#67, 1 May 2006

"Bound in grey Moroccan leather with art work - original brass plates included," this set consists of first impressions of each title. Described as in excellent condition and pictured in 7 photos, the volumes contain the original maps. The UK seller purchased the books from Dominic Winter and, in response to questions, notes having the original receipt. Other responses indicate these are the original covers with plain endpapers. The set sold for $6,630.24.

Signed by Tolkien and with a strong provenance, this 3-volume set is composed of later printings of the first editions, 1961. The volumes have only minor flaws and are shown in 5 photos. Listed by a UK seller, it sold for $6,327.63 after 9 bids.

The same set comes in at #3. First printings, first editions, these have been rebound in "full red morocco…The quality and design of the binding is simply superb incorporating Tolkien's line drawing of 'The Gates of Moria' stamped in gilt across the three individual spines." The books have gilt edges and come in a slipcase. Condition is fine. Offered by yet another UK seller and shown in 10 photos, the set attracted 22 bids and sold for $5,621.44.

The UK seller auctioning this Genesis book notes it was signed by Nick Mason, is #180 of 500 published, and comes with a "Deluxe Leather Box of Delights." The book in unread and the delights include drumsticks, a backstage pass, postcards and more. Shown in 1 photo, the auction attracted 1 bid and sold for $3,968.88

Stoutly declaring these are not ex-library, the UK seller with a long track record in the fiction Top 10, notes these are all 1st edition, 1st printings. Flaws are described in detail, including "the slightest hint of sunning to the spine edge" of Northern Lights and similar minor flaws. Clearly shown in 10 photos, the auction received 28 bids and ended at $2,617.20.

Offered by a US seller, the "special tenth anniversary edition is limited to two thousand copies signed by the author…." This is #1160 and comes in a slipcase. Minor flaws are detailed - a scuff on the binding, light rubbing - and show in 9 photos. A single bid ended the auction at $2500.

Signed by the golden Bond girl Shirley Eaton, this first edition, first printing is very good in a very good dust jacket. It was sold by a US seller as BIN for $2500.

Traditional literature makes an occasional appearance on the top 10 fiction list, this time with a collection of Frost's poetry. The US seller describes it as "First Edition, Second Issue, Binding B for American Publication," Published in 1914, it is 1 of 150 copies "published on February 20 1915 by Henry Holt and Company on sets of the original printed sheets imported from England." In very good condition, the seller notes that the Author Price Guide for Robert Frost indicates this edition, printing, and binding are valued at $2500 - and that turned out to be the exact selling price

As the story goes, "In early 1991 Phil Parks, the illustrator, was going to release a small limited edition of these 5 titles." Other things got in the way and this was the only completed set. Each book has an original illustration. A letter from Parks is included in the slipcase. The 5 books are described as "first edition and are in fine condition." The auction contained 9 photos and attracted 5 bids, taking it to $2,125.

Forty bids led to the $1,967.50 selling price of this first edition, first printing fine hardcover in unclipped and unfaded jacket. The UK seller included 6 photos of the book published in England by Hart-Davis. Condition is described as "Awesome."