Collectors can read and educate themselves about their favorite types of items. Today's reference books are better than ever with a lot of color pictures, and many also show a range of values for their illustrations.
However, no matter how many books you read, there is still no substitute for handling and personally inspecting your favorite collectible. A student of glass can read about the differences between cut glass and pattern glass made to look like it is cut, but reading cannot let you feel the sharp edges or recognize the polished leaded glass finish of fine cut glass.
