Here, we explore some of the most valuable antique books in history and what makes them so special, and we look at some of the most valuable classics around today.
Antique books possess a timeless charm that extends far beyond their faded pages and worn bindings. They are more than just vessels of knowledge or storytelling; they are historical artefacts, cultural milestones, and in some cases, priceless treasures. For collectors and bibliophiles alike, certain antique books have become symbols of intellectual legacy and financial value.
The Gutenberg Bible (circa 1455)
Often considered the holy grail of book collecting, the Gutenberg Bible was the first major book printed using movable type in the West. Only 49 known copies exist today, with fewer than half being complete. A complete Gutenberg Bible can fetch upwards of £22 million, though even individual pages have sold for thousands. Its historical significance lies in its role in revolutionising the production of books, democratising knowledge in a way never before possible.
The First Folio by William Shakespeare (1623)
Published seven years after Shakespeare’s death, the First Folio is the first collected edition of his plays and an essential piece of English literary heritage. Without it, many of Shakespeare’s most famous works—like Macbeth and Julius Caesar—might have been lost. Only about 235 copies are known to exist. In 2020, one sold at auction for nearly £7.5 million, making it the most expensive work of literature ever sold at the time.
The Codex Leicester by Leonardo da Vinci (circa 1506–1510)
More of a manuscript than a printed book, the Codex Leicester is a collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s scientific writings. It contains sketches and observations on topics ranging from astronomy to hydrodynamics. In 1994, Bill Gates purchased it for $30.8 million (almost £24 million), a price that reflects both the manuscript’s rarity and da Vinci’s enduring genius.
Valuable classic novels
The most valuable antique books often include first editions of classic novels, particularly those by authors like Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, and C.S. Lewis. Additionally, titles like ‘The Hobbit’ by J.R.R. Tolkien and ‘Alice's Adventures in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll can be highly sought after.
First editions with dust jackets or signed copies are also particularly valuable – a first edition is the first commercial version of a book to be printed and shared with the public, in its original form.
In more recent times, here in the UK, we have seen first editions of literary classics realise great prices, as follows:
• ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen - a first edition can fetch significant amounts, with some copies selling for over £20,000.
• ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ by Beatrix Potter - privately printed first editions can reach prices of £50,000 or more.
• ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ series by C.S. Lewis - first editions can be worth up to £20,000.
• ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ by L. Frank Baum: - first editions can fetch around £15,000.
• ‘Ulysses’ by James Joyce - a first edition (Shakespeare & Company, 1922) can reach £100,000.
• ‘The Tale of Mrs Tittlemouse’ by Beatrix Potter - first editions can be worth up to £10,000.
• ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ by Arthur Conan Doyle - first editions (1902) can fetch around £80,000.
• ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ by T.E. Lawrence - first editions (1922) can reach £60,000.
• ‘Alice's Adventures in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll - first editions with the Riccardi Press Edition can be worth around £2,000.
• ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald - first editions (1925) can be worth £50,000 or more.
Of course, these figures are impressive and some are positively eye-watering, but we won’t all have hidden gems in the attic like this. So, what should we be looking for when valuing antique books?
What makes an antique book valuable?
As with all areas of collectables, there are several factors that contribute to value. With antique books, collectors look for:
• Rarity - fewer existing copies typically mean higher value.
• Condition - books that are well-preserved will always command higher prices. Wear and damage will impact price.
• Dust jackets – the presence and condition of dust jackets can significantly impact price.
• Historical or cultural significance - books that represent major events, ideas, or figures tend to attract collectors and therefore higher prices.
• Provenance - a book’s previous ownership—especially if tied to a famous figure—can increase its value.
• First editions and author signatures - signed first editions are highly desirable and can command higher prices.
Antique books from Hemswell Antique Centres
Antique books are more than dusty relics of the past; they are tangible links to the world’s intellectual, artistic, and cultural heritage. At Hemswell Antique Centres, we are proud to house the collections of several expert antiquarians who have a wide selection of antique books for sale. From early volumes to later classics, visiting bibliophiles will enjoy browsing everything our dealers have to offer. Housed across our four buildings, these wonderful tomes continue to inspire wonder and admiration.
