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 caselaw 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 Similarly, if the subject matter of the book is historically relevant, but no longer applicable today (such as prohibition), the book may hold more value.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.
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Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon
International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2010 (Wed Nov 28 2007)
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