If you are a book collector, then you know what it means to own the richest in books. Searching for the perfect copies, then determining what raises the value of specific books as well as how this is able to assist you in your needs is the beginning to getting the most value for your available literature. Identifying the characteristics of different types of books is the beginning to making your shelf more valuable and displayed with the best in words.

There are two types of books that define the wealth of knowledge between book collectors and readers. The first set of books are the popular editions that reach the shelves and which readers quickly define for a good read. Typically, these are available as second edition books and are reprinted or published over time with small corrections or changes during each print. While these types of books are the most popular, they are not the most valuable for book collectors to look into.

Instead of getting the books off the shelf, most book collectors will look at the different types of copies available. For instance, rare and signed books often factor into the equation for those that are looking for more than a read. Books that are rare include prints that never made it to the shelves, as well as prints that had a short run instead of reaching the masses. The limitation of prints with these lead to more value with the book and what is available to read. Signed books add onto this with limited numbers of books that authors have added their stamp of approval to for a different type of read.

While these particular books add value to your bookshelf, they are also limited in the number of copies available. Another approach to take to build your collection is to look at first editions. These are usually considered rare books as well, but differ because they have specific dates attached to them. Most of these dates include a first print, sometimes which do not make it to the shelves. In these books, you will find value through the author's original ideas, changes that have not yet been made and a limited number of copies that are harder to find, which adds more value to your shelf.

If you are searching for the most value in literature, then searching for first edition books is one of the options to consider. This particular type of book is one that includes a stamp of approval that is directly linked to value and is above other book copies. When considering this option for your book shelf, you can be assured that you can enjoy more wealth as a book collector, while finding the most of a good read. As you search for the beginning date of each book is the ability to have more available options for your book shelf.