Re a quote from your Reply # 112: " (actually, for a while now, I've been mulling-over the idea of selling/auctioning/whatever) some, or maybe even all, of my books..." ). I can sincerely relate with your stance, "brnbg aka: liljones 1968." For a number of years, even though I did it in a reasonably selective fashion, it seemed that I was buying books "by the yard/meter." I have "weeded" out a number by gifting friends, local libaries, universities, Goodwill Industries, etc. These are not novels, historical fiction, etc., rather well-known volumes in diverse fields, but no longer interested me, were outdated, or whatever. As for local outright selling, checking with a local (used) bookstore, which generally has a large/professional inventory (with internet connections), I found they had recently looked-through over 600+ books submitted to them and actually purchased less than 150; paid prices being VERY poor. On another historical board, a youngster from the Phillipines was literally pleading for a certain book (Fields' jewel volume), but could not afford it. I happened to have an unused copy, so, after securing his parents' permission, I sent it to him. The postage was outrageous! However, I DID receive his and his family's thanks, thus it was worth it.
All-in-all, I intend to continue to whittle-down (keeping obvious pricey, rare ones) my collection, by donation, or if necessary, simply discard. I have no interest in swapping, listing, etc. IMO, after a while, they have become a mill-stone of burden in terms of space, dusting, treatment of leather bindings, etc. There are too many sources, local libraries, internet, etc. that FOR ME, can substitute adequately. Good luck on your decision! Happy Holidays! AP.
