well, along with a number of sources on eBay. Just make sure you specify archival quality so that you will still be happy in another 30 years.

Book Selling

Best bets for acquiring inventory:

Yard sales
Auctions
Library sales

If you would rather stick to new books, look on the internet for dealers in remainders. Beware, though, it's a tough business and you have to learn, over time, what is saleable and what is junk. It can be a very fine line.

Rid Your Books of Musty Odors

A quick way to get rid of musty odors that linger in old books is to place a fabric softner sheet inside the middle of the books. This will rid the books of odor, as well as keep odors from settling into your books.

Book Conservation

Two things:

1. Keep it dry.
2. Keep it out of the sun

Those two elements are killers when it comes to preserving old books. Moisture will do permanent damage, either through the development of damp-stain or mold. If you have a moldy book the best solution is to get rid of it although there are a few products that might help.

If the book has a dust jacket, protect it with a mylar cover to preserve it as long as possible. A dust jacket can account for a major portion of the value of an old book.

Golden Jubilee Book of the Daily Mail

The Daily Mail is one of the most popular of the British tabloid newspapers and has been in existence since 1896. Its politics tend toward the conservative and it has been criticized at times for espousing "pseudoscience" subjects like astrology, alien abductions and the paranormal in general.

To commemorate their 50th anniversary in 1946, the paper published the Golden Jubilee Book of the Daily Mail. It was quite widely distributed and remains quite common in the used book trade. A copy in excellent condition would probably sell for around $20.