An unusual question

[Arik]

Does anyone know how hard or how much restoring a book costs?

I stumbled upon a barn sale today. Nothing interesting for me. Lots of old doodads and such but i did come across an old book thats in all there but has seen better centuries!

Its called Roma Subterranea Novissima. Its a giant book written in Italian in the way the Bible is written but with full page pictures. First printed in Italy in 1630s and later reprinted in 1650s. The author did extensive studies of the early Roma Christians who lived in the catacombs in Rome. It seems to be both their early Bible and a their history. The leather cover is long gone but the cardboard that it wrapped is still there. All pages are there but the front few are riped and have hole rubs. The last few pages are slightly better being scotch taped together. All the damage seems to be to the top 1/4 of the book and of course the cover.

The asking price was only $15 and i like the history of the book but i didnt know what to do with it. If i put it away its just gonna rot away further but then again sitting inside a drafty weathered barn isnt helping. Id like to buy it and restore it but i'm afraid that mucho dinero.

A book this old should not be so mistreated!

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[shouldazagged]

A question that occurred to me was whether in the 1600's cardboard was used in binding. I honestly don't know, just wondering.

 

[duppie]

For $15.00...buy it and than research a conservator.If the Scotch tape is yellowing and brittle I would give the age more credence. If really that old you can artistically frame some pages and more than make back your investment if restoration is not worth it.

 

[Arik]

A question that occurred to me was whether in the 1600's cardboard was used in binding. I honestly don't know, just wondering.

I call it cardboard. Its a heavy, thick paper-like (maybe) material. I dont know what it would actually be. There is 'some' leather left on the spine. About the size of an adult palm.

The scotch tape isnt yellow its brown!

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[steveno]

check with a library or museum

 

[rwsmith]

Indeed

For $15.00...buy it and than research a conservator.If the Scotch tape is yellowing and brittle I would give the age more credence. If really that old you can artistically frame some pages and more than make back your investment if restoration is not worth it.

Bookbinding used to be a common hobby when books were worth keeping instead of throwaway quality. I'll be you can find somebody that does that nowadays.

 

[Faulkner]

I have never had a book restored, but I did have my great, great, grandfather's journals from the late 1870's through 1913 bound. Seems it cost me about $75.00. Book binderies are far and few between these days, but this guy in Little Rock did mine and does an awsome job and I highly recommend him. I bet you could give him call and he'd at least give you an idea of cost.

J & B Quality Book Bindery Inc
Little Rock, Arkansas
Phone501) 565-6374

 

[Marshwheeling]

check with a library or museum

+1. Either a really big library, or a museum that deals with old art (i.e., not MOMA).

 

[mtgianni]

It would make a huge difference whether you wanted it rebound or restored. Think reblueing serial #1 or restoring it. Determine first if the book has value as collector status or value as knowledge to you. Check Allibris or a book sight to find out. That should let you know how much to spend. Then decide if it is to be coffee table or museum quality restoration.

 

[cussedemgun]

Call your state library

I see you live in Pa. call the state library in the capital. It would be even better if you could do this in person so they could see first hand the book & condition.

Most state libraries restore/rebind their old classics. Although this may not be a service offered to the public, they will be a professional source of info. & be able to make recommendations as how best to proceed.

 

[Mickey D]

Sounds pretty legit, as Scotch tape had a brown hue in the late 1600s.

 

[A10]

I'd probably try to get it appraised by an expert, and ask for values in present condition and in restored condition. Also, local universities may be interested in the book. I've seen medical journals from the 1500s in the stacks at the University of Washington.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

There used to be one in Berryville, VA. I know there was a fire, but am unsure as to if they are still in operation.

 

[Arik]

I checked the prices online and they go from $400 for one book to $3500 for the 2 volume set but there are no pics so it could just be in brand new condition or the seller might be smoking some good stuff!!


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[Arik]

It would make a huge difference whether you wanted it rebound or restored. Think reblueing serial #1 or restoring it. Determine first if the book has value as collector status or value as knowledge to you. Check Allibris or a book sight to find out. That should let you know how much to spend. Then decide if it is to be coffee table or museum quality restoration.

It would be cool if it actually had some $$ value but i doubt it. For $15 its not really a loss on my end. I would just be P'od if i bought it and let it fall apart further

Might go back next Sunday and buy it anyway

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