First Edition Fly Fishing Books

[Jimmy D. Moore]

I've never given any thought to collecting First Editions of Fly Fishing books.
but after reading Jerry's post, I decided to go over my books this afternoon.
I was surprised to find that I have 17 first editions, all from distinguished fly
fishing authors/fishermen.I still have 50 or so books to check, but this'll do
for now.

While I'm not interested in selling any of them at the present, I'd like to have
a 'ball park" figure of what you think they might be worth.  Would I be able
to use an informal $ appraisal for insurance purposes?  I have my guns and
Classic Golf Clubs insured, so why not my books.

You can do this on List for I'm sure there are others who would like
to know also.

Thanks,

JIMMY D

My First Editions

Trout Madness - Robert Traver, 1992, Northmont Publishing
Fishing W/ Ray Bergman 1970, Alfred Knopf
Fly Rod Trouting - Ed Shenk, 1989 Stackpole Books
Flick's New Streamside guide, 1969 Crown Publishing
Art Flick's Master Fly Tying Guide, 1972 Crown Publishing
Fishless Days, Angling Nights - Alfred Miller, (Sparse Grey Hackle) Crown 1971
Royal Coachman - Paul Schullery, 1999
Prospecting for Trout - Tim Rosenbauer 1993
Trout Magic- Robert Traver, 1974 Crown
Trout Hunting - Frank Woolner 1977 Winchester Press
Misadventures of a Fisherman - Jack hemingway, 1986 Taylor Publishing ( autographed copy)
Tying Dry Flies - Lefty kreh, 1998 Crown Publishing
Tricks that Take Fish - Howard Blaisdell 1954 H. Holt & Co.
The Longest Silence - Thomas McGuane, Knopf 1999
Just Fishing - Ray Bergman, 1945 Knopf
Western Trout Fly Tying Manual - Jack Dennis, Snake River Books 1974
Mastering the Art of Fly tying - Richard Talleur,1979, Stackpole Books

-- 


****************  ><((((((((º>  ******************
JIMMY D. MOORE, Amateur Radio Station  WB5RHT
Moon Holler Misfits Fishing & Hunting Club, author
Past VP Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited, Member 
TOWA, North Zone Fishing Editor Emeritus,Texas
Fish & Game Magazine, Scout Exec. BSA, Retired
Website - http://bigtroutman.tripod.com/index.html                    
*****************  <º))))))))><   ****************
    

[Chuck Alexander]

I have a first edition (with full number line) 1987 edition of "Fly-Tying Methods" by Darrel Martin that somebody can "steal from me for only $25 shipping INCLUDED... You can check the price range of this book on  any site on the net. It's in "Like New" condition with no writing, missing, loose, or torn pages. hard cover with the binding tight and intact etc... Email me OFFlist at chuckal...@hughes.net Chuck

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[the smith's]

I don't know if Jimmy D. got an answer to his questions about first editions from one of the other sites he is on.

First let me start by saying I have been a book collector of fly fishing books for close to 30 years and have acquired over 1300 different titles.  which are insured for $35,000.

 

first jimmy's books then some pointers of collecting.

Just Fishing 1st edition is 1932 by Penn Publishing. Knopf bought the rights to the book and list it as their first edition. the true first ed is 1932

Trout Magic 1st ed 1974 if in very good condition with dust jacket without any major tears. $40-$50

Fishless Days Angling Nights 1971 again the DJ is always important. $40-$50

Fly rod Trouting $20-$30

Art Flicks master Fly-tying guide HB with DJ $50-$60 

Soft cover books very very rarely go up in value.

Dust jackets are an important part of the book, sometimes giving clues as to which printing.

Before the numbering system that you now find, it may be the only clue as to a first or second printing.

Exlib books have very little value.  Even limited editions lose value because of the stamps and gluing of covers adding the decimal system numbers to the spine etc.

Signed books have more value than none signed and inscribed to someone even more.

Age has little to do with value.  I have books form the late 1800s that can be gotten today for $20.00.  My book with the highest value was published in1992 it is one of 150 copies.

Buying books as an  investment is a very bad idea. Buy the writers you like to read and collect their works.

