Natural History Books – Collectors Guide
Natural History Books – Collector's Guide
Collecting books on natural history is a fun hobby. Whether you love their illustrations or are intrigued by their content. There are many subjects and collections you can find, either with a low or unlimited budget.
To begin with, there are lots of reasons to collect rare books. You might wish to preserve knowledge or create a personal library that reflects your interests. In this blog post, I will look at how to start a natural history book collection with advice on what to buy. You can also find a list of book collecting ideas below.
Natural History Books
When you start collecting natural history books, you might wish to follow a theme. For example, you could focus your collection on butterflies. You can explore a specific subject in depth. However, it’s not necessary to have a theme or to complete a book collection. Whether you follow a theme or not, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and let your personal interests guide you.
You might also need to decide if you want new books or antiquarian. Older books may lack the latest insights. On the other hand, antique books have exceptional plates and quality. Of course, you can have a varied collection.
Natural History Categories Examples –
Botanical
Wildlife
Birds, Ornithology
Insects, Ethicology
Fungi, Mycology
New Naturalist Book Collection
Natural History Book Collection
It’s also possible to start a natural history book collection with a limited budget. Some budget collections include New Naturalist and Wayside & Woodland. They are easy to find, fascinating reads, and look great on the shelf.
You can also start a collection on a specific writer. I personally enjoy reading Alfred Wainwright's walking books, or you can even build a collection of Charles Darwin's works. Many natural history book collectors also buy prints and original plates.
How you design your collection will depend on your personal interests. Below, I have a list of book collecting ideas and books on natural history to help you start.
Budget Natural History Books –
New Naturalist
Observer Books
Ladybird Nature
Wayside & Woodland
Shown To The Children
Popular Books On Natural History –
Familiar Wild Flowers
The Natural History of Selborne
Birds Of America
The Naturalist's Library
Curtis's Botanical Magazine
Natural History Writers –
Morris Rev. FO
Gilbert White
Charles Darwin
Eliza Gleadall
Mrs Gatty
Wayside & Woodland Books
Buying Natural History Books
There are lots of places to buy rare books, including eBay, second hand bookshops, book fairs and auctions. Before you buy a book, check the condition. Does the book have its original dust jacket, is it in good condition?
When collecting books on natural history, check that there are no missing plates. In the 80s and 90s, there was an increase in people pulling colour plates out of books. As such, make sure to count the plates before buying.
Natural history booksellers can help you build your collection. You might find a local seller with a Google search. In the UK you can use the PBFA website to find book sellers. I also have some budget books in my eBay shop.
If you have the budget, then contact well known antiquarian bookshops (for example, Peter Harringtons). These can help you find books for your collection. These larger shops will also have a list of stock on their website.
Lastly, book collecting is an addictive hobby, so it’s a good idea to have a budget. Perhaps stick to a set monthly spending limit or a budget for your entire collection. If you don’t do so, you might end up like me, an accidental bookseller who spends £1,000 a month on books!
Displaying Natural History Books
When you display your book collection, keep them on a shelf and upright. It’s important that you don’t have your rare books in direct sunlight, as this will cause UV damage.
To ensure your books last in the best condition, gently clean the shelves and dust the books. In addition, maintain a controlled environment with consistent temperature. Especially important if you collect very rare old books.
Sharing your book collection online can help you connect with fellow bibliophiles. In my experience, Instagram is an excellent platform for posting book photos. However, you can also find a community on Reddit or Facebook.
Your Book Collection
Your collection is about you. It reflects your interests, tastes, and passions. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a vibrant display. You can also personalise your display using creative lighting and unique display shelves.
Furthermore, you might choose to display your books open to beautiful plates. Ultimately, what you collect and how you present it should bring you joy. So, feel free to experiment until you find what makes you happy.
Thanks for reading. I’m still a new book seller, so if you have any advice on collecting books, please share it in the comments.
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