Could my rare book be decomposing on me? Help!?
Well, I have this book that is from about 1890 and it smells terribly. I keep it in a dark closed cabinet and whenever I open that cabinet, I am hit with the smell of this book. What is wrong with this book? I have a lot of old books, some much older than the smelly book, and they don't smell at all. Is this book decomposing or rotting? I really wanted to read it and I paid a fair amound for it but it just smells up the place. What is up with this book and what should I do?
By the way, it is a Victorian yellowback, and it's not in good condition. It still looks presentable, but it does have wear.
The moisture could be too high or low for the book to survive. Take it to a museum and they should have someone who specializes or know someone who specializes in book restoration and conservation.