| CLASSIC DIVE BOOKS
Values.
Please note: The books are listed for interest only, and not offered for sale. We are not book valuers nor book dealers, and cannot provide a definitive answer to what a book is worth, except to say that a book is worth only what someone is prepared to pay. To determine a book's CGP (current going price) you have several options. Ebay (and similar on-line shopping sites) are a good start. Often a book is listed with a 'Buy Now' tag. If a book goes to a full auction you can keep track of this. On-line second-hand dealers are also of some value although some dealers go overboard - some have 'Great Expectations' and show an exhorbitant price, knowingly or ignorantly (who knows?), which inflates a book to an unrealistic level and should not be considered in any 'average' price calculation over several offered sales. Some other dealers are indeed ignorant of the true value and have an unusually low price - these are the 'bargains' that we all look for. But you need to be quick. I have the impression that some dealers will list a price that is unusually low just to get you onto their website. You will then find that the book has already 'been sold', and other items offered. Another means of valuation is to seek out your local second-hand dealer, you know, the one with a real shop. He/she can give you a price on the spot - realistic or otherwise, take it or leave it. But at least you know what 'someone' is prepared to pay. As a rough but realistic guide, a second-hand book dealer will 'probably' (and I use the word cautiously) give you a price of 25-35% of what he/she thinks the value of the book is. Don't be angry - that's the reality - they have to make a living and it may take ages for the dealer to recover his/her outlay. If you have the time, energy and patience to sell the book privately, by whatever means, you will do better financially. But the downside could be frustration, frustration and frustration. I quote a very good dealer friend of mine - "do your homework" - and be realistic. |
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The following figures are actual offers of sale. We may make a comment here and there but we do not, and will not, say that a book is specifically worth a certain amount. 'No less' or 'no more' may be suggested, but I repeat, we are enthusiatic divers and book lovers and not dealers, so have no authority or credibility when it comes to book valuations, other than to express our observations. By all means email us if you like - always ready to hear from you and you will always get a reply. Good luck! Values shown are Australian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Note: Amazon, and Amazon UK are not listed. Their prices appear ridiculous, and Amazon UK will not ship to Australia. |
| DEEP
DIVING AND SUBMARINE OPERATIONS - R.H. Davis
The extremely popular and excellent book was in print from its first edition in 1909 to the last, the 9th, in 1995. Obviously, each edition is valued individually and because early editions are over a century old, they come in various levels of condition. Be sure you are comparing similar editions, and look closely at the condition of the book, and its inclusions - i.e. fold-outs. It is not a 'rare' book (from the third edition onwards at least) and copies are always to be found on eBay and on the book search websites, the latter giving a good comparison of edition and condition. Very early edition (First, 2nd and 3rd) are rarely seen and will be listed separately. Edition details are from seller: edition and date may npt always correspond. Things to look for: Obviously wear and tear. Dust jacket. Does it include Parts 1 and 2, or indicate as Part 1 only. (There never seems to be a 'Part 2' only, and I suspect never printed. Parts 1 and 2 may not be indicated as such; each part is about 300 pages. Some copies are signed and thus cost more - how much more is arbitrary - how much do you want to pay for Davis' signature? One dealer seems to think it is worth $1500!!!
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| GIRL
ON THE OCEAN FLOOR - Lotte Hass.
I'm not sure why this book commands such a high price, but you rarely see one under $200. It is an interesting book, by the wife of Hans Hass, and she is no less a diving pioneer than her more famous husband. His books do not seem to command such a high price. But as they say, the value of the book is based entirely on what someone is prepared to pay for it.
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