Change is the only constant in the antiques and collectibles trade. Newcomers to the trade need to understand that just because something is popular, in demand, or valuable today does not mean that the trend will continue. One of the questions I am often asked by enthusiasts are what books do I think every participant in the antiques and collectibles trade should read? Note: I did not just say collectors; I used the word participants. This is important because I feel that we need to recognize the fact that the current modern era antiques and collectibles trade does not just belong to collectors. There are dealers, auction houses, grading companies, speculators, investors, and, yes, also collectors operating in these markets at any given time. Narrowing recommendations of books to just collectors does an injustice to other market participants that have, at times, more clout than that of even the most studious and experienced collectors. This is why I recommend the five books listed below to anyone operating in the antiques and collectibles trade at present time. 5. How to Make the Most of Your Investments in Antiques and Collectibles by collectibles expert Harry Rinker. Be forewarned that the subtitle of this book reads: The First Insiders Guide to Manipulating the Antiques and Collectibles Markets to Maximize your Investment. This book was published in 1988, and while it is true that the market for antiques and collectibles has changed drastically since then, few can deny the fact that collectors are sometimes overly attached to the items they collect. This can lead collectors astray by blinding them to how these markets work from a financial perspective. This book helps expose the ugly truth that market manipulation is quite common in a trade where regulation is almost nonexistent. This book is not without its flaws given it was published in the pre-internet era. That said, it is a must-read for anyone who thinks they can financially outsmart not only wealthy collectors with deep pockets, but also the executives sitting atop the most prestigious auction houses that now dominate the trade. Every single enthusiast I have recommended this book to has come away with at least one thing that has helped them become a better participant in the trade. Since this book was published 35 years ago, it can be hard to locate a copy, but if you do come across it, be sure to grab it and read it thoroughly at least once. 4. Comic Wars: Marvels Battle for Survival by Dan Raviv. I love when comic book collectors tell me that their beloved superheroes will always be with us and continue to prosper. Few are aware that well before Disney acquired Marvel Comics, the colorful comic book company that graces the title of this book was almost bankrupt. This book brilliantly explains what happens to a company when it is exploited solely for profit at the hands of Wall Street executives. It tells the story of Marvel Comics from its infancy to the 1990s during the comic book speculator boom. I am often criticized for recommending this book to everyone instead of just comic book enthusiasts, but the story and lessons presented here are eternal, as any popular licensed property can be exploited and devalued at the hands of corporate raiders. Most likely, your favorite pop culture collecting category is no different. And if you are a comic book collector, some of the decisions made by the executives running Marvel Comics back in the 1990s as described in this book will leave you shaking your head in despair and understanding why Disney now owns the company. 3. The Great Beanie Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute by Zac Bissonnette. I get asked on a regular basis as to how anyone could have been caught up in the Beanie Baby speculator bubble of the 1990s, and my response is always the same: You just had to be there. Make no mistake, speculative bubbles in the antiques and collectibles trade are quite normal, and each generation goes through several of them and some people still fail to learn their lessons. This book eloquently captures exactly how this mania played out and how it was meticulously manipulated by its eccentric creator (Ty Werner) to do just that. It is well worth reading and serves as an excellent complement to some of the other books on this list. 2. Mint Condition: How Baseball Cards Became an American Obsession by Dave Jamieson. Speaking of speculative bubbles, baseball cards went through a massive speculative bubble back in the 1980s and 1990s that sent shockwaves through the market after it collapsed. The market would take more than a decade to recover, and this book captures the mania and aftermath firsthand. Even if you have no interest in baseball cards or sports (I have no interest in either), this book is still well worth reading to understand how it all happened. 1. Killer Stuff and Tons of Money by Maureen Stanton. This is most likely one of the best books you will ever read about the business of antiques and collectibles and the people behind them. More surprisingly, however, is the fact that this book was written by someone who is not even directly involved in the antiques and collectibles trade. My one and only criticism of this book is that it was written during the direct aftermath of the 2008/09 financial crisis and, as such, paints a negative picture of the antiques and collectibles trade as a result. That said, it is by far one of the most informative books on the inner workings of the trade, taking you behind the scenes with an experienced antiques dealer who is just trying to make a modest living. I have long hoped for a followup to this book. Maureen Stanton, are you reading this by chance? In conclusion, if you read even half of the books listed here, you will have more knowledge than many active participants in the trade. If you grew up in the 1980s, always remember the words that graced the ending lesson featured in every single GI Joe animated cartoon, Knowing is half the battle. Stay safe out there, my fellow collectors. Shawn Surmick has been an avid collector since the age of 12. He currently resides in his hometown of Boyertown, Pa., and is a passionate collector of antiques and collectibles. His articles focus on various topics affecting the marketplace.