I own too many books. There, I've said it. I've an addiction. Spent most of this morning dusting the old tomes and wiping clean the woodwork. After each section was completed I took photos for our insurance files. (Trust me on this. Snap pictures of all your household items, especially artwork. If you've ever experienced a fire you will understand. If not, you will thank me for this advice.)
Fifteen years ago my shop burned. Arson, set by a couple of lowlifes that owned a business next to my mine. Worst three months of my life. Record you assets.
Anyhow, back to books. Even though the internet and online retailers have killed, for the most part, the value of first editions I still own a few worth several thousand dollars. Rare pieces. If, God forbid, a natural disaster befalls our lives I want a solid record, digital, stored in various locations. This computer but one.
It's taken me most of the day and I was only able to complete our family room but I've at least a start. Here are a few examples.
Oh, and for my nice reader with the request - there are several photos of yours truly throughout these images.
As you well know I'm not the best photographer in the world...just a warning.
Above, built in cases next to our family room fireplace.
I am a very eclectic reader.
I hope State Farm is happy. To be continued.
Stephen
Wonderful pics! Good tip about taking pictures of the good books and artwork, by the way. I'm ashamed to say I have run out of bookcases and have piles of them on the floor. You can never have too many books. I should build more shelves - maybe this winter... You sure are a handsome dude, kiddo!
ReplyDeleteThose are just a few of my books, I'm ashamed to admit. Honey, I'm about as handsome as an old possum...
DeleteWow! That's a lot of books. I bet if we got some of us other book people, we could start a book store. LOL! But, then we would have to flip a coin, to see which of us gets to dust everything every two weeks or so.
ReplyDeleteI also have run out of book case's and shelves. I think I need to expand a room or two. And make me a library or book room.
I should build a few more, too. The lot you see above are just those in my family room. Our office holds four floor to ceiling shelves, each four foot wide double stacked...our master bedroom many more and in our kitchen dining room I have several hundred cook books I've collected over the years. It takes me about a month to dust the whole works. Thanks, Flier.
DeleteDo you think it would be wise to get a large fire proof safe for your first editions?? Just saying.
ReplyDeleteNice thought, but no. First editions require climate control and safes are notorious for humidity. I keep my best pieces enclosed within archival bags, sealed. Our system keeps the house at fifty-one percent humidity. Thanks, my friend.
DeleteMy bookshelf (it's LARGE) resembles yours, but there are boxes of books in the garage, too. And thanks for the reminder to photograph or video all one's belongings. I've not done that for awhile.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, take photos. I had to learn the hard way. Every single piece....keep every receipt.
DeleteStephen,
ReplyDeleteI not only have a video of my items of worth, I have a zip drive of all items and insurance materials just in case I have to run out of my home for a natural disaster. I believe Rob has a good suggestion there my friend.
Me too, Sugar...stored in several locations. Thanks, my sweet friend.
DeleteYou can never have too many books unless you are moving. Then one is too many.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I save banana boxes. Can't beat 'em for packing books.
DeleteStephen,
DeleteWho can carry banana boxes full of books? Not me! I put books 4 or 5 at a time in boxes. My friend complained I had two many boxes when he moved them. He suggested banana boxes. I laughed and told him to tape boxes together as many as he could carry, but I could not lift them. He never gave a thought to my packing a box and moving it.
In answer, Linda, I can carry banana boxes filled with books, and have on many occasions. They're strong and the bottoms don't fall out. Now, having said that, I didn't stop to think about all you lovely ladies out there...so, hire a guy. Thanks, my dear.
DeleteYou need more books. Don't we always need more books?
ReplyDeleteDid you enjoy "The Pulse?" I did, but maybe because it was sailing porn. Even wet a hull in some of the same waters. That made it more real to me.
Yes, I enjoyed Pulse...last two thirds of the book was a bit silly, but it was worth the read. I understand the second in the series is due out soon.
