Never before has this mysterious area had such a description, as true and detailed, so fascinating and exciting. The author of the book, one of the leading Russian experts in the field of antique books and manuscripts, frankly reveals the secrets of the world of book collecting and antique trade, teaches to understand old books and prints, pays special attention to the most serious problem of the modern antique market - falsifications of books and autographs and their recognition. This book will become a tabletop for collectors and antiquaries, will be read with interest not only by historians and philologists, but even by criminologists, and will turn out to be fascinating non-fiction for all lovers of old books.