7 Insanely Rare Books On My Christmas List

I'm an unabashed book nerd and these are the books I want. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

7. It's not personal; it's business: $500k for Godfather History

Ken Lopez operates an appointment-only shop in Massachusetts, specializing in author's archives and literary first editions. One of his prized pieces includes three pieces of papers from the Mario Puzo archive - the first page of the manuscript of "The Godfather"; a letter Puzo wrote to Marlon Brando telling him that, despite Puzo's efforts, the producers of the film won't hire him to play the role of Don Corleone (Brando eventually got the part won an Oscar playing the role); and the page of "The Godfather" screenplay where Luca Brasi goes from being "dead" to being (handwritten in the script) "with the fishes." The price is around $500,000, but just make Ken an offer he can't refuse and see what happens...

6. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There: $15,330

Alice in Wonderland was originally a much taller book (it had a 'drink me, eat me' moment). Later editions were reduced in size to the same dimensions as Through the Looking Glass. Both volumes are beautifully illustrated throughout, with forty-two and fifty line engravings respectively, by John Tenniel. You can find this rarity in fine condition with renowned bookseller Paul Foster. Paul is a respected rare book seller with a particularly impressive inventory of Antiquarian, out of print, used, and rare books.

5. Whistler's Mother for $75,000

Nocturnes - Marines - Chevalet Pieces by James McNeill Whistler is a first edition of his folio reproducing work in the artist’s self-produced 1892 retrospective exhibition. Each work has been signed by the artist, “Whistler” with his butterfly device on the leaf. It contains his most famous work known popularly as “Whistler’s Mother”...only the “Mona Lisa” has been parodied more often. Boston bookseller Peter Stern has this copy available right now—he specializes in 19th and 20th century literature, signed and inscribed books, and manuscripts.

4. Anthem Inscribed by Ayn Rand: $7,500

ANTHEM is a lesser light than, say, The Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged, but a concise, incredibly written piece of dystopian literature. Even as a second edition, it's a hell of a thing with the inscription; a similarly-inscribed 1st UK edition in dustjacket would run into the $20K+ range. For reasons unknown to us, she signed/inscribed far fewer of this title than any others. Find this gem at Captain Ahab's Rare Books, an appointment only shop run out of Virginia specializing in literature, film, art, crime fiction, and popular culture.

3. Earth Abides by George R. Stewart: $4,000

Authors & Artists is an online-only shop, staying in constant contact with booklovers world-wide via the internet. Their eclectic collection features a fine first edition of George R. Stewart’s signed Earth Abides for $4,000. Almost never found in collector condition and even less often found signed, it won the 1951 International Fantasy Award and was included twice in late 20th century Locus Magazine’s Best All Time Science Fiction. Perfect for Sci-Fy nerds.

2. Seamus Heaney's first published book: $13,500

A young couple with a passion for literature and love for the written word, Josh and Sunday run B & B Rare Books specializing in everything from English and American Literature, Modern First Editions, Victorian Literature, Poetry, Mystery and Detective Fiction, Children’s Literature and Signed Books. They are an incredibly fun and hardworking team that will always go and above and beyond to make sure you are happy with your purchase. Check out their near fine first edition of Seamus Heaney's first published book, a rarity even in the rare book world.

1. Signed First Edition Death of a Salesman: $8,000

Who could forget dear, melancholy Willy Loman? He is a character that lives on in each generation, the very definition of a classic and a book that is becoming extremely difficult to locate in Fine condition. This iconic classic can be found at Whitmore Rare Books, a boutique appointment only store dedicated to providing top collectors with the most important books of the last five centuries in uncompromising condition as you perfect your personal library.