On December 3, 1997, a group of about 30 individuals gathered at the Mennonite Heritage Centre to hear an expert, Richard Spafford, talk about how to determine the value of rare books. Spafford is a rare book dealer and appraiser who lives in Regina, Saskatchewan. He travels across Canada and the United States to appraise books. He was in Winnipeg to do some appraisal work for the University of Manitoba. The Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society took advantage of this opportunity to receive some expert advice from him.

Spafford made it clear that assigning value to a book is not an exact science but is often based on very subjective criteria. The age of the book is only one of many criteria. Any book that changed the way people perceive the world is likely to be in demand (e.g. the writings of Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, etc.) Other factors include such matters as the condition of the book, maps and illustrations in the book, limited editions, etc.

Quite a number of individuals brought items for evaluation by Spafford. Some books had an estimated value of up to $800. Others, such as a 1683 edition of the Colloquies of Erasmus, were deemed to have relatively less value because they were printed in substantial quantities and were used as textbooks in many schools and universities. Spafford compared the book to a modern paperback edition.

This evening was very much appreciated by those in attendance.

Abe Dueck, Director Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies

The Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society Newsletter is published annually. It welcomes letters and reports pertaining to the historical interests of society members. Correspondence can be mailed to the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society Newsletter, 169 Riverton Avenue, Winnipeg MB R2L 2E5, or e-mailed to the editor, Richard D. Thiessen, at editor@mmhs.org. ISSN 1492-2614

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