 

Gary S

fight crime...shoot back

[mel hocken]

Gary

Some good info. I would like to add that newer books may be listed as first edition but when you look at the print code you find the book to be a 2nd 3rd or even higher printing. These are not considered a true first edition. So if you are buying a book be sure to do your research before paying premium prices for a book which someone says is a first edition.

I have about 400 books in my library. Most are first editions and many of the newer ones are signed. There are some great modern writers that I thoroughly enjoy. If anyone is looking for some great off season reading I highly recommend W.D. Wetherells three books. Gary is the 1992 book you are refering to Starlight Creek Angling Society?

Regards

Mel

[the smith's]

Mel

Yes paid $150 for it .  you make a good point.  Technically they are first editions. but, most collectors want first printings.  There are allot of fly fishing books offered on eBay by sellers with no idea has how to describe the condition of their book.  One of the first questions to ask the seller is if the book comes from a smoke free home. It is near impossible to remove the smell of tobacco smoke or mildew from a book.

Some of my favorite living writers are Nick Lyons, James Babb, Jerry Dennis, John Gierach and William Tapply whom just passed on not long ago.

GaryS

[Chuck Alexander]

Gary: You got that right about Amazon seller (some of them) and grading books. I have sold books for 25 years from flea markets, yard sales, to Amazon, to Abe books, to half.com. And I always try to list mine  one condition BELOW what it actually is, so that the customer will probably be happy.On the other hand, I have ordered books that sellers have graded as "Very good condition" and I get the book, and I would not even list is as "Acceptable". Pages torn, loose, or missing, writing in the book. Binding falling apart. Water stains (that REALLY makes me mad when ppl omit those). And, like you said, the tobacco smoke.. Most all my customers ask me about that. The closest I've ever come to getting rid of it is to seal the book in a gallon zip lock bag and put in a cpl  scented dryer sheets. and leave them in the bag a few days. But I also put paper towels between the book's covers and the dryer sheets so any moisture from the sheets don't stain the cover or dust jacket. Oh, that's another one. ppl not listing missing dust jackets.  Chuck

 

Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.124/2597 - Release Date: 01/02/10 02:22:00

[Pacres]

Gary,

 

I recently picked up a copy of John Gierach's Signs of Life (signed), and a few other hard to find books. From what I can tell, this is a first edition (not sure how to find out about first printing). Anyhow just wondering for book, how do you store them if they are worth a few bucks?

 

What about self published books like Mike Martinek's 2 volumes of streamer patterns or some of the local fishing clubs booklets etc? I really just buy what I like, but always try to find signed copies.

 

I'm also curious to know why a copy that is inscribed worth more than one just simply signed. Curious because I though it may have been the opposite and also that most of my signed book are inscribed, but mostly to other people.

 

Darren

http://flytyer.wordpress.com - The Daily Fly Tyer

[mel hocken]

Gary

The fellows you mention are some of my favorites. I'm saddened to hear about Tapply he was a real down to earth writer. M.R. Montgomery is another writer I enjoy very much.

Mel

----- Original Message -----

From: the smith's

To: vfb-...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Saturday, January 02, 2010 8:20 PM

Subject: Re: [VFB] First Edition Fly Fishing Books

[the smith's]

There will be a string of numbers in sequence near the bottom of the page. so if it were the number two it indicates a second printing. first printings will have the number one in the string of numbers. keep your books out of direct sun light, room temp around 72 degrees and humidity in the low 50s. put them up right and never pack them in  tight as this will cause the boards (covers) to warp. If the book hangs over the edge of the shelf lay it flat so there is no over hang.

Martink's books are very collectable just lay them flat.

An inscribed book seems to have more value because the person was present when it was signed or was a person known to the author and he/she took more time to personalize the book.

many times a signed book can be bought from a book dealer.  Something I have seen several times, and have one by Steve Raymond is a signed paste in card with the authors signature on it.

For me to paste into his book!  To me that is the height of laziness.   Many of my books are inscribed to Diane.  I had them done that way as I expected her to out live me.  She passed away five years ago from ovarian cancer.  The only time the to will really increase the price is when the book is inscribed to someone more or less famous.

