How should I care for this old book?

Just discovered that a wonderful old book I own is listed rather high on
several sites.
High value seemed to be $4,000, lowball $2,500.
Surprised the HECK out of me!!
It is a first edition, 1925 copy of The Knave of Hearts, with
illustrations by Maxfield Parrish.
Condition is very good, no tears, gouges or foxing.
I live Down South now, however, and am wondering how to keep this
treasure in nice shape.
Ideas?

John R. Yamamoto-Wilson...

Just to confirm the basics: The publisher is Scribner's, the book (14 x
11.5 inches) should have a black cloth cover with a full-size pastedown
illustration, a glassine dust jacket and a cardboard box. There should
be 6 introductory pages (unnumbered) and 46 pages of contents, with
(according to one ABE catalogue listing) "9 in-text color illustrations,
a color ex libris page, color title page, color character list, color
Some copies were remaindered to A.L. Burt, and carry their imprint on
the box; there was also a Racine Artists and Writers Guild edition in
spiral-bound wrappers; and there may be some other variants.

should help you to place your copy, but these, of course, are unsold,
and may not sell at the price asked. The value of your copy will depend
largely on condition and completeness.

As to caring for it, books are happiest at a temperature of around 15-22
degrees centigrade, with a relative humidity level of 30%-50%.
Basically, set the air-conditioning to a cool, dry setting, and avoid
sudden changes of temperature, and you should be all right.

A Brodart archival cover is usually recommendable, but it's hard to say
without knowing whether the dust jacket and/or box are present and, if
so, in what condition. Basically, though, I'd advise against storing the
book in an airtight container, which may trap moisture or other harmful
agents inside with the book. A purpose-made slipcase or box (wood or
cardboard) might be advisable.

That's probably about all there is to it, but it might be worth taking
it to a local dealer to get a hands-on opinion.

John

HannahR...

Thanks John.
I don't have the dust jacket or the cardboard box, but the book itself
is as you described and in wonderful condition.

black cloth cover with a full-size pastedown illustration, a glassine
dust jacket and a cardboard box.
There should be 6 introductory pages (unnumbered) and 46 pages of
contents, with (according to one ABE catalogue listing) "9 in-text color
illustrations, a color ex libris page, color title page, color character
list, color closing page, and 10 full-page color plates">
.
Thanks for your time and info, I appreciate it a lot.

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