Today we are going to look at an ever growing commodity in the book collecting world: Signed / Limited Edition Collectible books. Signed / Limited Edition books are generally those books that are created by book lovers and history hunters specifically for the purpose of collecting. There is something special about the written word and the thought that a book that you own was designed and autographed for a collector as astute as we all believe we are! These books are becoming some of the most sought after pieces for collectors for many reasons. Since the publisher facilitates the author signing, the signatures are guaranteed authentic. In addition, they are usually created to a higher standard such as being bound in leather or different cloth and housed in slipcase. Because of this, there is generally a set number of these books created which makes them more scarce than other editions in most cases. With the increase of the amount of forgeries on the market, a guaranteed authentic signature from the publisher is the peace of mind many collectors seek. That reason, along with the higher quality of the Signed / Limited Edition collectible book itself is why many collectors are seeking them out at an increasing rate.

Another factor to consider with Signed / Limited Editions is that in some cases this is the best and sometimes only way to get a particular author's signature, especially older authors and icons who have passed away. While these books have been created for a century or so, many much like their first edition counterparts, have either failed to stand the test of time, or are being held in private collections. Authors such as John Steinbeck in particular, only made 1 or 2 Signed / Limited collectible books, making them even more scarce. As stated, the increase in forgeries has driven collectors and fans to new levels to find these rare signed editions. Knowing you have a GUARANTEED autograph from one of the 20th century's greatest authors or world icons in your library is a truly liberating feeling.

For some purists, having a true first printing signed by author will always trump a Signed / Limited. This is a notion we cannot disagree with or refute as it is a matter of preference. Currently, Signed / Limited Editions are less valuable than signed first printings though we feel this is a changing trend. For the reasons stated above, and the growing trend within our own sales, we see a shift towards them becoming just as or more valuable in years to come. The peace of mind and high quality offered by a Signed / Limited Edition collectible book is something many collectors are beginning to discover!

SIGNED LIMITEDS ARE ON THE RISE!