Chuck is right about the dust jackets. Some collectors go to the extreme of storing them separate and flattened.

Any sunlight will cause fading over time even indirect light, so pick your site for your bookcases with care.

Gary S.

 

From: Pacres

To: vfb-...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2010 12:40 AM

[Chuck Alexander]

And to complicate things even more, Sometimes a First edition can have a #2 in the Number line... Go figure.. I read that in the book called "collecting rare and antiquarian books" or something like that.. I know I read it somewhere. maybe it was on my box of cereal in the morning LOL.. Seriously, as has been stated by Gary, sometimes it's hard to tell if you have a first edition, much less a first PRINTING of a First EDITION.. And sometimes the SECOND edition can be more valuable than the first.. I think that would have to do with the number of books printed in a certain printing. If one printing was way less, the books in that printing might be worth more that is the first edition had a million books printed... Confused?? Good, cause I sure am LOL, Chuck

[Anthony Spezio]

I guess I have about 600 books on Fly Fishing and Fly Tying. I have a good number inscribed to me. I have been told that that lowers the value. In some cases I have photos of the author signing the book. I have put these photos in the book. I am not worried about what the books are worth at this time but there might be a time when I will need to let them go. Tony --- On Sun, 1/3/10, the smith's <afly...@comcast.net> wrote:

[Peggy Brenner]

Good advise on the non smoking home if you are collecting. I bought
Warren Duncan's 'Forgotten Flies' on ebay from his sister and still
today the smoke smell is in the book. But, I did buy if for reference...

Peggy B

the smith's wrote:
> Mel
> Yes paid $150 for it . you make a good point. Technically they are
> first editions. but, most collectors want first printings. There are
> allot of fly fishing books offered on eBay by sellers with no idea has
> how to describe the condition of their book. One of the first questions
> to ask the seller is if the book comes from a smoke free home. It is
> near impossible to remove the smell of tobacco smoke or mildew from a book.
> Some of my favorite living writers are Nick Lyons, James Babb, Jerry
> Dennis, John Gierach and William Tapply whom just passed on not long ago.
> GaryS
> fight crime...shoot back
>
> ----- Original Message -----

> *From:* mel hocken <mailto:softh...@shaw.ca>
> *To:* vfb-...@googlegroups.com <mailto:vfb-...@googlegroups.com>
> *Sent:* Saturday, January 02, 2010 10:01 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [VFB] First Edition Fly Fishing Books
>
> */Gary/*
> */Some good info. I would like to add that newer books may be listed

> as first edition but when you look at the print code you find the
> book to be a 2nd 3rd or even higher printing. These are not
> considered a true first edition. So if you are buying a book be sure
> to do your research before paying premium prices for a book which

> someone says is a first edition./*
> */I have about 400 books in my library. Most are first editions and

> many of the newer ones are signed. There are some great modern
> writers that I thoroughly enjoy. If anyone is looking for some great
> off season reading I highly recommend W.D. Wetherells three books.
> Gary is the 1992 book you are refering to Starlight Creek Angling

> Society?/*
> */Regards/*
> */Mel/*

[Peggy Brenner]

I collected first edition equine books for about 30 years, I had a
surprise when I went to sell them all. Most were worth what I paid or
less for them, but one book I paid for near nothing was a 4 figure book
to sell. Had a entire set of Dick Frances books, all signed, but near
the end of his wifes life there was a rumor that she in face had written
a lot of the books so the value dropped like lead right when I wanted to
empty the shelves for fly tying materials.

So now my advise is collect what you like to read, not just to have
shelves lined with good books never read. I admit I have a weak spot for
a author sitting at a show signing what they have written. The Catskill
Fly book is great.

I have a Nook somewhere and am going to ebooks for mystery's and the like.

