L’Abou Naddara, Journal Arabe Illustre (1878-1884) by James Sanua – $13,000
First edition published in 1878 and signed by author. The complete set of the first eight years of Sahifat Abou Naddara issued in Paris. Sanua was called Ya’qub Rufa’il Sanu in Arabic but was often referred to by his pseudonym, Abu Naddara (‘father of spectacles’).

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling – $12,874
Rare first edition signed by JK with the dust wrapper panels signed by the cover artist Cliff Wright. The first issue has a misaligned block of text which was corrected in the subsequent issues.

Stephen King “The Dark Tower” Signed Limited Edition. – $10,500

A seven volume signed limited edition, complete matching set. All volumes As New. Personally hand signed by Stephen King and illustrator. A rare collection over two decades in the making. This particular set sold was unique because it was a very low number for all books.  Browse our store for more Dark Tower Books.

Peter Beard Collector’s Edition by Peter Beard – $10,808
Published by Tashen in 2006, this is one of a limited number of collector’s copies signed by the renowned photographer.

Peter Beard Collector’s Edition by Peter Beard – $10,808
Published by Tashen in 2006, this is one of a limited number of collector’s copies signed by the renowned photographer.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling – $6,958
First deluxe edition that was signed by Rowling at the Edinburgh Book Festival in August 2004.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by JK Rowling – $5,213
First printing first issue of the deluxe edition signed by the author.

Poetry books
Poems (1909-1925) by TS Eliot – $8,500
Containing many of Eliot’s canonical works including “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” “The Hollow Men,” and “The Waste Land,” this is a first edition – one of 85 numbered copies signed by the poet.

Poems by Frank O’Hara with lithographs by Willem De Kooning – $4,500
One of 550 first edition numbered copies signed by De Kooning (1904-1997). Illustrated with 17 original lithographs, bound in black goat-skin, stamped in gold and encased in a linen clamshell box

Science Fiction
Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell – $7,000
A complete set of the children’s fantasy series containing Beyond the Deepwoods, Stormchaser, Midnight Over Sanctaphrax, Cloud Wolf, Curse of the Gloamglozer, Last of the Sky Pirates, Vox, and Freeglader. All titles are first UK editions with signatures of Stewart and Riddell.

Space Odyssey Series by Arthur C Clarke – $3,750
First editions of the Space Odyssey Series – all signed by Arthur C. Clarke, who died in 2008.

Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama – $5,500
Signed first edition of the 2004 reissue of the President-elect’s first book.

Autobiography

“Perestroika” by Mikhail Gorbachev – $5,900

Easton Press Signed Limited Edition, 1987. Limited to 250 copies with luxurious maroon leather of this very important work by one of the men credited with aiding the end of the cold war.

“Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela-  $4,000
Easton Press, Signed Limited Edition, 2000. Limited to 1,000 copies, each one personally hand signed by Nelson Mandela on a special title page.  Search our store for this book.

“How much does an autograph increase the value of a book? Learn tips for collecting autographed and inscribed books in this free book collecting video from a longtime bookstore buyer. ”

Notice: VERYFINEBOOKS is in no way associated or affiliated with any of these clubs. Before joining , please do your own research to make sure the organization is a good fit for your needs.

Signed First Editions Clubs:

The Odyssey Bookshop – The Odyssey’s Signed First Editions Club continues a long tradition of bringing readers and writers together and celebrating the world of books.

Harvard Book Store – Harvard Book Store is pleased to offer readers membership into our Signed First Edition Club. This program provides a unique way for dedicated readers to connect with and create a wealth of great books. Each month, Harvard Book Store offers members a signed first printing of a newly published book, selected for both its literary merit and potential collectibility.

Bookpeople.com – Bookpeople.com – The Signed First Club is a unique way to enhance your personal library with valuable signed first editions. By enrolling in the Signed First Club you will receive one signed first edition every month, along with a protective book cover, that will add to the value of your home collection.

Book Passage Bookstore – Members of the Book Passage First Editions Club receive a signed first edition each month of a book that we have selected by an emerging author who shows exceptional talent and promise.

Rakestraw Books – “The Bookstore in Danville”. In the world of book collecting, few items are as desirable as signed first editions of great books. Over the past decade Rakestraw Books has gradually become one the Bay Area’s premier venues for author readings and signings. Our customers have had the chance to buy signed books by writers such as Michael Chabon, Philip Pullman, Richard Russo, Kiran Desai, and Jonathan Harr. Many of these books have become highly sought after collectibles.

Signed First Editions

To see a collection of highly valuable and sought after signed first editions, be sure to visit us on-line at www.veryfinebooks.com

Signed First Editions…

• Are historically significant: an important, impactful first book only has one initial release
• Are extremely rare: first edition runs are often quite small, and autographed copies of first editions are even scarcer
• Are highly desirable: many collectors covet the personal touch that an author’s signature brings to a book
• Appreciate in value: first editions are most often the most valuable edition of a book. The addition of the author’s signature can make the cost of the book increase significantly.

There is a wide variety of high-demand signed first editions. They include collectible firsts ranging from Easton Press leather-bound signed books, to firsts from famous authors such as Margaret Mitchell, John Updike, and Stephen King.
For the collector wishing to own a piece of history, to hold books that the authors themselves have held, and to compile a library whose value will appreciate through the years, signed first editions are the perfect choice. Investing in a signed first edition may seem impractical to some, but the opportunity to own and treasure such rare volumes is often simply irresistible.

Do you have a unique signed first edition that you’re proud of? Describe it below with a post. Be sure to include why this signed first edition is significant to your library.