With the emergence of TikTok, I’ve become more aware of book aesthetics, in a way I wasn’t beforehand. Growing up, all I truly cared about to some extent was the story. Admittedly the cover drew me in and the summary kept me hooked, but it was the story that kept me reading. However, now I have found that I am more drawn to the covers than ever before– Adding even more beautiful covers to my bookshelves. More than that, I want to find rare and antique ones as well to create a unique and pleasing mixture of modern and historical.
Here are five rare and unusual books I still can’t believe exit.
1. Winnie The Pooh by A.A. Milne
Illustrated by E.H. Shepard
Published between 1924- 1928, this childhood classic Winnie the Pooh set of four was printed on handmade paper and is part of the first edition set. This Winnie the Pooh set is extremely rare. It is a signed set in near-perfect condition with some expert and light repair work done. This Winnie the Pooh set of four is being sold for $60,000! Can you believe that? I didn’t even realize how valuable some of our favorite stories were until recently.
Asking Price: $60,000
2. The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication by Charles Darwin
The first and second volume sequels to Darwin’s Origin of the Species, Darwin’s The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication are the published facts upon which Darwin based his theories for the Origins of the Species. These volumes are cloth-bound first editions with some expert repair, but otherwise in excellent condition.
Asking Price: $4,200
3. The Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm by Brothers Grimm
Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
While the Grimm tales are ever-evolving and always changing due to the influence of the people around them at the time, one thing will never change. The world’s love for the Grimm’s Fairytales. Whether spooky and dark or light and fluffy with the Disney princess happily ever after, everyone loves a good fairy tale, and no one tells it better than the Grimm.
A first edition, number 643 out of 750 copies, this copy of the Grimm’s Fairytales is in excellent condition with all 40 color illustrations by Rackham tipped in and still visible. While the book wasn’t signed by the Grimm brothers, it was signed by the famous illustrator spiking its value. To see more articles on the Fairytales written by the Brothers Grimm, click here.
Asking Price: $4,500
4. James Bond by Ian Fleming
Did you know that the James Bond movies were based on books? Because I didn’t but not knowing that shows just how young I am doesn’t it? This first edition complete set is currently being sold for $24,288! Can you believe that? It’s in excellent condition with the original dust jackets (baring a few expectations), but dang the love and care gone into preserving this series are impeccable.
Asking price: $24,288
5. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
Bequeathed to Hermoine in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, The Tale of Beedle the Bard became such a sensation that Rowling hand-wrote and illustrated seven leatherbound copies of the stories. These seven books were known as the Moonstone editions and six of the copies were personally given to the six people she believes helped her to make the Harry Potter series the success it is today. The last book was sold to a child’s voice charity. So, unfortunately, if you were hoping to get your hands on one of these leatherbound copies of The Tale of Beetle the Bard, it’s highly unlikely but you can always find a copy on amazon.
These are just five of the truly amazing and unique rare books that can be found and there are plenty more to be found. To find more interesting bookish news click here. For more holiday material click here. And for unusual gift ideas click here.