First Editions of Frankenstein, Dracula and More Coming To Rare Books LA

Peter Harrington, one of the world’s largest rare book sellers, is attending Rare Books Los Angeles this February with a selection of its finest rare books and manuscripts, including a first edition of “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, and a first edition, first issue, presentation copy of “Dracula” inscribed by Bram Stoker.

The first edition of Shelley’s Gothic horror classic was one of only 500 copies originally printed. The book is untrimmed in original boards and bears the inscription of Irvine’s Library, which was a circulating library in Stoke Newington where Shelley’s mother lived. The copy is beleived to be one of only a handful of copies in boards that are privately owned.

If you fancy to own the 1818 copy of Shelley’s classic it is currently set at a price of $360,000.

The first edition copy of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” features an inscription on the front free endpaper that reads, “Henry Williams from his old friend Bram Stoker July 1897.” “Dracula” was released in May of 1897, which means this copy was gifted just two months after the book’s release. As an original release, the book is printed on thicker paper stock and lacks the various advertisements that appeared in later issues.

The book comes in its original yellow cloth, blocked and lettered in red. Housed in a quarter black morocco clamshell case with red morocco spine label, copies of the first issue in this condition are notably rare.

If interested, this copy of “Dracula” will set you back just over $175,500.

Peter Harrington bill be bringing close to 100 rare books and manuscripts specially selected for the event. Among other titles on will be the dedication copy of the first edition of “The Goblet of Fire” by JK Rowling inscribed to her saviour Susan Sladden and first edition, first impressions of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and “The Return of the King.”

Rare Books LA is being held at Pasadena Convention Center, 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101 from 2-8pm on Friday February 1st and from 10am – 6pm on Saturday February 2nd. Tickets cost $20 for Friday and Saturday and $10 for Saturday only. Tickets for the event and more information is available at rarebooksla.com.

Even if you’re not looking to purchase these books, its a great opportunity to see these original works from some of the world’s most iconic authors.

Peter Harrington will be on Stand B318 at Rare Books LA. A copy of Peter Harrington’s 50th Anniversary Catalogue can be found here. For more information on Peter Harrington visit www.peterharrington.co.uk.