Ten Books You Must Own - Fiction (An Antique Books Guide)

Here is the first part in a series of guides to top ten books to collect.
Up first is the top ten for fiction. I have carefully selected a range of books that are best to read, to collect in terms of value and that offer the most versions for collectors to discover.

1. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll

This book is undoubtedly the king of the fiction bookshelf, or perhaps queen is more appropriate.

Alice in Wonderland may have been written close to 150 years ago but its grip over us hasn't waned one bit, with a blockbuster film released just a few years ago.

There are possibly hundreds of different editions of this book published and I have written an entire blog post on the top ten editions of this book alone:

http://anantiquebooksguide.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/top-ten-alice-in-wonderland-most.html

For sheer enjoyment, ingenuity and variation, this book is number one. For the collector, this book offers numerous editions to own and is old enough to offer a truly 'antique' feel to your bookshelf.

2. The Hobbit - J.R.R Tolkien

Here is my personal favourite book ever written and a sure fire hit with any fiction collector. In fact, this book appears to people of all ages and has had enough editions printed to earn the number two spot on this list. First editions can reach up to £7,000 whilst more affordable versions that look similar to the original can be had to £30 whilst still maintaining the original charm of the first book.

With striking covers and an iconic dust-jacket in early editions, this book is not only a great read and a valuable asset but also a visually attractive book too.

3. Winnie The Pooh - A.A. Milne

Milne's most famous book has to be Winnie the Pooh and perhaps Great Britain's most famous book has to be Winnie the Pooh. Based around the Ashdown Forest in the South East of England, this book is a true classic thanks to its charming narrative that features themes of friendship, love and, of course, nostalgia.

A full set of the original Milne books (all four) looks most striking on the bookshelf as the book is quite small yet the monetary value and charm of this book ensures that it should be high on your list of fiction books to own.

4. Peter Pan - J.M Barrie

This is yet another famous Children's book and undoubtedly one of the best illustrated works of fiction, being illustrated originally by Arthur Rackham. The gilt cover decoration and lavish illustration make this book a joy to read but it also holds its value and even later editions illustrated by Arthur Rackham can reach £30, with a true first valued at £500 approx.

5. Harry Potter - J.K Rowling

This is the most modern book on this list yet a fiction bookshelf would not be complete without a copy. Rowling's first book and perhaps the most easy-going is the unassuming beginning of the world's highest-grossing film franchise. First editions still sell for £2,000 minimum and signed copies also reach high amounts. For a more grown-up look, try the Deluxe Edition which feature gilt edging and decorative cloth covers.

6. Fairy Tales - Hans Christian Andersen

No bookshelf should go without a copy of a fairy tales book, be it by the Brother's Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen or even Phillip Pullman.

Andersen's are the best known and have been published hundreds of times in a bewildering array of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian editions. Decorative covers are generally favoured for these books and will really stand out on your bookshelf. For sheer nostalgia, these innocent tales are great whilst the value of illustrated editions should not be sniffed at too, with Rackham's best selling for close to £1000.

7. 1984 - George Orwell

One of the most popular 'intelligent' books in modern fiction, nineteen eighty-four is the work that looked to the future and practically predicted CCTV and other technological advances. First editions can be obtained for between £100 and £150 and are great for a nourishing read. However, these editions feature plain covers that look basic on the bookshelf so I would recommend the leather styled anniversary edition printed in 1984.

8. The Water Babies - Charles Kinglsey

Another book that has been printed over and over again and illustrated by many of the top illustrators including, most notably, Harry Theaker. This charming story may seem a tad odd nowadays but is still great for a nostalgic book full of cheer. Plus, illustrated editions hold their value and look good on a bookshelf.

9. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame

The famed tale of riverside cavorts enjoyed by a number of talking animals. Only a few editions have been printed of this, of which the Bransom illustrated edition is perhaps the most famous. This book is well-known by many and is yet another charming children's story that is fit for adult readers too. Early editions are valuable too.

10. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl

Possibly Dahl's best known book, this was one of his earliest and has been made into two blockbuster films and numerous adaptions including, recently, a West-End musical. Original editions are the only ones worth considering due to the impressive illustration and panoramic decorative covers. A great classic.

Thanks for reading - I hope you found this post interesting.

Please share or send a link to someone you know who may be interested - every view helps!