The Most Dangerous Website

[missroserose]

So I recently discovered AbeBooks, one of those seller-conglomerate websites like Half.com, which specializes in books - including rare, out-of-print, and first edition copies.

May I be the first to say: *drools*

While I have suspected that I have the bibliophile gene for quite some time (if I didn't, I probably wouldn't have been so excited to find out about Delicious Library), I think this pretty much confirms it. I spent a couple hours last night searching through their database for first editions of various classics, both marveling at the care given to appraisal and wondering how on earth I could get my hands on about three years' salary (sometimes more) to afford some of these.

Should Brian and I ever become notably wealthy, we already have plans to build a steampunk-themed house - lots of brass, dark wood, leather, etc. Said plans have always included a library, preferably with wing-back chairs, a large fireplace, and the sorts of bookshelves that have the slidy-ladders attached. So, new addendum: the library will include a collection of first editions of Victorian-period literature. So here are the beginnings of a wishlist, along with current market values on AbeBooks (just to show exactly how wealthy we're going to need to be)...

Dracula, by Bram Stoker, published by Archibald Constable & Company, Westminster, 1897. The first printing of the first edition, as noted by the thicker, better-quality paper (later printings have noticeable text degradation) and lack of an ad for The Shoulder of Shasta on the final leaf. For a good copy in original canary cloth binding with some discoloration, a hairline crack in the spine, a few minor nicks to the spine ends: $15,000. For a presentation copy signed by Bram Stoker and rebound in black morroco leather with a matching clamshell box: $75,000.

Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, published by Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Macor & Jones, London, 1818. This is the first edition of the story, published by an anonymous author, in a very small printing (500 copies). Later editions include the author's name, illustrations, and various rewrites. Point of interest: Of the original 500-copy printing, 41 were given gratis to the author, reviewers, etc.; the rest were sold at 10 shillings sixpence per three-volume set. Current market value for a copy with some scuffing, very minor foxing and spotting: $175,000. For a near-spotless copy rebound for the Hanoverian Royal Library: $260,553.

A Journey to the Centre of the Earth, by Jules Verne, published by Scribner, Armstrong & Co., New York, 1874. The "Deluxe Edition", sold only by subscription, printed on thicker paper than the first run. For a copy in original binding with some wear - partially cracked endpaper, slight wear on spine ends, some water marking on last few pages: $3,500.

The Time Machine, by H. G. Wells, published by William Heinemann, London, 1895. The story was previously published by Henry Holt & Co. in New York, but that edition is rarer, contains several misprints and an earlier, shorter version of the story. For a copy in original oatmeal cloth binding with light soiling to spine: $6500.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne, published by James R. Osgood & Co., Boston, 1873. The first American edition, published a month before the Smith edition usually seen. For a copy in original salmon-covered cloth with faded gilt on spine, no foxing, in very good condition: $16,500.

War of the Worlds, by H. G. Wells, published by William Heinemann, London, 1898. For a near-perfect copy in original gray cloth binding: $4012.

Comments

[decibel45.livejournal.com]

Don't forget that the library needs a bar stocked with scotch. Or something like that.

[roseneko.livejournal.com]

Scotch and brandy, definitely. Perhaps a good port or two. After all, you can't depend on the fireplace alone to keep you warm. =D

[flewellyn.livejournal.com]

I really appreciate the people who take the time and effort to preserve old books.

That said, I'd rather read a $3.95 paperback version of the book, because I am very rough on books.

[roseneko.livejournal.com]

Hee. Well, these would be in a locked glass case. Which isn't to say we wouldn't read them (what's the point of owning a book if you never read it?), but there would definitely be a "no taking it out of the library, no eating or drinking anything, handle with white cotton gloves" set of rules surrounding them. =)

[flewellyn.livejournal.com]

At least it's not the Necronomicon. You'd have to keep it in a hermetically sealed vault, surrounded by wards.