Collectible Books: a Trend Worth Unplugging your Kindle for

By Milena Damjanov
March 22, 2011

These days, everyone’s convinced that the Kindle and its ilk will cause the eventual demise of printed books. And they’re probably right.

But, as if in response to all this end-is-nigh talk, a curious thing has been happening: collectible books, antique and out of print books are becoming more popular—and cooler—than ever.

As proof, you only need to look at fashion darling Marc Jacobs’ most recent Manhattan retail venture: his West Village bookstore, Bookmarc. Specializing in modern and antique books with a focus on fashion, photography and art, the corner storefront is as packed with fans as his clothing store across the street.

Although new books are also in the mix, what makes Bookmarc stand out (besides the plethora of budget-friendly Marc Jacobs canvas totes, notebooks and pens) is the mix of collectible tomes on subjects ranging from photographer Cecil Beaton to fashion muse Isabella Blow.

Bookmarc

Bookmarc (images courtesy of Marc Jacobs)

And Bookmarc isn’t the only bookstore in the neighborhood with a bent towards the specialized and collectible books. A few blocks away, Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks is the go-to shop for those searching for vintage cookbooks — anything from the 1969 Betty Crocker cookbook (she says older customers want their children to have a copy of the book they used when they were first married) to "Mad Men"-era cocktail recipe books—“It’s a huge field that’s definitely burgeoned,” said Slotnick.

Bonnie Slotnick

Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks (images courtesy of Slotnik)

Meanwhile, over at the children’s bookstore Books of Wonder in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, owner Peter Glassman says a very important part of the shop's business is old and out of print books. “There’s been a constant growth and interest over the years,” he said. “People are feeling nostalgic about their childhood.” Whether it’s an out of print book like the first edition of “Peter and Wendy” or anything by J.K. Rowling, Glassman can help.

Books of Wonder

Books of Wonder (images courtesy of Books of Wonder)

If you, too, are feeling the urge to unplug, here are some rare and antique book titles to whet your appetite from eBay's 555,000+ offerings in the collectible book category:

Fashion, Photography and Art

If Marc Jacobs’s Bookmarc is any indication of what’s popular with the fashion set, then the focus is on photographers such as Juergen Teller, Guy Bourdin and Terry Richardson, but also high-fashion labels like Louis Vuitton and the muse Isabella Blow. Not only do these beautiful, photography-rich collectible books make great gifts, but they also add instant cool to any coffee table.

Roll over items for details

Allure by Diana Vreeland Signed 1980 1st ED HC Hemphill

(buy it now price, $355.99)

The Face of the World by Cecil Beaton 1957

(buy it now price, $225)

Terryworld by Terry Richardson

(buy it now price, $300)

Cindy Sherman: Untitled Films Stills

(buy it now price, $32.10)

Collectible Books: a Trend Worth Unplugging your Kindle for

Food, Restaurants and Cooking

The current fascination with chefs, restaurants and the food world in general only seems to be growing. For every new foodie trend, Bonnie Slotnick has seen a related uptick in vintage book sales. From cupcakes and cocktails to Julia Child and even Johnny Mathis (she has ten people on the waiting list for his book, “Cooking for You Alone”), Slotnick has seen it all.

The ABC of Cocktails Peter Pauper Press

(buy it now price, $89.99)

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child Signed

(buy it now price, $495)

Fine Preserving by Catherine Flagemann 1967

(buy it now price, $29.99)

Betty Crocker’s Cookbook 1969

(buy it now price, $79.90)

Children's Stories

According to Peter Glassman, owner of the children’s bookstore Books of Wonder, many customers looking for collectible works either for themselves or as a gift choose those that have personal meaning, such as books they loved as a child. Even so, there are certain beloved authors, like A.A. Milne (creator of Winnie-the-Pooh), and books, like “Peter and Wendy” and “The Secret Garden” that are always in demand.