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Expand Your Book Collection With These Rare Reads

From custom-made coloring books to first edition copies of century-old novels and everything in between, online marketplaces are now offering customers the chance to purchase incredibly rare, hard-to-find books. Sites like Biblio, AbeBooks and VeryFirstTo have all the options you need to expand your book collection, including these noteworthy titles.

By Kelly Potts

East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North by Kay Nielsen 

This signed limited edition version, one of just 500 copies printed, features gilt titles and decorations to the spine and front cover, and an original pen and ink drawing by Nielsen. “It’s probably one of the most collectible illustrated books of the 20th century,” Richard Davies, PR & publicity manager of AbeBooks, says of the book that was published in 1914. $49,913.49 • AbeBooks.com

 

Photo courtesy AbeBooks.com

The Bespoke Colouring Book with Bespoke Illustrations by Ian Beck

Featuring 10 custom illustrations that can range from meaningful personalities to locations to events, this coloring book is hand-bound in leather with the buyer’s name embossed in 24-karat gold lettering on the cover. As VeryFirstTo reports, Beck is excited to begin this project, saying, “This is an amazing keepsake and heirloom in the making for the family.” $30,875 • VeryFirstTo.com

Photo courtesy VeryFirstTo

Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

“The gorgeous condition of this century-old book is something to be thrilled over,” states Shehan. W.W. Denslow illustrated this first-edition copy of the classic children’s book, published by George M. Hill Company in 1900, with 24 color plates and text illustrations. $27,500 • Biblio.com

Photo courtesy Aleph-Bet Books, Inc, Pound Ridge, New York

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

Featuring an inscription by the author, this first edition copy of Casino Royale from publisher Jonathan Cape includes a letter of provenance from the original owner. Described by Amber Shehan, marketing coordinator for Biblio, as “simply spectacular for any fan of James Bond,” this novel (later turned into a film) was written by Fleming over a period of two months according to Biblio. $130,000 • Biblio.com

Photo courtesy Raptis Rare Books in Palm Beach, Florida

Luxury website VeryFirstTo.com has announced the launch of the world’s most luxurious coloring book, now on the market for $30,875.

While adult coloring books have recently gathered a lot of attention, the market has not offered a luxury option. Until, VeryFirstTo.com introduced The Bespoke Coloring Book, which will offer each buyer customized illustrations by famed illustrator Ian Beck.
Beck will meet with buyers to learn about the most important people, moments and places in the life of the book’s recipient. The style of illustration will be agreed upon and the hand-rendered illustrations and title page will be presented to the buyer on beautiful handmade paper.
“I am really delighted to be part of this project, I anticipate the type of subjects people would like to have illustrated include: a portrait of themselves; pets; home; favorite holiday resort; family at their regular restaurant; cottage in the country etc. This is an amazing keepsake and heirloom in the making for the family,” said Beck.
It is widely reported that the act of coloring forces the mind to be still and focus on the present moment. The repetitive and simple task enables the mind to block intrusive negative thoughts whilst creating a sense of calm.
“Coloring books are a wonderful antidote to today’s digital-driven world and represent a trend that is here to stay,” said Marcel Knobil, founder of VeryFirstTo, Superbrands and Cool BrandLeaders. “We are offering the world’s most luxurious incarnation of this. The perfect way to relax whilst coloring one’s fondest memories captured by an exceptional illustrator.”
Once the illustrations have been selected they will be hand-bound by Masters Bookbinding using traditional crafts and tools. The title on the leather bound book will be debossed, and the recipients name will be highlighted in 24-carat gold leaf.

Photo courtesy of VeryFirstTo



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