If you happen to own a first edition of Winnie The Pooh, you may be sitting on a valuable treasure. A new authorized sequel is expected to increase the value of the original series of books, which were published a century ago. Originally named Edward Bear, Winnie The Pooh was a birthday present from author AA Milne to his son Christopher Robin in 1921. The lovable bear inspired the 1926 book titled Winnie The Pooh, beautifully illustrated by EH Shepard.
Back then, the book was priced at seven shillings and six pence (equivalent to 37.5 pence in today’s currency). Surprisingly, a first edition of this Methuen book in pristine condition can now sell for £3,500 or more – a staggering ten thousand times its original price. Christiaan Jonkers, owner of Jonkers Rare Books in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, believes that the release of the new book, Tales From The Forest by Jane Riordan with illustrations by Mark Burgess, will generate greater demand for Milne’s classic stories. While the new adventures may not become valuable collectibles, the timeless charm and appeal of AA Milne and EH Shepard’s collaboration have continually driven up the value of original Pooh books as each new generation discovers the stories.
If you are looking to invest in a first edition, it is recommended to find one with the dust jacket intact, as this can double its value. Many dust jackets were either discarded upon purchase or have deteriorated over time. The condition of the book is critical for investors, with the most valuable copies described by dealers as “as new.” Even if a copy of Winnie The Pooh is hardly touched, it will only be classified as “fine.” A “very good” condition means the book can still be enjoyed but may show signs of wear. Copies with any damage or writing are rarely considered investment quality.
You can find a “very good” 1926 edition of Winnie The Pooh without a dust jacket for less than £1,000, while a “fine” copy can fetch around £2,000. However, if you manage to get your hands on a copy with its precious dust jacket, it could be valued at £3,500 or more. Exceptional copies can carry even higher price tags.
When it comes to buying a first edition, it is advisable to see the book in person rather than relying solely on descriptions from auction websites or unknown sellers. Lucas Boulding, a bookseller for Adrian Harrington Rare Books, recommends purchasing from a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association or Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association to ensure quality and accurate grading.
In addition to the original Winnie The Pooh, its 1928 sequel, The House At Pooh Corner, is also highly collectible. Expert guidance may be necessary for amateur collectors to determine if they have a first edition and what type of first edition it is. The first print runs of both Winnie The Pooh and The House At Pooh Corner were limited, making them even more sought after.
For collectors, signed copies hold special value. A standard first edition of Winnie The Pooh without a dust jacket is typically worth £2,000, but if signed by the author and illustrator, its value can increase to £5,000. A 1976 edition of Winnie The Pooh, signed by the author’s son Christopher Milne to commemorate the book’s 50th anniversary, could be worth £1,250.
Websites like AbeBooks, Biblio, and ViaLibri are great resources for both pricing guidance and locating book sellers specialized in rare books. As an example, the recent changes made to Roald Dahl’s books, removing politically incorrect language, has sparked a surge in demand for earlier editions. A pristine first edition of The BFG, published in 1982 and signed by both Dahl and illustrator Quentin Blake, can sell for £650 or £5,000. Similarly, a 1964 first edition of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, illustrated by Joseph Schindelman, in fine condition is valued at around £4,000.
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