BookThink's Top 10 on eBay
August 2005

Billed as "First edition, first printing 1997 ... The True First Edition, preceding all other printings published and printed in England," the book sold on August 2. It started at GBP 4.99 and moved up to $9,110.13 on 33 bids. The UK seller stated that this is one of 300 copies printed with the number code of 10-1. An ex-school library copy, it has minimal library markings but has rubbing, laminate chipping/peeling, and bumped corners. The auction included nine pictures.

A Genesis Publications leather limited edition in mint condition, this copy outpaced the same title listed as non-fiction. The UK seller notes there are "only 950 numbered copies worldwide, of which 1 to 320 are in a deluxe binding, signed by Syd Barrett ... and Mick Rock." Four pictures illustrate the book, which moved from GBP 450.00 to reach $4,393.59 on 36 bids.

In a detailed and heavily illustrated presentation, this signed set of three garnered five questions that centered on provenance and authenticity. According to the UK seller, "This set was purchased together in Oxford, Blackwells, (1957) by a student who had The Fellowship signed by Professor Tolkien." The seller then outlines the provenance and rebinding, notes that a written record and certification of provenance and signature authentication are included.

Rebound by The Chelsea Bindery in "Full Red Leather with the 'Ring & Eye' design stamped to the front...," The Fellowship of the Ring is listed as 7th impression October 1957; The Two Towers as 5th impression 1957; The Return of The King as 3rd impression January 1957. Eighteen bids took the set from a starting bid of GBP 99.00 to $4,103.69. The same seller sold #8 fiction.

Listed by another UK seller, this book is described as "1st/1st FlatSigned" near fine with little shelfwear with a very good+ dust jacket. Points mentioned include "the all-important £12.99 price (unclipped)" and the publisher address "as 7-9 Pratt Street, London, NW1 0AE and POINT to the base of the spine." Three pictures, including one of the signature, were included. Starting at GBP .99, the auction moved up with 17 bids to sell for $2,590.14.

The same title as #4, this copy of Northern Lights is listed as a "True first ever print ... 7-9 PRATT STREET ... Hand Signed to the title page." Offering in auction starting at GBP 0.01, the seller also included a Buy It Now for £1,850, well above the final auction price of £1,370.00 ($2,447.23) which was reached with 16 bids, and, pulling out all stops, used a reserve too. The seller describes it as "very rare ... only 1000 printed ... signed by Pullman at the Oxford Literary Festival."

A photo of Pullman signing the book and a photo of the ticket will be issued with the item." Then the seller quoted what Pullman said while signing. Noting that it has been opened but unread, the seller offers "a 500% refund if you find it [the signature]" to be not authentic. Six pictures are included.

Listed as "a genuine British 'first edition,'" this book is said to be "in stunning condition." The UK seller notes it appears unread and as new. The auction included 2 pictures and started at GBP 24.99, rising on 33 bids to $2,054.24.

Ian Fleming's Goldfinger comes in at #7, as a first edition, signed copy. The UK seller includes 3 pictures and notes, "... we are sorting though a relative's belongings who it seems was a collector ... I am not an expert on books but I have just tryed to give what knowledge I do have in my listings ..." He/she describes the book and dust jacket as both in good condition with shelfwear. Starting at GBP19.99, it finished at $1,992.36 with 28 bids.

Described as The Childrens Book Club Edition of 1942 "with wrapper excellent condition, no faults," the UK seller notes the book has "the orange wrapper and the 'Dandified Hobbit.'" Minimal wrapper chipping, near fine book with no marks, and is printed on war economy paper. Five pictures illustrate the auction. Selling for $1,862.60, the book started at GBP 999.00 and received 2 bids. The same seller sold #3 fiction.

Tolkien's third showing in the top ten this month, The Fellowship of the Ring sold for $1,841.68, moving up from GBP 50.00 on 13 bids. Listed from Malta as "a very rare and desirable first printing of the first edition," the dust jacket is largely intact. The book has edge bumping, end papers and edges foxed, and is described as in good condition. Five pictures are included.

Rounding out the top ten fiction for August is Ian Fleming's From Russia With Love. The UK seller saw his book rise from a starting GBP 0.99 to $1,822.03 on 31 bids. This seller had a good month, also selling #4 fiction. Described as "First Edition, First Issue with Original Dust Jacket ... FINE/FINE MINT CONDITION," the book is shown in 8 pictures.