imgur.comPosted Dec 22, 2013, 7:17 PM UTC
Preservation help would be great too!
Make sure there isn't any signs of mold. If there is, you could have a conservator look at it but it's costly.
Moisture, light, and dust are a books worst enemy. All you need to do is keep it in an archival quality box; you could also wrap it in Mylar to keep the dust out even more. Make sure you keep it where the humidity and temperature is relatively consistent. Paper is happiest in 70 degrees at a 50% RH.
Think comic book preservation when storing, acid free backing, uv coated plastic protection (for displaying), air tight etc.
Side note if you ever get around to scanning it Id be interested in taking a look, Chicago history is engulfingly interesting to me. Even if the book can be found in a book store.
I have some free time this break (college)... I might get around to taking photos of each of the pages and turning it into a PDF. I think if I tried to scan, the whole book would fall apart as it is already really weathered. I'll let you know!
Your public library might have a scanner available for public use that is kinder to book bindings.
Interesting, fun book. Not much value. Same 1890 book is available on Abebooks for about 10 bucks. Check inside for any autographs/signatures.