Books are one of the most lucrative collectibles, as auction houses across the globe deal with rare and expensive books that can earn millions. However, first editions always fetch the highest, eye-popping prices.
For example, the world of comic books follows a similar trend, with numerous collectors actively seeking rare comic books and willing to pay substantial amounts for them.
Here are 16 of the most expensive first edition books that have sold—and continue to sell—for a pretty penny.
16. Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist
📙 Author(s): by Albert Einstein, edited by Paul Arthur Schilpp
💰 Esteemed Value: $15,000
Few minds have contributed more to science and society than that of Albert Einstein. A genius in more ways than one, Einstein is an intriguing figure that has inspired many books.
Edited by Paul Arthur Schilpp, Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist is a collection of Einstein’s works, including his autobiography, and contains essays from other notable figures like Niels Bohr and Kurt Gödel.
The first editions of the volume were published in 1949, with only 750 copies released, each of which was signed by Albert Einstein himself. As a result, first-edition copies of Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist is a piece of history and can fetch upwards of $15,000 at auction.
15. Animal Farm
📙 Author(s): by George Orwell
💰 Esteemed Value: $16,000
A brutal satire disguised as a “fairy story” about talking farm animals, Animal Farm is a timeless piece that echoes the truth behind a dictator’s rise to power. Since its original publication in 1945, the book has been translated into dozens of languages and remains relevant even today.
As a novella, Animal Farm’s 4,000-odd first editions are remarkably delicate, and few survive in pristine condition. Currently, suitable quality copies may sell for $16,000 and up.
14. The Time Machine
📙 Author(s): by H.G. Wells
💰 Esteemed Value: $20,000
Science fiction books make us think of the future, which mankind has been doing since the dawn of time. H.G. Wells pioneered the sci-fi genre, as his other notable works include titles like The Invisible Man and The War of the Worlds.
First published in 1895, The Time Machine is only 84 pages long, but this post-apocalyptic novella The Time Machine is a shining example of his forward thinking. Additionally, it also gives Wells the credit for coining the now universal term “time machine”.
The Time Machine originally began in serial format, as the author shared fragments of the novella in a newspaper before publication. The novella is considered to be H.G. Well’s first fully realized published piece.
Since The Time Machine is short, publishers could release many copies. Several copies have hit auctions over the years, few in suitable condition, but those on the market today are priced up to $20,000.
13. Lord of the Flies
📙 Author(s): by William Golding
💰 Esteemed Value: $30,000
An iconic novel, William Golding’s Lord of the Flies details a disastrous plane wreck and the brutality of young boys. The tale has stood the test of time due to its entertainment value and how it narrates how quickly mankind can descend into anarchy.
Despite being one of the most recent titles on this list, a 1954 first edition copy can net you anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, with prices soaring if your copy features a signature or inscription from the author.
12. The Diary of a Young Girl
📙 Author(s): by Anne Frank
💰 Esteemed Value: $35,000
Originally published under the title Het Achterhuis, Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl is a book that was never truly meant to be published. However, her harrowing tale highlights the true events that this brave young woman lived. Her father, Otto, compiled the book from Anne Frank’s three original diaries.
Only 1,500 first-edition copies of Het Achterhuis were printed, and there are even fewer surviving copies, much less in good quality. Books considered “very good” quality can fetch upwards of $35,000.
Of course, Anne Frank’s original diaries are priceless and are currently on display at the Anne Frank House Museum.
11. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
📙 Author(s): by Mark Twain
💰 Esteemed Value: $37,000
Few titles can be unarguably considered Great American Novels (in fact, there are two on this list), but Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry is undoubtedly one of them. Written in what Twain acknowledged as the rural Missourian vernacular, the novel follows its titular character through his childlike eyes.
Though a children’s novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn addresses complex themes, such as racism and classism. Still, Twain’s novel frequently appears on “banned book” lists and is regularly at the front of conversations about racism and freedom.
Nevertheless, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remains a mainstay in American literature, and the first edition books of the novel have a price tag to match. High-quality first editions sell for over $20,000, with copies signed or inscribed by the author garnering even more.
10. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
📙 Author(s): by J.K. Rowling
💰 Esteemed Value: $90,000
One of the most recent releases on this list, the Harry Potter franchise, has become a modern juggernaut in the publishing industry. However, this wasn’t always the case, as only 500 copies of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, were initially released.
In 2019, a pristine copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone fetched roughly $90,000 at auction, but other first-edition copies may cost half that price.
9. Pride and Prejudice
📙 Author(s): by Jane Austen
💰 Esteemed Value: $100,000
The tale of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy has titillated audiences for over 200 years, becoming one of the most recognizable stories in literature today. Pride and Prejudice was initially released as a three-volume set and only 1,500 sets were published. At the time, the sets were sold for the modern day equivalent of just over a dollar.
Now, first-edition copies of the Pride and Prejudice will set you back a pretty penny, with a pristine set selling at auction for £92,000 (roughly $100,000).
8. Casino Royale
📙 Author(s): by Ian Fleming
💰 Esteemed Value: $130,000
In 1953, author Ian Fleming published Casino Royale and introduced one of the most iconic figures in pop culture: James Bond. The book was an immediate smash hit, with 4,700 first-edition copies flying off the shelves. Since then, the book has been published in many different iterations.
