Roald Dahl signed first edition no dustjacket

[Van Dom]

Anyone know much about Book Valuation. In clearing out the attic I have stumbled upon a copy of Charlie and the Chocolate factory, without its dust jacket. I have no idea where this book came from, don't remember ever buying it. However, having done some research, it seems to be a first edition, as it is exactly as described in this posting here :

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=6197162520&searchurl=an%3Droald%2Bdahl%26sgnd%3Don%26tn%3Dcharlie%2Bchocolate%2Bfactory

Its published by Knopf, 1964 edition, red cover, blind embossed title, gilt wording on spine. Its also signed by Dahl on the inside front cover -(Ive checked Dahls signature online and its the same). The book is in perfect condition except for the lack of its dustjacket. According to that listing, a dustjacketed copy is selling for 13,500 USD.... Would the lack of a dustjacket take away massively from the books value does anybody know?

[James Stacey]

it would, but dependant on how rare the signature is that will bump the price up. Generally when a book is that expensive with a dustjacket it is pretty costly even without however. Try giving a childrens book specialist such as http://www.rosesbooks.com/ a shout and ask them what they will offer you for it.

[Van Dom]

Thanks James
That's a good site, I'll send them a mail about it.

Cheers!

[Proudhuff]

let us know how you get on...

[Richmond Clements]

Oh nice one!

(who will be the first to hilariously offer you 50p..?)

[James Stacey]

There do appear to be a fair few on eBay for around the low hundreds with dust jackets. _If_ it is the signature and the one one Abe isn't wildly optimistic it might be worth investing in a copy for a donor jacket

[locustsofdeath!]

_If_ it is the signature and the one one Abe isn't wildly optimistic it might be worth investing in a copy for a donor jacket

Also, crazy as it may seem, I've gone on ebay and found replacement dust jackets for older books I have that were either missing the jackets or the jackets were in disrepair. It may take some casting about, but if you're not in a hurry to cash in you may eventually find one.

[Van Dom]

Good thinking guys! I like your style!
This is definately a first edition but it is a "second state" first edition, whatever that means. (A guide on the net says the first state first edition had a 6 line colophon on the back page, while the first edition second state had only 5 lines. Mine has 5 lines. What does "first state" "second state" mean, does anyone know?

[James Stacey]

I've heard of impressions but not states. It's a US copy isn't it judging by the one on Abe. Is 'state' a US equivalent to impression?

[Cactus]

My girlfriend suggests that you donate it to the Roald Dahl museum. Failing that, I'll give you 50p for it. 

[COMMANDO FORCES]

I agree with Cactus about the museum, seeing as all property is theft!


Except my property, coz I've worked bloody hard to pay for all that.

[Van Dom]

This edition I have also has the original wording where the Oompa loompas were described as "black pygmies".

They changed that to midgets, in all subsequent editions. (The things you learn!)

[Alski]

Lack of a dustjacket greatly reduces the value, and condition will count as well.

If he is not known for signing everything within reach the signature is a great boost to price.

I am a second hand book dealer, but not a huge expert, and am interested in any valuation you get. Personally, i would expect it to be in the region of £300 to £500 depending on the books condition.

[M.I.K.]

There's something Van Dom hasn't mentioned here which may be important.

Does a personal message along with the signature make it worth more?

[Van Dom]

Yes, what it actually says is "To Albert - sorry it's taken so long but here it is at last. Lots of love, Roald Dahl, 1976". (I can understand the apology if "Albert" was waiting since 1964 for a copy of the book!!!)