The Occult: Myth, Magic and Superstition (An Antique Books Guide)

The Occult

I should begin this post with a disclaimer: I am by no means an expert in occult collecting. Far from it in fact. I do however have a few interesting photos and examples of books on the occult to share. And a little advice.

Books on the occult often sell well - very well in some cases. Partly this is due to the limited circulation figures such obscure titles get. However, another part of the value of these books is the fact that they offer a glimpse into the unknown, the hidden and the inaccessible.

Being given a chance to see into a world away from ours is always going to be exciting, whether it's the world of the Illuminati, the Masons or even those who attempt magic.

And that is exactly what occult books do - they offer this unique opportunity, this small glimpse like a door left ajar, looking in on a different world to our own.

Below are a few examples of such books. I would be the first to admit a lack of belief in such books but it is easy to see their appeal and for that they are important to understand from a collector's perspective.

1939 Masonic Lodge Annual:

This leather bound volume is a genuine artifact from an impressive Masonic Lodge and offers a real look into the elusive sect of the Masons.

1960's book on Magic and the Supernatural:

A large and lavish book known for its comprehensive detail of various supernatural aspects.

The Famous Lancashire Witches book:

A well-known story of the famous Pendle Witches - based on fact according to some.

Transcendental Magic:

One of the 'holy grail' books concerning magic. This particular volume deals with topics ranging from necromancy to summoning.

A truly bizarre and in-depth book, published in the 1920's.

Thanks for reading and apologies if this post offends you .

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The Top 9 Book Topics To Collect - An Antique Books Guide

Here's a simply listing some of the most popular (and sought after) topics for books that you may want to collect and a bit about each topic.
I have tried to put the list in order from most collected to least although all are particularly vibrant markets online from my experience.

1. Fairy Tales




Fairy Tale books are always a popular choice for collectors.
With big names being The Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, fairy tale books often combine the art of illustration and story telling to create truly lovely books.
Look for famous illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac or Heath Robinson for particular value.

The book pictured sold for approx £40

2. Famous Fiction



Popular fiction always hold several gems that are worth a lot. Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone is one of the most famous examples, with first editions selling for thousands.
Look for the latest book by proven big names. First editions, signed copies or Proof copies are often a safe bet.


3. Children's Stories



As with Fairy Tales, these often basic tales are something of a vice for collectors. Having money as adults means we can re-buy books that we treasured as youngsters or perhaps slightly better versions.

Among the most valuable children's books are The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Peter Pan and Winnie The Pooh.

Look for early editions of treasured classics.

The book above sold for approx £30

4. Fishing/ Aviation



The unlikely topics of fishing and aviation are both similarly popular.
Often low circulation fishing books of the 1950's-1980's can reach close to £100 whilst early books on aviation are highly sought after too.
Look out for illustrated books. With aviation pre 1920 is generally sought after whilst with fishing look for pre 1870 for value or famously obscure authors.

The book shown sold for approx £25

5. Occult/ Mysterious



Topics of the occult often capture our imagination and so too for the book collector.
Books on magic, freemasonry and sex are highly collectible.
The stranger and older the book the more likely it is too sell.

The book above sold for approx £20

6. Typography/ Illumination



Typography and illumination is a hot topic for collectors.
Early examples of printing and collections of typography are quite sought after whilst illuminated books are a sure fire hit with collectors.

Gilt embossed writing in books is generally set for a good price and famous or obscure books of fonts are collectible also.

The book above sold for approx £50

7. Travel



Travel is a popular topic among collectors and fortunately among publishers.
With countless series of travel books such as Baedeker's or H.V Morton's books, this topic is one that is wide, popular and potentially investable.

As usual, the older the better.
Pre 1850's travel books are valuable and if they have illustrations or fold out plates then even more so.
Look out for maps also as these are a valuable asset to any travel book.

The book above sold for approx £25

8. Religion



The age-old topic of Religion holds a special place within many of us.
Early religious texts with family histories, brass clasps, colour illustrations, illumination or any other unique feature sell well.
Look out for old decorative Bibles for value.

9. The Classics

Classical titles are always going to be valuable if an early enough edition.
Shakespeare is an obvious name here with early editions of his books selling for tens of thousands.

Look our for nicely illustrated 1900-1930 editions of his works or pre 1800 for real value.

The book above sold for approx £20

I hope this guide helps you in finding a valuable book for yourself!

Thanks for reading.