Most of these books were made in England and France. The text of many English books is in both English and French, though this market was lost to the French Revolution and devastated the English publishers. In my travels, I enjoy visiting antiquarian book dealers. There are not many experts in this segment of book collecting, but the dealers are always generous with their time and, occasionally, will have something of interest to me. Since I prefer to collect first editions in very good condition, the available choices are often very limited.
Auctions represent the best single source of new acquisitions.
It is pleasant to preview the books going on sale and to bid on them. I'm surprised at the self control I've developed. After determining what an offering is worth to me, I will go to that maximum. But if the bidding passes me I'm almost nonchalant about it. People often ask how I came to collecting.