Modern First Editions
Modern First Edition books represents one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of book collecting at Shapero Rare Books currently, attracting collectors of literature across a range of ages and catering to a very broad church of tastes and enthusiasms.
The relatively contemporary nature of the authors that tend to be encompassed by the term Modern First Editions (the exact definition of which varies remarkably depending on with whom you speak) means they resonate with many current book collectors. Collecting modern first editions appeals equally to those with established book collections and those just beginning to start building their own collections, and the vast variety of price-points allows for collectors at all levels a point of entry.
Literature, particularly that of the 19th & 20th centuries, has branched out into a wealth of sub-genres, notably, perhaps science fiction, detective fiction, horror & gothic, weird & supernatural literature, and this is mirrored by collecting habits. Collectors of modern first editions can range from those seeking perceived high-spots of 20th & 21st-century fiction to those who are thrilled by dust-jacketed genre titles, runs of prize-winning books (such as the Booker Prize), solely inscribed books and individual author collections.
For similar reasons modern fiction can also make for very good gifts, particularly signed and inscribed books by popular (or even highly specialised) authors.
Modern First Editions to Collect
Collecting first editions can be fun and challenging, but if you would like to find out more please contact our specialists Adam Blakeney and Angus Robb. They will be more than happy to advise you further, and their knowledge of issue points, condition factors and relative scarcity should help those both looking to start collecting or further develop upon existing rare books collections.
If you're in possession of a first edition to sell, please contact us for more information.
See below to buy first edition books, available at Shapero
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First edition, 8vo, frontispiece and 3 plates by James McBryde, 16pp. advertisements dated November 1904, small closed tear to top edge of frontispiece, some minor marking including a few dark spots (ýectoplasm) affecting 4 ff., overall internally very good, publisher's oatmeal cloth ruled in red and lettered in black, with yapp edges, some darkening otherwise a very good copy, text-block partly uncut.
£2,500 -
First edition, 8vo, frontispiece portrait of the author, device on title, 5pp. advertisements, bookplate on front free endpaper, original cloth, slightly sunned at spine with some minor discolouration to lower cover, otherwise a very good copy.
£875 -
First edition, 8vo, 160pp., half-page and vignette illustrations within text, fine, publisher's green cloth, slightly age-toned, illustrated dust-jacket, price clipped, a little rubbing to head of spine, otherwise a near-fine copy.
£475
