First edition books hold a unique allure for collectors, combining historical significance, artistic achievement, and often, remarkable monetary value. This article explores the 17 most expensive first edition books ever sold, each a treasure in its own right. From ancient texts that shaped the course of history to modern masterpieces that captivated millions, these books have fetched astronomical sums at auctions, reflecting both their rarity and cultural importance.
1. The Gutenberg Bible (c. 1455)
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Image Editorial Credit: Known as the first major book printed using movable type, the Gutenberg Bible marks a significant moment in the history of printing. Fewer than 50 copies of this Latin text are known to exist, and they are considered invaluable artifacts of historical and religious significance. A complete copy was last sold in 1978 for $2.2 million, equivalent to about $8.1 million today, making it one of the most expensive books ever sold.
2. The First Folio by William Shakespeare (1623)
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Image Editorial Credit: Compiled seven years after Shakespeare’s death, the First Folio is the first collected edition of his plays, many of which might have been lost without this publication. It includes 36 plays, 18 of which had never been printed before. In October 2020, a copy sold at auction for nearly $10 million, setting a record for the most expensive work of literature ever sold at auction.
3. Birds of America by John James Audubon (1827-1838)
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Image Editorial Credit: This sumptuous collection of life-sized prints is one of the most visually stunning natural history books ever produced. A copy of this book set a record for the highest price paid at auction for a printed book when it sold for $11.5 million in 2010.
4. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium by Nicolaus Copernicus (1543)
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As one of the earliest English books printed by William Caxton, this collection of stories is pivotal in English literature. A copy of this first edition can command prices upwards of $7.5 million.
5. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (1477)
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As one of the earliest English books printed by William Caxton, this collection of stories is pivotal in English literature. A copy of this first edition can command prices upwards of $7.5 million.
6. Ulysses by James Joyce (1922)
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This landmark modernist work was first published by Sylvia Beach in Paris. A first edition, especially those signed or inscribed by Joyce, can fetch between $100,000 to $450,000, depending on condition and provenance.
7. The North American Indian by Edward S. Curtis (1907-1930)
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This comprehensive and lavishly produced photographic study of Native American peoples is one of the most ambitious publishing projects ever undertaken. Complete sets have sold for as much as $2.9 million.
8. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (1605)
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Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” is often hailed as the first modern novel, blending realism with chivalric romance to create a unique satirical work. The rarity of its first edition, combined with its significance in the history of literature, makes it incredibly valuable. Known copies of this seminal 1605 publication have fetched prices of several million dollars at auction, with values depending on condition and provenance, typically ranging from $1 million to $2 million.
9. On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (1859)
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Darwin’s groundbreaking work introduced the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection. Its profound impact on biology and the understanding of natural history makes first editions highly sought after, typically valued around $500,000.
10. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)
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Image Editorial Credit: Tolkien’s introduction to the world of Middle Earth, “The Hobbit,” is prized not only for its rich storytelling but also for its rarity in the first edition, especially those with original dust jackets, which can garner up to $210,000 at auction.
11. Geographia by Claudius Ptolemy (1477)
Image Editorial Credit: Norman B. Leventhal Map / Flickr
Image Editorial Credit: An essential work for the development of cartography, the first printed edition of Ptolemy’s “Geographia” included maps based on his calculations, which were revolutionary at the time. Its historical significance ensures that it is extremely valuable, with copies being worth around $3.7 million.
12. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)
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Image Editorial Credit: Austen’s critique of the British landed gentry and her exploration of the concerns and difficulties of genteel women in the early 19th century make “Pride and Prejudice” a perennial favorite. First editions can fetch between $100,000 to $500,000.
13. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936)
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Image Editorial Credit: This sweeping narrative of the American South during and after the Civil War has remained a popular and critical favorite since its publication. First editions, particularly those signed by Mitchell, are highly valuable and can reach up to $20,000.
14. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
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Image Editorial Credit: A quintessential American novel, “The Great Gatsby” captures the jazz age and its discontents with sharp clarity. First editions with the original dust jacket are among the most coveted in literary collecting, with values as high as $300,000.
15. In Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus (1511)
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A satirical work that criticizes superstitions and corrupt practices in the Church, the first edition of this influential Renaissance text has sold for approximately $750,000, reflecting its importance in European intellectual history.
16. The Great Book of Thomas Trevilian (1616)
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Image Editorial Credit: The “Trevilian Great Book” is a remarkable manuscript showcasing a blend of artistic and cultural expressions from early 17th-century England. It includes intricate heraldry, elaborate alphabets, and detailed illustrations, reflecting the Renaissance interest in symbolism and pageantry. Because of its unique nature and historical importance, it remains in private collections and is often regarded as priceless, making it a treasure of English heritage that transcends conventional market valuation.
17. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)
Image Editorial Credit: Michael Mitchell / Wikimedia Commons
This seminal novel, which explores themes of teenage angst and alienation, has become a classic of American literature. First editions of Salinger’s iconic work are highly sought after by collectors, especially those that are signed by the author. A well-preserved first edition with a dust jacket can fetch up to $55,000, reflecting its enduring popularity and influence in the literary world.
This article is originally appeared on Rarest.org
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