Start your search for antique lighting books at your local bookstore or library. But don't be disappointed if you don't find many books. Hundreds of books have been written on antique lighting, but remember many of these titles are out of print. You may need to expand your search to include online bookstores and used bookstores.
The more specialized a book, the more information you will glean. For example, a book on just Aladdin lamps is perfect if you want to learn about the variety of lamps this company has made for almost a century. A book on home decorating during the Victorian era will include some information on lighting in context with other home furnishings. Some books on architecture will include sections on chandeliers, lanterns, or other vintage outdoor lights. But if you purchase a book that's an encyclopedia of antique lighting, you will get a small amount of information on a lot of types of lighting. You need to check the title page to see what topics are covered, and how many pages are devoted to each topic. A search of the title page will also tell you if values are given. If you're buying the book online and can't personally examine the title page, ask the dealer to scan it and email it to you.
Don't limit your library to just books. Subscribe and read newspapers and magazines about antiques. If you're not familiar with what publications are available in your area, ask dealers in local antique stores or malls what they read. Newspapers about antiques provide invaluable information including details about final sale prices at recent auctions. Magazines have feature articles about a variety of antiques. Even back issues could have articles that are very helpful to your antiques education. Look for them in antique stores and malls. If you find back issues of magazines about antiques in an online bookstore or auction, ask if there are articles about antique lighting, or any other subject of interest to you, before you buy.
Reading is an important part of educating yourself about antiques, but so is personal observation. Visit historic homes and museums and look at the antique lighting. The docents or staff members should be able to tell you the important details that make each lamp valuable. Ask dealers at antiques stores and malls about lamps they're offering for sale. Check the antique newspaper ads to see if any upcoming auctions in your area will be offering a vast selection of antique lighting. If so, you can attend to examine them and watch others bid if you just want to increase your knowledge. You can also visit antique shows to personally examine lighting of interest to you and, once again, ask the dealers questions.