DeleteYour nice friend and the rest of us now know you're not a 300 pound mexican pretending to be Rhett Butler. But I think possums are cuter!
ReplyDeleteWhen my home got burglarized TWICE, it took days to notice "something else" missing. I then took photos, put them on a CD and kept it in my lockbox. (too late, but that's how I operate).
That was years ago, and I have been lax in doing it in my new house. This will be rectified TOMORROW.
As for your books....I didn't seen MINE in there. Hmmmm. And I'll even autograph it for you! And in ten years, it will be worth.....okay....worthless.
Soon you'll be able to kick back in "brand new chair luxury" and read all winter.
Sweet Joy, if you only knew how many books I've stacked in my 'to read' list you'd understand. Having said that, you novel is on my 'to purchase' list. Never fear. Perhaps today. Yes, take photos today. Thanks, my lovely friend.
DeleteSome nice titles in there. Impressive collection.
ReplyDeleteThanks, my friend. Only a few, the rest will wait until next weekend.
DeleteCouldn't agree more - we have also taken pics of our possessions - the expensive ones we've purchased over the years or those we've inherited from our late parents. There is no better way to prove ownership after a robbery...
ReplyDelete(plus, using an ultraviolet pen on those surfaces to which it will adhere also assists when claiming ownership )
What a great idea, the ultraviolet pen...never heard of such. Thank you, my Dani.
DeleteI had about 3000 books in 7 bookcases, stacked on dressers, tables, on floors and in boxes. I finally decided something had to go since my house was falling in and I needed to vacate some rooms. I decided to remove and donate or sell 10 books each day until all books could reside on shelves even if some had to be behind books or lying flat on other books.
ReplyDeleteI to rid of all books that were falling apart which were mostly paperbacks from the 50s and sixties, Shakespeare, and books my ex gave me (Ones I asked for as gifts). I got rid of Othello and kept Rats and Lice in History. I figured the classics that were disintegrating in front of my eyes could be found in better shape. I kept unusual (Rats...History) books, kept all reference books.
When I had sold, donated, or given away 800 books, all books in my home had their own home on shelves.
Once, when I had a get together here, I had for guests 10 readers, avid readers. Someone made a statement and asked a question. No one could answer. I got a reference book about the subject and read the answer. Eventually, all 10 people were on their feet, going through books on the shelves and reading passages to each other. I felt like it was the most perfect evening I ever had when entertaining. No one thought it was rude to take out a book and read it aloud. No one was threatened by their lack of knowledge. We just all absorbed the books through our ears and our pores.
if I awoke with a sore throat and a cough, I would NOT be dusting books.
I have started buying books after three years of going cold turkey. Dana's book is on my shelf now. I have a series in mind for future purchases.
Where does a person get an ultraviolet pen and how do you read it?
I know the feeling...last time I purged my shelves was about thirty years ago...deep sixed almost all the college books, and like you, many hundreds of paperbacks, except those rare novels first published in paper like John D. MacDonald novels. I'd hate to count what I presently own. Yes, the dust didn't help my condition and I'm paying for it today. About the pen, beats me. I would not use on my first editions, it would destroy the value. Others objects, fine. Ah, work screams my name. Thanks, Sweet Linda.
DeletePlease forgive the late comment - I am sorely behind in my blogging.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great read. Your bookshelves are fascinating. I, too, love books and have way too many to fit in my bookcases. Before acquiring my Mother's fancy furniture, every surface in my house had become a bookshelf. When I ran out of bookends I used quart size canning jars full of pickles. There is never enough time or space for the books in my life, and I just keep buying more! And now I have 2 Kindles - one for home and one for the office! It's good to know I am not crazy :)
Thanks for the reminder about recording everything. It has been too long since we've done that.
Blessings,
Red
Not a problem on the late comment...I do it all the time. Yes, we both seem to suffer the same illness, books. Wonderful sickness, isn't it. My reading list is staggering. Thank you for the kind comment, and compliments. I hope all is well.
Delete