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The following list of flashpoints is intended to be representative of a much larger mental list of flashpoints that many experienced dealers and book scouts consult, usually instinctively, when buying inventory. Included are examples of both power flashpoints (which always trigger a buy) and less powerful ones that require additional, complementary flashpoints in varying numbers to be meaningful in making buying decisions. Degrees of power may or may not be indicated in the explanatory notes following each flashpoint.
If flashpoints are new to you or not clearly understood, it will be helpful to study the Bookologist's series of articles on buying books for resale beginning in Issue #2, April 09, 2003, and continuing in Issues #3 and #5. In response to several inquiries, please understand that the concept of flashpoints - indeed, the term itself - had its origin at the Bookologist and additional information will not be available elsewhere, either online or in print, excepting in cases of copyright violation or incidental discussions of the topic on other book forums. All past issues of the Bookologist are accessible online by clicking the Back Issues button on the left hand side of the home page.
- "Bungalow." An architectural style popular during the early 20th century, the typical bungalow displayed many exterior and interior elements of the Arts & Crafts movement, now an intensely collectible area. Look for period books, catalogs or magazines containing house plans, interior and exterior architectural elements, decorating ideas, photographs, construction details, or anything that assists in replication or restoration.
- "Occupied Japan." Power flashpoint. Look for books printed in Japan during the period of allied troop occupation following WWII (1945-1952) and bearing the specific designation "Occupied Japan." More often than not this will be printed on a tipped-in tag sheet near the back of the book.
- "Edward Gorey." Noted 20th century illustrator/writer. Look for first editions of this gifted purveyor of dark humor.
- "County history." Look for histories of US counties, especially vintage titles containing photographs.
- "Long bow." The English long bow (as opposed to laminated or compound bows), prized for its elegance, simplicity and rich heritage, has recently enjoyed a resurgent interest among archers. Look for books that contain construction methods, shooting techniques, examples of different styles, etc.
- "Tapestry." Look for books, especially vintage, illustrated titles, about oriental rugs, rug weaving and dyeing. Color illustrations are a huge plus in this genre.
- "Abraham Lincoln." Though many low-dollar books by and about Lincoln exist, there remains a deep and abiding collector interest in the 16th president. Look especially for early titles and/or sets either of Lincoln's works or multi-volume biographies.
- "Coated or glossy pages." Throughout much of the 20th century, the tendency among publishers was (and to some extent remains) to print content-rich, densely illustrated non-fiction books on quality stock. Typically, original list prices for these books were high, reader interest narrowly focused but strong, print runs small, and resulting current values good. If a book has a heavy feel, we're trying to say, take a closer look.
- "Okinawa." See discussion below under Bookologist's Market Tip of the Month.
- "Mormon" (also Mormonism or the Church of Latter Day Saints). Collectible hot spot. Look for vintage titles, especially illustrated histories or early editions of the Book of Mormon.
- "Lakeside Press" (R.R. Donnelley & Sons). Legendary Chicago publisher of fine books. Look especially for early 20th century examples - e.g., the Lakeside Classics Series.
- "Chip Hilton." As noted in a previous issue of the Bookologist, look for any and all titles in this youth sports series. Author: Clare Bee.
- "Brooklyn." A geographical hot spot. Look especially for vintage, illustrated titles about this culturally intriguing NYC borough.
- "Wild Turkey Hunting." There's considerable mystique associated with stalking and bagging the elusive wild turkey, and many hunters have tried their hand at penning books that reveal secret hunting techniques. Though most titles command interest, look especially for self-published titles with illustrations and/or photographs.
- "Famous author's names printed (on dust jackets) in smaller fonts than the titles." Look for early first edition fiction by authors who later became well known. Often these can be spotted by comparing the font sizes of titles relative to the author's name - that is, the smaller the author's name, the earlier the work, the more desirable the title.
- "Jack Kerouac." Author of "On the Road." Look for early editions, even early BCE's, of this and, really, any Kerouac title. If you find a first printing, do remember us in your will.
- "Fore-edge Painting." Power flashpoint. Buy any book in any condition with a fore-edge painting.
- "Stewardess." Hmm, something about stewardesses - we aren't sure what - incites strong interest among a certain class of book collectors. If the price is right, take a chance. Fiction or non-fiction.
- "Surfing." Look for vintage titles here, especially those pertaining to early Hawaiian practitioners of the sport and mid-century (i.e., at or near the dawn of the sport's golden age in this country) instructional guides targeted at beach bums.
- "Alcoholic's Anonymous." Power flashpoint. Look for all printings of the first edition, early printings of the second, and the first printing of the third. Buy, buy, buy.
- "Signing or Sign Language." You won't get rich here, but instructional signing books are in consistent demand.
- "Oversized or Coffee Table Book." Put simply, look for huge books, especially those that display well on tables. Content is not necessarily relevant; dust jackets and lavish illustrations are a plus.
- "Violin." Look for books about violins (especially those made by early and gifted artisans), making violins, and biographies of master violin makers.
- "Slipcase." If a publisher thinks enough of a book to issue it with a slipcase, chances are better than 50-50 that the print run is low and interest among collectors is high.
- "Sara Teasdale." Name a surefire recipe for strong collector interest. Answer: a tortured lesbian poet who committed suicide at an early age. Look for first editions and signed copies of this early 20th century cult figure. Ka-ching.
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