Trying to choose an antiquarian collectible book is less about finding one "right" answer and more about matching the piece to your reason for buying: research, display, or gift-giving. At first glance, the choice seems wide-prices run from $7.96 to $88.75 across four very different titles. But when you look closely at what each volume actually is, the decision narrows quickly. This guide compares two versions of a lighting-history reference, a large-format thimble guide, and a luxury hardcover of Paradise Lost, so you can see which one fits your shelf and budget.
Quick Take
If you want a lower-priced reference on the history of lighting devices, the lower-priced copy of Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries is the straightforward choice. If you want the same title but prefer a different ISBN, the higher-priced copy is there. For sewing-related antiques, Antique and Collectible Thimbles and Accessories is a large-format guide focused on thimbles. And if you want a visual literary object, Paradise Lost by John Milton is the one that leans most toward decoration.
At a Glance: Price Comparison
| Book | Price | Price Bar | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries (higher-priced copy) | $88.75 | Stan Hamper reference with ISBN 1574322680 | |
| Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries (lower-priced copy) | $7.96 | Same title, ISBN 9781574322682, illustrator credit | |
| Antique and Collectible Thimbles and Accessories | $20.95 | Averil Mathis guide to thimbles | |
| Paradise Lost by John Milton | $30.71 | New illustrated edition with Gustave Doré artwork |
Decision Matrix
- Choose the lower-priced Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries copy if you want the reference title without the higher price.
- Choose the higher-priced copy of the same Lighting Devices title if you specifically want that edition or its compact 8.5-inch size.
- Choose Antique and Collectible Thimbles and Accessories if you want a thimble-focused reference for an antique-sewing collection.
- Choose Paradise Lost if you want a decorated literary piece for a shelf or gift.
Product Notes
Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries (higher-priced copy)
The higher-priced copy of Stan Hamper's Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries sits at the top of this range. It's a used volume with ISBN 1574322680 and a compact 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.25-inch size. Choose it if you specifically want that ISBN or prefer the physical size over the alternative edition. The limitation is cost: it is the most expensive book here, and its details focus on dimensions and weight rather than additional content. For a reader who just wants the reference information, the lower-priced copy will do the same job for far less.
Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries (lower-priced copy)
The lower-priced copy of the same Stan Hamper title is a used book marked good condition. It carries ISBN 9781574322682, an illustrator credit, and a Collector Books publishing line, with topics that include glass and glassware, electrical history, and antiques. It's the natural pick if you want the reference content without the higher price. The tradeoff is that it's a used copy in good condition, and the item notes it may not include supplemental items such as CDs or access codes. If you're buying for research rather than display, this is the one to put in the cart.
Antique and Collectible Thimbles and Accessories
Antique and Collectible Thimbles and Accessories takes you in a different direction. Averil Mathis wrote this hardcover, described as like new or near mint, with an 11.5-inch page height and a 2.15-pound weight. If you collect sewing tools, this is the most direct topical match among the four: it centers on thimbles and related accessories rather than lighting or poetry. The limiting factor is that a dedicated thimble book won't work as a general antiques overview, and its larger format takes up more shelf space than the slimmer lighting volumes. For a focused antique-sewing collection, though, it fills a clear gap.
Paradise Lost by John Milton
Paradise Lost by John Milton, with illustrations by Gustave Doré, is the only new book here, and it's a decorative object from the start. It's a collector's edition with faux-cloth binding, stamped lettering in gold foil, printed edges, and 50 Doré illustrations. It's a good choice if you want a literary piece that works as a gift or centerpiece. The limitation is that this is not an antique artifact; it's a contemporary luxury edition, so someone after a genuinely old printing would be better served elsewhere. Its subject is also general classics rather than the specialized antiques topics covered by the other three.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
If you want the least expensive way to own the lighting-history reference, go with the lower-priced Lighting Devices and accessories of the 17th-19th Centuries copy. If you prefer the higher-priced copy of that title because of its specific details or size, that version is equally valid. For thimble collectors, Antique and Collectible Thimbles and Accessories is the clear match. And for a literary gift or statement piece, Paradise Lost is the one to choose.