Peggy B

mel hocken wrote:
> */Gary/*
> */Some good info. I would like to add that newer books may be listed as

> first edition but when you look at the print code you find the book to
> be a 2nd 3rd or even higher printing. These are not considered a true
> first edition. So if you are buying a book be sure to do your research
> before paying premium prices for a book which someone says is a first

> edition./*
> */I have about 400 books in my library. Most are first editions and many

> of the newer ones are signed. There are some great modern writers that I
> thoroughly enjoy. If anyone is looking for some great off season reading
> I highly recommend W.D. Wetherells three books. Gary is the 1992 book

> you are refering to Starlight Creek Angling Society?/*
> */Regards/*
> */Mel/*
>

[Anthony Spezio]

Peggy, is this the book by Mike Valla. Mike and I are friends and the book is a real good book. Very well done. Tony

The Catskill Fly book is great.

Peggy B mel hocken wrote: > */Gary/* > */Some good info. I would like to add that newer books may be listed as > first edition but when you look at the print code you find the book to > be a 2nd 3rd or even higher printing. These are not considered a true > first edition. So if you are buying a book be sure to do your research > before paying premium prices for a book which someone says is a first > edition./* > */I have about 400 books in my library. Most are first editions and many > of the newer ones are signed. There are some great modern writers that I > thoroughly enjoy. If anyone is looking for some great off season reading > I highly recommend W.D. Wetherells three books. Gary is the 1992 book > you are refering to Starlight Creek Angling Society?/* > */Regards/* > */Mel/* >

[Peggy Brenner]

Yes it is Mikes book, very well done.

Peggy B

[Martin Westbeek]

That is a great book indeed. A must-have if there ever was one.

I got it for Christmas, together with Takahasi's Modern Midges

Mart

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Anthony Spezio

To: vfb-...@googlegroups.com

[Anthony Spezio]

Mart, I have not heard of the Midge book. Who is the author, would it be Takahasi'. I have not heard of that name. Tony --- On Sun, 1/3/10, Martin Westbeek <martinw...@planet.nl> wrote:

From: Martin Westbeek <martinw...@planet.nl> Subject: Re: [VFB] First Edition Fly Fishing Books

[Peter Gramp]

On Sun, Jan 3, 2010 at 11:40 AM, Anthony Spezio <bamb...@yahoo.com> wrote:

Mart, I have not heard of the Midge book. Who is the author, would it be Takahasi'. I have not heard of that name. Tony

 

I'm not Mart, but I'll chip in my 2 cents: 

It is called "Modern Midges: Tying & Fishing the World's Most Effective Patterns", by Rick Takahashi and Jerry Hubka.

(the Takahashi was missing an H at the end previously, in case you googled it)

My 2 cents are that it is a great book for any and all things midge (eh, chironomids - midge, larvae, AND adult)

I think the pattern count that was promoted was 1013 patterns? something unworldly like that - but it isn't just a tying pattern book.  

Case in point, the last 40-something pages are a sort of "tips and tricks from pros, panel discussion" of sorts - quite worth it for that alone.

There are some 'sample pages' sites out there - assuming OK to post a link here (not just 'ok by the list rules' but 'ok by the copyright rulings and such'):

http://www.flytyingclips.com/takahashi/katonk.html

Amazon (no affiliation obviously) has it here:

http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Midges-Fishing-Effective-Patterns/dp/1934753009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250039910&sr=1-1#reader

Absolutely NO affiliation, but I think Angler's Roost has some agreement or something, so they can get you a signed copy.  (Rick is the guy in the photo at the link below)  

http://www.anglers-roost.com/Contact/index.htm

Just my opinions, and just trying to help you out.

Tight wraps,

-Pete

[Anthony Spezio]

Thanks Pete, Looks like a book I have to have. I think I bought a book from Anglers Roost this past summer. It was Dry Flies by, I can't spell his name., It was also Japanese. Tony --- On Sun, 1/3/10, Peter Gramp <pete....@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Peter Gramp <pete....@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [VFB] First Edition Fly Fishing Books To: vfb-...@googlegroups.com

--

[Martin Westbeek]

Yes,

Sorry for the typo. It is Rick Takahashi. He contacted me some 2 years ago and asked me to contribute some midge patterns for a book he was doing. So I tied and sent him some patterns, and sortof forgot about the whole thing. Recently he emailed me and told me that the book was ready, so I ordered it, along with Valla's Catskill book. I was *very* pleasantly surprised when I saw both books.

