The worst thing about collecting high quality firearms....

[Jack Kuzepski]

I know the price of books can seem pretty high at times BUT an education is expensive.
With books, you have the research material and can make educated choices about what to buy and collect. The COST of buying and collecting without research can be considerably higher both pricewise and to your mental health.
Mr. Murphy's idea of buying a book when it first comes out if you even have a slight interest in it is solid. At least you have the book and can read it and learn. If you lose interest later you can always sell the book (usually for what you paid for it or more.)
Just take for example, The Parker Story for $300-. That seems like a lot of money, and it is, but by reading it and researching a particular firearm you are informed and in better shape to know what to pay. You know what were factory options, etc.. You will be in a better position to negotiate a better price or realize a rarer piece going for a modest price and actually save more than the initial $300.

Jack Kuzepski