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Are books in Latin the New Collectable?
Are Books in Latin the New Collectables?
Am I Crazy?
’People just don’t buy Latin in Australia!’ I’ve been called mad and crazy by other booksellers over the last twenty years, for actively promoting and selling rare Latin books. As a result of their scarcity, these books are extremely rare in Australia.
Where Is Latin Taught in Australia
However, Latin is taught here, mostly in Grammar schools, and other private schools, but there has
been a change with many secondary colleges now teaching Latin and Classical Civilisations as a
subject. These schools are to be commended for this because understanding Latin helps the
student in their study of English literature, grammar and even spoken English. It could also help
win multiple trivia competitions!
My Collecting of Latin
I’ve had Latin texts since the early 1990’s, through my involvement in the Ancient History Teachers
Assoc. of NSW and the Classical History Teachers Assoc of Victoria. A chance meeting at
Macquarie University in 1993 at the Edwin Judge Conference with the world famous author and
classicist, Colleen McCullough AO, turned me even more into a ‘Rome-Head’. ‘Why no Rome?’
she queried commandingly and we ended up talking every chance we had at that four day gig.
She was fascinating and I immediately devoured her highly recommended Rome Series.
In 2012 I started buying older Latin books, specifically 18th century books, mainly following my own
interests in Ancient Rome. If they are bound in vellum even better. In Australia it is so rare just to
hold a pre 1800 book, let alone books from the 1600’s. I was hooked. All to benefit you – the
customer.
I have watched in the following years the burgeoning interest by the public in Latin books. Both as
an active useable text, through to a genuine collectible. Rare Booksellers in Australia are now
selling more Latin, classical books and incunables (books printed with metal type before 1500)
which is wonderful to see. Maybe I wasn’t as crazy as was thought!
History and Aesthetics
The history and the physical presence of these books, I think, is what makes them so worthy of
collecting. For example two of my current books that I have available to buy are Duns Scotis, 1534
and a Seneca Opera,1601 Both are wonderfully bound in leather and in excellent condition. The
Duns Scotis has many signatures on the title page and numerous notes throughout the book by
many different hands. Charming little pointing fingers, drawn in, point to important passages in the
text.
My Collecting of Latin
The history and the physical presence of these books, I think, is what makes them so worthy of
collecting. For example two of my current books that I have available to buy are Duns Scotis, 1534
and a Seneca Opera,1601 Both are wonderfully bound in leather and in excellent condition. The
Duns Scotis has many signatures on the title page and numerous notes throughout the book by
many different hands. Charming little pointing fingers, drawn in, point to important passages in the
text.
Pricing and Collecting
Admittedly at $20,000 & $18000, these are in the top end for the collector. However, there are
many books at Ankh Antiquarian Books in the range of $450+ available to collect. So if you are
learning Latin and looking for an inspiring book to start your collection, a Latin scholar or just
someone who admires the artefact of the rare book, take a look at our Latin collection, on Biblio,
Ebay and online.
Finally
You never know where your interests and collecting will take you, go with the flow, buy what you
love, not because its a good deal. You have to live with these books for a long time, maybe even
pass them on to your heirs, so if you buy well they become part of your legacy, part of you to future
generations; but the main thing is you, enjoy your hobby and learn and gain in confidence as your
collection grows.
Ebay Store
Visit on our Ebay Store.
Biblio
View our store here.
Visit our Shop
If you love talking history, drop in and have a chat with Jennifer. Book a time here.
Find us at Markets
- Waverley Antique Bazaar (Stalls H20 & B20 in the Cool Room) 11 Aristoc Rd, Glen Waverley, 3150.
- The Wonthaggi Market in Gippsland. 17 Korumburra Rd, Wonthaggi 3995.
Ankh Antiquarian Books established in 1989, specialises in rare Antiquarian books and new books on the subject of Ancient Egypt and History. Our range of magazines include KMT A modern journal of Ancient Egypt (USA), Egyptian Archaeology Bulletin (the EES UK magazine) and The Nile, an Australian based magazine printed in the UK.
