Condition/Value Old Books

[George]

I recently purchased two very wonderful books, coming out of a non-public library. One is copyrighted 1950, and I paid $10 for it. The binding is good, but I’m not certain how tight it is. I found it was reprinted in 1984, copies of which are selling on the internet for $75 and $100. So, would my original copy be worth more or less??

I paid $7 for the other book, which is in good condition and is copyrighted 1895. I found it on the internet selling for $100 and $150. However, in some parts of the book someone marked an “x” beside a number of lines with a pencil. I wonder what kind of paper it is printed on. It’s heavy, but maybe, it has acid. Should I try to erase the “x” marks, or would that affect the paper??

Could problems arise with either book due to the age of the paper?? The 1950 book is British, but it was also printed in America, which no doubt, is the source of my copy. The 1895 book is American, although I found a copy in Ireland.

I have no intention of ever parting with either book, as already they are very special to me, but I’m just curious.

George