Last week BookFinder.com revealed the most searched for out-of-print books from the United States and now, after some additional research time, we present the most searched for out-of-print books for Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
BookFinder.com most sought-after out-of-print books in Australia
- “Guide to Fresh Water Angling in Hawkes Bay” (1968) by Charles Russell Barham
Fishing guide for the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island - “Souvenirs of the Sunny South : being a collection of Australian horse verse” (1915) by William James Wye
One of ten works by outback bush poet and horse lover Billy Wye - “The Raider Kormoran” (1959) by Theodor Detmers
An account of the WWII naval battle between the German raider Kormoran and Australian HMAS Sydney, written by the Kormoran’s captain. The location of the Sydney’s wreck was only discovered March of this year, renewing interest in the important naval battle in Australian history. You can read this news article to get some of the back story. - “Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia” (1975) by Harold G. Cogger
Comprehensive guide to the identification of Australia’s rich and varied herpetofauna - “Little Dream” (1969) by Cynthia Leonetti
A children’s picture book about the land where dreams live before they are chosen to inhabit the heads of children for the night.
BookFinder.com most sought-after out-of-print books in Canada
- “Waiting in the Wings” (1986) by Doreen Tovey
In this book, the author focuses on her relationship with her husband Charles and adjusting to his passing, which is a departure from her usual focus of the idiosyncrasies of her cats. - “The Last Great Frontiersman : the remarkable adventure of Tom Lamb” (1982) by Leland Stowe
Tom Lamb, described as “a backwoods giant,” lived his life in the northern Manitoban wilderness as a trapper, logger, bush pilot etc.; written by Pulitzer prize winner Leland Stow. - “Knitting Lace: A Workshop with Patterns and Projects” (1992) by Susanna Lewis
An essential textbook when designing lace - “Cocaine” (1975) by Marc Olden
Olden is best known for his crime fiction however he got his start writing non-fiction. His second book, Cocaine, investigates the rising tide of cocaine abuse in America. The contacts he made within law enforcement ranks and the knowledge gained about their world would bring a distinct authenticity to all his future crime novels. - “Once a Runner: A Novel” (1978) by John L. Parker, Jr.
The cult classic distance running novel, coming back into print in April 2009
BookFinder.com most sought-after out-of-print books in the UK
- “Whispering Wind : adventures in Arnhem Land” (1957) by Syd Kyle-Little
Whispering Wind is the account of Kyle-Little’s early attempts to found a trading post on the coast of the Arafura Sea in the years immediately following World War II. Kyle-Little’s book was reprinted in Australia in 1993 but has once again fallen out of print. - “Walkers Pitch” (1959) by Richard Walker
British angling author, considered by many to be one of the best fishermen of the twentieth century. Walkers Pitch is a collection of articles from his column in Angling Times. - “Sex” (1992) by Madonna
The pop icon’s book of erotic photos, a perennial favourite - “The modern Antiquarian : a pre-millennial odyssey through megalithic Britain” (1998) by Julian Cope
Book exploring the sites of Britain’s megalithic heritage written by British rock musician Julian Cope - “The Silent Scream and poems” (1979) by Larry Winters
Also includes a biographical introduction by Daphne Brook, who visited the author and convicted murderer, in Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow, before his death there in 1977. Winters’ story was also the basis for the 1990 film of the same name directed by David Hayman.
I really enjoy comparing these lists and finding out how interests differ from country to country; only two titles ended up on more then one list (Madonna’s Sex and Once a Runner by John L. Parker). Both Canada and Australia love stories about their wilderness adventurers, and Australian out-of-print searchers are mainly looking for Australiana.
But the one trend I find really interesting is that on all four lists, you find instructional manuals for fishing, knitting, woodworking or the like. Publishers produce new instruction manuals every year, but when trying to hone your skills tried and true advice is worth its weight in gold—and I believe it after looking at the price for some of these books.
Is there an out-of-print book you have been in search of for ages ? (Or just trying to find it for a price you can afford?) Tell us in a comment.
Posted by Scott
