AbeBooks top 10 most expensive sales for November 2008
1. Goslar Gospels – $7,470
Limited facsimile edition of 300 copies published in 1990. A replica of one of the most exquisite books from the 13th century. Bound in leather with 30 biblical scenes.
2. Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell – $7,000
A complete set of the children’s fantasy series containing Beyond the Deepwoods, Stormchaser, Midnight Over Sanctaphrax, Cloud Wolf, Curse of the Gloamglozer, Last of the Sky Pirates, Vox, and Freeglader. All titles are first UK editions with signatures of Stewart and Riddell.
3. Narrative of a Journey to the Shores of the Arctic Ocean, in 1833, 1834, and 1835; Under the Command of Capt. Back, R. N. by Richard King – $5,995
Published in 1836 in full leather, this first edition describes the George Black Arctic expedition. Written by the chief surgeon and naturalist on board the vessel, this is an important companion work to Black’s account of the journey.
4. Cinq livres De l’imposture et tromperie des diables: des enchantements et sorcelleries, pris du latin de Jean Wier by Johann Weyer – $5,867
Five books on the attacks and deception of devils written by Weyer, who was a leading Dutch physician, occultist and demonologist. He was one of the first people to campaign against the persecution of witches. Published in 1570.
5. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama - $5,500
Signed first edition of the 2004 reissue of the President-elect’s first book.
6. Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer – $4,000
A complete set of all four books from Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. All books are first editions, first printings in fine condition. All copies are signed by the author.
7. Autograph of Sir. Joshua Reynolds – $3,764
A rare autograph from the 18th century portrait painter.
8. Wolf to the Slaughter by Ruth Rendell – $3,841
First edition in fine condition of the author’s scarcest book – signed and published in 1967
9. Encyclopedie Paris 1751-1772 by Diderot & d’Alembert - $3,911
The copy which was sold was a reproduction in 18 volumes bound in fine brown silk; includes 3000 original etchings of Paris with captions and more than 1,000 entries in French. This 1981 replica was limited to 3,000 copies. No more copies like this exist on AbeBooks, but here is the closest example.
10. Histoire Charmante De L’Adolescente Sucre D’Amour by Joseph Mardrus and Francois-Louis Schmied – $3,781
A 1927 limited pressing of only 150 copies of Mardrus’ work with illustrations by Swiss engraver François-Louis Schmied. Again copies of Sucre D’Amour illustrated by F.L. Schmied no longer exist on AbeBooks you can find the book itself, or other books illustrated by Schmied on the site