Around the world, publishers of almanacs are preparing for the new year, but before you discard your old copy for the latest edition, you may wish to reconsider.
Compendiums of facts, forecasts, calendars, quotes, practical advice, and more, contemporary almanacs (also spelled almanacks or almanachs) can trace their origins to Babylonian astronomical tables.
Untold numbers of different titles have been published over the years, but two of the better known American brands are The World Almanac and Book of Facts and The Old Farmer's Almanac. The Old Farmer's Almanac has been published without interruption since 1792, while The World Almanac has had slightly less continuity since 1868. Chances are that you have one or both of these titles in your home right now.
Colonial-era almanacs, like Poor Richard's Alamanack, published by Benjamin Franklin from 1732 until 1757, are considered the most valuable, but would it surprise you to know that collectors are also willing to pay a couple hundred dollars or more for some editions of, for example, World? While many collectors like to concentrate on almanacs from particular years or countries, others are trying to amass complete collections of a single title, and a few older, rarer editions can sometimes trigger bidding wars.
Usage of the word almanac has evolved to include chronological information regarding particular topics, and some editions of these specialty almanacs - on fishing, golf, chess, motion pictures, politics, etc. - can demand respectable sums of $20 to $100+, especially since they can be considered cross-collectibles.
It is tempting to think that all almanacs are collectible, but most are so common they are worth little or nothing monetarily. Many individuals enjoy exploring these "time capsules," nonetheless, which is sometimes reason enough to save them.
For more information on collectible almanacs, give these resources a try:
Books
"Almanacs of the United States," by Milton Drake
"Almanacs of the United States, Part II," by Milton Drake
"America and Her Almanacs: Wit, Wisdom & Weather 1639-1970," by Robb Sagendorph
Websites
The Almanacs Collection at the American Antiquarian Society
One of the largest collections in the country.
Calendar Collectors Society
The Society welcomes collectors of almanacs.
The World Almanac's Biggest Fan
About one collector with more editions than the publisher!