Pristine first edition books of Casino Royale have sold for up to $130,000 depending on the condition of the dust jacket, which is notably difficult to keep in mint condition. Less-than-perfect copies of the book can range anywhere from $98,000–$20,000.
7. Grimm’s Fairy Tales
📙 Author(s): by The Brothers Grimm
💰 Esteemed Value: $138,600
Despite being the definitive collection of fairy tales, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, published initially as Kinder- und Haus-Märchen, was a bit polarizing when the first volume was released in 1812. In fact, it was criticized as unsuitable for children due to the levels of violence and content matter within the tales.
Grimm’s Fairy Tales was released in several volumes, beginning in 1812 and continuing until 1857. These volumes are often condensed into a singular novel, making it difficult to define a true first edition.
Additionally, due to the tales being considered “children’s” tales—albeit to some criticism—first edition books in suitable condition are exceedingly rare.
However, in 2022, one unique copy was sold at Christie’s auction house for a remarkable $138,600, a price far higher than the expected selling price. This is the first edition of the 1825 “Kleine Ausgabe”, the popular edition of the Brothers Grimm’s tales, and features some of the most recognizable fairy tale figures, such as Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood.
This copy is special as it features a personal inscription and signatures from the authors, dedicated to a young family friend. When translated into English, the inscription reads: “We present you with this on your impending departure from childhood as a reminder of happy times”.
6. Dubliners
📙 Author(s): by James Joyce
💰 Esteemed Value: $141,585
First published in 1914, Dubliners is a collection of short stories by Irish author James Joyce. The collection is celebrated for its unique voice that encapsulates the ideas of many during the peak of Irish nationalism and serves as a beautiful yet mournful view of the events of the time.
Roughly 746 copies were initially pressed, making first-edition copies of Dubliners exceedingly rare. However, some copies have sold for as little as $20,000. A good quality first edition sold at Sotheby’s auction house for $141,585 in 2013.
5. Robinson Crusoe
📙 Author(s): by Daniel Defoe
💰 Esteemed Value: $150,000
First published in 1719, Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe was a smash hit with readers. Originally credited to the titular character, readers fell in love with the idea of swashbuckling adventure and dangerous situations far from the events in their lives. Robinson Crusoe is so noteworthy that it even defined its genre, the Robinsonade.
Since the book was first published over 300 years ago, few surviving copies are in good condition. However, the most valuable first edition books are the three-book set, released together and can sell for upwards of $150,000.
4. The Hobbit
📙 Author(s): by J. R. R. Tolkien
💰 Esteemed Value: $210,000
J.R.R. Tolkien is considered to be the pioneer of the fantasy genre as we know it, and despite being published decades ago, it’s clear that The Hobbit will stand the test of time. First edition books of the novel are rare, as only 1,500 were initially released, and pristine copies frequently garner up to $70,000.
However, personal touches cause sale prices to skyrocket. In 2015, a copy of The Hobbit arrived at Sotheby’s auction house that the author himself had personally inscribed. Dedicated to a former student, a translation of Tolkien’s inscription reads: “There is many a thing in the West-regions unknown to me, marvels and strange beings, a land fair and lovely, the homeland of the Elves, and the bliss of the Gods …”.
As a result, this charming first edition fetched a whopping $210,000.
3. The Great Gatsby
📙 Author(s): by F. Scott Fitzgerald
💰 Esteemed Value: $360,000
The cover illustration on a first edition copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is one of the most recognizable images in literature. Though there have been many recreations, true first editions are extremely sought-after.
Additionally, first-edition copies feature a typo that makes the book even more valuable. Pristine first edition books with the dust jacket included can sell for $190,000, and one mint condition copy has hit auction for a staggering $360,000.
2. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
📙 Author(s): by Lewis Carrol
💰 Esteemed Value: $2–3 million
One of the most well-known children’s books, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, has been translated into over 170 languages and developed into films, plays, ballets, and more. Since first being published in 1865, more than 100 million copies have been sold.
Due to its beloved status, the first edition books of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland are precious, but even more so due to their rarity. Only 2,000 copies were initially printed but were quickly recalled due to the illustrator’s unhappiness with the original drawings.
There are only 22 known first-edition copies of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, with one copy being auctioned in 2016 for an estimated price of between $2 and $3 million.
1. First Folio
📙 Author(s): by William Shakespeare
💰 Esteemed Value: $5.2 million
As one of the most influential figures on literature and pop culture as we know it, not to mention the historical significance and age of his work, it is no wonder that a first edition of William Shakespeare’s First Folio is worth a huge sum.
First printed seven years after Shakespeare died in 1623, First Folio is formally titled Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies. The book is a collection of 36 of the prolific playwright’s works. 18 of the plays included were previously unpublished, and the folio includes now iconic works such as Much Ado About Nothing and Romeo and Juliet.
Shakespeare’s First Folio is considered to be highly influential, and scholars believe that without it, many of Shakespeare’s plays would have been lost to time.
Only about 750 copies were originally printed, with less than a third surviving to the modern era. Of that third, only an estimated 40 copies are complete. Though most of these copies are in archival libraries or museums, several copies have passed between private owners for monumental price tags.
In 2001, one of these copies was sold at Sotheby’s auction house—by Microsoft mogul Paul Allen, no less—and garnered $5.2 million. When adjusted for inflation, that’s about $6.3 million in 2024.
