I’ve neglected my book collection for some time now as I found it harder to find good books that I like not only to have but to actually read.

The first stage was when I felt less interested in reading prose and more interested in reading philosophical literature. I guess I’ve just found them more targeting the questions I choose to think of compared with prose that dealt more with other aspects of the human experience.

The internet has made a huge influence on my life in the sense that all theories, all ideas and everything that I wanted to read about absolutely anything I could find in a few minutes of online search.

I think that the need to read a book from beginning to end was lessened as a result and for some time now I haven’t been to the book stores that I used to visit.

Lately I found myself reading again and naturally looking to improve my book collection with new books. Well new is not really the right word as I love stores such as this that sell used and rare books but new to me.

I wonder if this renewed interest is here to stay.

courtesy of vidalia_11

There is something about good Calligraphy that really touch my soul. As there are so many arts I have no idea why I’m such a sucker for it.

When I happened to read the post about Calligraphy exhibition on my bloglines I couldn’t resist checking it out and I’m really glad I did as I found the details of the actual exhibition that would be held in September.

You can find all the details here

The idea of an international exhibition sounds amazing and I won’t miss it for the world.

courtesy of woody1778a

I’m following for some time now the vintage photos market through blogs such as Swapatorium.

My first reaction seeing these items were O.K they are nice to look on from time to time but I wouldn’t bring them home permanently.

I know it is trendy, I know everyone seems to love vintage nowadays but I couldn’t find my personal connection to the practice of filling the house with old things.

Seeing a friend home recently has changed my mind as few vintage items arranged beautifully together created a romantic and soft atmosphere, that I found to be really inviting.

It is not that I’m going to change my home to include more vintage items but now I got the feeling and would really be able to match items with person’s homes so I might be able to be more helpful in giving decor advices and buying presents.

I guess everything needs some getting used to and there are things that capture the imagination of each person more than others.

When I’m next to a famous flea market or antique shops I usually can’t resist the temptation to spend some time there looking for great surprises that are always there.

When I read of anyone who is fortunate enough to travel Antique market in a place like Paris I can’t stop imagining myself there knowing that I wouldn’t be able to avoid spending more than I planned. Just check the beautiful photos Anna took there to know what I’m talking about.

There are various types of collectors, some are rational people knowing the value of each item at the current market and the value that ir could have in the future. Some of them buy items mostly for the investment and think of the items as any other financial investment.

Others might belong to the opposite extreme buying things they fall in love with regardless of any other considerations. They would buy the special first edition book for the sentimental value, their admiration for the writer and for many other reasons that has almost nothing to do with the price.

Most collectors are somewhere in the middle. they care for the financial value of the items that they buy but care no less for the value that they hold for them. This is specifically the case with rare or expensive items.

As far as book are concerned it is possible to find guidance on both aspects at Bookride. The discussion of the books touches on the market value of the book but deals mainly on its historical and literacy value.

I personally can’t really afford first editions or rare books but I sure enjoy them for the feeling of history and that specific smell and most of all for the feeling of being a little more connected to the writer.