Old Law Books are a Welcome Addition to Home and Office - By: Chris Robertson

Regardless of whether someone has just graduated from law
school, has been a member of the legal profession for twenty
years, or has risen through the ranks and been appointed to the
bench, respect for the intricacies of law and the rich history
of jurisprudence are unwavering. The cornerstone of any legal
proceeding is the case law that has preceded it, and attorneys
are keenly aware of the importance of researching legal
precedents.

The Role of Law Books

Although the Internet has revolutionized the way attorneys and
judges do their research, they have a profound understanding of
the important role that books have played in their chosen
profession. Every attorney has spent countless hours poring over
law books, learning the legal underpinnings of an important case
or mastering the nuances of their legal specialty.

From Reading to Collecting

Because the practice of law is steeped in historical precedent,
and because researching and learning the law is a lifetime
commitment, many attorneys and judges find that collecting old
law books for their home library or office library is extremely
rewarding. Indeed, even those attorneys who don't have extensive
collections understand that no law office would be complete
without the presence of several antique books. For some, what
begins as the purchase of a few old law books eventually becomes
a passion for book collecting.

Factors that Make Old Law Books Collectible

For those who are starting out in book collecting, whether for a
home library or office library, it's important to understand the
factors that make old law books valuable and collectible. The
first factor, condition, applies to any type of book collecting.
Essentially, the binding, covers, and pages should be intact.
For law books, annotations by previous owners may add or detract
from their value. Annotations by Oliver Wendell Holmes would be
priceless, but even notes from assistants or clerks could add to
the value if they are made in conjunction with a landmark case.

The availability of legal tomes can also add to or detract from
their value. For example, if the book's print run was small, if
the publisher is no longer in business, or if the book is a
first edition, the value will substantially increase. Similarly,
if the subject matter of the book is historically relevant, but
no longer applicable today (such as prohibition), the book may
hold more value.

Helping Antique Books Retain Their Value

Books, more than other types of collectibles, are subject to
deterioration over time. That's why it's important to ensure
that the paper and bindings are protected. The best way to
protect old law books is to keep them away from moisture, heat,
and direct sunlight, and to store them upright on bookshelves
without tightly packing them next to one another.

When all is said and done, though, the most important aspect of
a collection of old law books is enjoyment. Book collecting is
an enchanting pastime, made more so by the knowledge that the
basis of law has always been the written word.

For those who are starting out in book collecting, whether for a
home library or office library, it's important to understand the
factors that make old law books valuable and collectible.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon
International, one of the worlds most popular internet marketing companies.
For tips/information, click here: href="http://www.oldlawbooks.net">Law Books Visit
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