I'm just now getting into eBooks with my purchase of a Kindle. To me not every book is worthy of collecting - only those that are on my top bookshelf. Susanna Clarke and Libba Bray's books make that cut as do many other of my favorite authors. Collecting is also about an investment not merely retaining books regardless of worth. For a serious book collector only a first edition is worth collecting. (As well as having an unflawed dust jacket since that accounts for 80% of the value) Second editions are worth nothing on resale. It should also be signed if it is a
modern first. As I've said, collecting is more than indulgence. A signed first not only retains its original value but will most often appreciate in value over time. I liken it to choosing between an inexpensive car that will depreciate in value or a slightly more expensive one that I know I can sell back for at least what I paid for it. In many ways, books are a better investment than stocks. The problem with book collecting is that it is expensive since most collectors buy two copies: a reading copy and one to keep in mint condition. That's where eBooks make a wonderful alternative to buying a reading copy. Not only do they take up less space but they also are usually cheaper.
