15 Rare Books With Astounding Value
Books are among the most lucrative collectibles. First editions of famous books are valued in the millions of dollars, and collectors and institutions fight for a chance to own a copy.
Like in the art world, books are valued based on several factors. Most involve the author’s popularity, but some are more ambiguous. Rare books can earn a hefty amount, but first editions fetch the highest rates.
From literary classics to the first book in the James Bond series, these rare books are valued in the millions.
1. Gutenberg Bible
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The Gutenberg Bible is one of the earliest and most significant books published using the moving type on Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press. Also known as the 42-line Bible, this book marked the beginning of the age of the printed book in Europe.
Only 180 copies of this Bible were printed, and around 49 are still in existence. The remaining copies are valued at around $20 million and are highly sought-after by collectors and institutions.
2. First Folio — William Shakespeare
The First Folio was printed in 1623, six years after Shakespeare’s death, and is said to be why the playwright’s work lives on to this day. The book was originally named Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies and contains 23 plays by William Shakespeare, including Much Ado About Nothing and Romeo and Juliet.
There are only about 200 copies of the book in circulation, and its estimated value is about $6 million per copy.
3. The Canterbury Tales — Geoffrey Chaucer
The first edition of The Canterbury Tales is extremely rare and highly sought-after by collectors and institutions. This book was first published in 1478 by William Caxton and is the earliest printed book in English.
The book features a collection of stories told by pilgrims visiting Canterbury, giving valuable insights into medieval England’s language and culture. The book’s first edition is currently valued at approximately $7 million.
4. In Our Time — Ernest Hemingway
In Our Time is a collection of short stories by Ernest Hemingway. It was first published by French publisher Three Mountains Press in 1924. Only 300 copies were initially published, but due to a publishing error, 170 were distributed and sold. The remaining damaged copies were given away to friends and family.
Due to its limited copies, In Our Time is a rare book that book collectors have on their wishlists. The book is currently valued at approximately $322,000.
5. The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien
In 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a small fantasy book called The Hobbit, which became the blueprint for what later became The Lord of the Rings trilogy. George Allen & Unwin Ltd. initially published only 1,500 copies of the book, which sold out within the first three months of their release.
Newer editions of the book were also rare due to the paper rationing during World War II. Therefore, finding a first edition of The Hobbit in near-mint condition is extremely rare. The book is currently valued at about $200,000.
6. The Great Gatsby — F. Scott Fitzgerald
It might be hard to believe, but The Great Gatsby wasn’t a bestseller when it was first published in 1925. By the time the author died in 1940, the book had sold only 25,000 copies.
Today, however, an original first-edition copy of The Great Gatsby with its dust jacket is highly sought-after and is valued at approximately $194,000.
7. The Catcher in the Rye — J.D. Salinger
The Catcher In The Rye was published in 1951 and is J.D. Salinger’s only novel (he wrote many short stories throughout his life). A first edition of this book with its original dust jacket intact is a rare find indeed.
Although the novel is a staple of high-school literature reading lists, a copy of the first edition is hard to come by and is valued at approximately $75,000.
8. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland — Lewis Carroll
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was first published in 1865. Only 2,000 copies were printed initially, but illustrator John Tenniel quickly recalled them. However, before the books were recalled, Lewis Carroll gave away a few copies to friends and family.
These first-edition copies of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland are currently valued at about $3 million. The second printing of the first edition is relatively easier to come by and is valued at about $49,000.
9. The Velveteen Rabbit — Margery Williams
The Velveteen Rabbit is a beloved children’s book about a stuffed rabbit who longs to become real through the love of his owner. This heartwarming book was first published in 1922.
The book offers timeless lessons about love’s healing powers and features amazing illustrations. A copy of the first edition is valued at approximately $15,000.
10. Pride and Prejudice — Jane Austen
The first edition of Pride and Prejudice was published in 1813. Only 1,500 copies were printed, and the book was sold in three volumes. It wasn’t a bestselling novel when it first came out, but it gained popularity as a literary masterpiece in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Copies of the first edition of the three volumes are incredibly rare and valued at approximately $180,000. Other first editions of the book are valued at about $45,000.
11. To the Lighthouse — Virginia Woolf
Published in 1927, Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse explores themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time through the lens of a family’s summer vacation. The book is known for its unconventional narrative style and profound psychological insights.
A copy of the first edition of this book is rare and sought-after by collectors everywhere. It is valued at approximately $40,000.
12. War and Peace — Leo Tolstoy
War and Peace is considered one of the greatest novels ever written. Published in 1869, it chronicles the lives of Russian aristocrats during the Napoleonic Wars. It’s every book collector’s dream to own a first edition of this book.
Although the novel is widely read, copies of the first edition are rare and currently valued at approximately $100,000.
13. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — J.K. Rowling
Bloomsbury published the first copies of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in June 1997. Only 300 copies were published, most of which went to libraries and schools around the UK.
The first edition of the book credits Joanne Rowling (J.K. Rowling’s birth name) as its author; all other copies (including the U.S. editions) credit J.K. Rowling. A copy of the first edition is valued at about $55,000.
14. Casino Royale — Ian Fleming
Casino Royale was released in April 1953 as the first book in what would become the James Bond series. It was an instant success,; all 4,700 copies sold out within the first few months of its release.
The book’s first edition is rare because of its dust jacket, which is nearly impossible to find in near-mint condition. If you find one, it will cost you about $130,000 to acquire. Other copies are priced at about $40,000.
15. Tamerlane and Other Poems — Edgar Allan Poe
In 1827, Edgar Allan Poe self-published Tamerlane and Other Poems. He printed only 50 copies of the 40-page manuscript and, instead of using his own name, published his work anonymously as “A Bostonian.”
The book received a lukewarm reception when it was first published but later grew in popularity when its author was celebrated as a literary figure. Today, a copy of the first edition of Tamerlane and Other Poems is valued at approximately $660,000.
