A message for Norton collector’s around the world.
Don’t ever give up!
I have been collecting books by Andre Norton for 40 years now. I started while very much on a budget and only collected paperbacks for reading purposes. Then I started trying to get a copy of each in good or very good condition. I then discovered they came with different cover art and was bitten by the collecting bug. Keeping track of what I had, was the easy part, keeping track of what I didn’t have was the tricky part. Identifying what I didn’t have eventually led to the website, which then put me in contact with fellow collectors who helped me start collecting hardbacks.
20 years ago I identified 21 hardcover books released by Gregg Press and I started trying to find them. They are limited editions which were distributed to mostly libraries. Today a non-ex-library copy of any of the titles can run on the average around $150 or more. I’ve seen the seven “Witch World” novels (as a set) go for over $1000. If you want them signed you should take out a loan at the bank.
I purchased my first Gregg Press edition 19 years ago. That was a library edition of “Sorceress of the Witch World”. Through buying, selling and trading over the past 19 years I have finally completed the 21 book set of first editions. While purchased as individuals (the collection is made of 4 different sets) it’s very hard to see that they weren’t sets to start. You don’t have to spend a real fortune, you just have to be very patient and always on the hunt. I paid around $30 for each edition, that’s cheap if you look at the average cost of any first edition Norton. I have only purchased one book “The Sioux Spaceman” for over $50 because I really wanted it and its very rare (UK edition by Hale). I now have over 1500 Norton books and other Items pertaining to Andre Norton.
My last Gregg Press edition was the very hard to find “Key Out of Time”. It’s so hard to find that even an ex-library is difficult to obtain. I was in the right place at the right time and found a first edition in good plus condition for under $12.00 including shipping.
Once you decide to collect, set your limit (the most you are willing to pay for any title). Identify your market (what exactly are you looking for) and above all be VERY PATIENT. Do not in any circumstance purchase the first one you find. There will always (well almost always) be a better one.
Publisher ~ Gregg Press