The Midge book is an encyclopedia of midge biology, midge tying and fishing, chapters on materials nicely divided into patterns for the various stages.

And the Valla Catskill book was just as nice and informative, with lots of photos of the giants of the Catskill flies, their patterns, and the historic waters.

[Chuck Alexander]

Tony: When a book is inscribed to you (or anybody) it lowers the value of the book to OTHERS). If the author just signs the book WITHOUT an inscription, then that Increases the book's value, Chuck

[the smith's]

Chuck

That's always been a bit of a grey area.  Some want just the signature.  Others prefer the inscription as they feel it gives them more of the author.  When I go to the Bigger fly-fishing shows, such as the one coming up later this month in Somerset NJ. most of the people I have observed at the authors signing booth ask for an inscription rather than just a signature.   What lowers the value is when aunt Bertha writes about how she hopes her nephew LeRoy will enjoy the book she is giving him for his birthday.  Of most importance is always the condition of the book.  A ratty book I aint buying unless God signed it and I want proof!

Gary S.

[Chuck Alexander]

Gary: What I was saying is that if I wanted to sell you a book by "Author X".. It would be worth more to you (and the average buying) it it were just signed by "Author X" than if it were signed "To Chuck, Good Luck, Author X" right?? Cause you don't want MY name in it, you only want the authors name in it. That's what I was saying in Tony's case. Unless the buyer is a fan of both Tony and the author, a book signed withOUT a personalized inscription is worth more money on the open market. Chuck

 

 

Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.124/2598 - Release Date: 01/03/10 03:41:00

[Allan Fish]

Gary: What I was saying is that if I wanted to sell you a book by "Author X".. It would be worth more to you (and the average buying) it it were just signed by "Author X" than if it were signed "To Chuck, Good Luck, Author X" right?? Cause you don't want MY name in it, you only want the authors name in it. That's what I was saying in Tony's case. Unless the buyer is a fan of both Tony and the author, a book signed withOUT a personalized inscription is worth more money on the open market. Chuck

Well, maybe, but if it were signed "To my good friend Tony Spezio", it would be worth MUCH more.  :-)

a.

-- 

Allan Fish
Greenwood, IN
afi...@sbcglobal.net

[Chuck Alexander]

LOL.. We read each others minds. See my latest email, Chuck

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Allan Fish

To: vfb-...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2010 7:27 PM

Subject: Re: [VFB] First Edition Fly Fishing Books

--

[Anthony Spezio]

I will have to get the books out and make that inscription. LOL Most of the books I have inscribed to me have a notation about a friend or as a fly tyer. Does that make me famous, I guess not. Tony --- On Sun, 1/3/10, Allan Fish <afi...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

From: Allan Fish <afi...@sbcglobal.net> Subject: Re: [VFB] First Edition Fly Fishing Books

--

[the smith's]

I think you are qualified to that title.

Gary S.

----- Original Message -----

From: Anthony Spezio

To: vfb-...@googlegroups.com

[Anthony Spezio]

DAAAAAA!!!! I AM????????? Got to be kidding. LOL Tony

--- On Mon, 1/4/10, the smith's <afly...@comcast.net> wrote:

From: the smith's <afly...@comcast.net>

[J Balmer]

Be thankful. You’re famous, while I’m merely infamousJ

[the smith's]

after four major operations I'm just glad to still be here

[Allan Fish]

Gary said,

after four major operations I'm just glad to still be here

I had a surgeon once tell me that, and here I quote: "Any time some S.O.B. comes

at me with a knife, it's MAJOR!!"

a.e

[Anthony Spezio]

If you say so, but you need to convince my wife. Tony --- On Mon, 1/4/10, J Balmer <jba...@a5.com> wrote:

[J Balmer]

Tell your wife to talk to the wacky Italian broad, she’ll confirm that I’m infamous. Or, you can visit here & ask just about anyone on the streetJ

[Anthony Spezio]

Mart, I ordered the Midge book, I have Mike's book. If you ever get to come back out here, I will have you sign the Midge book where your flies are.