Cash-strapped Britons have been told to dig through their bookshelves for valuable novels which could be sold for thousands online.
New research from experts at All Top Books has found that some early copies of Britain’s best-known books could be gathering dust unloved on shelves across the country.
The experts have recommended combing charity shops for vintage books and asking elderly relatives if they have any unwanted old books – but warned treasure hunters to be honest if they find something they think could be valuable.
Our best known writers such as Roald Dahl and J.K. Rowling are cherished by collectors and rare editions of their early work can be worth a small fortune if found in good condition.
These authors sold millions of books so there are plenty of early copies still out there waiting to be discovered with many collectors and avid bookworms willing to pay a hefty price to get their hands on them.
The experts have revealed ten sought after books which could mean a big pay day if offered for sale in good condition.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (1967)
The Roald Dahl classic has been loved by many generations across the world. A rare 1967 copy can be worth around £1,000 to collectors if in good condition.
The Tale of Mrs Tittlemouse by Beatrix Potter (1910)
Beatrix Potter has a legion of devoted collectors and her early books are in high demand. The famous tale of Mrs Tittlemouse can also be worth around £1,000 for a first edition copy.
Now We Are Six, Winnie The Pooh by A.A. Milne (1927)
Those eager to read an early copy of the adventures of the loveable yellow bear are willing to pay almost £2,000 for this 1927 edition. Now We Are Six is the third book in the Winnie The Pooh collection.
James Bond: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service by Ian Fleming (1963)
Ian Fleming’s action-packed thriller is a rare find as many of them have already been snapped up by collectors, However, for those who have a hidden copy of the novel at home, you could be sitting on a staggering £13,000.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin (1894)
Literature fanatics have adored the 19th-century Jane Austin novel for over a century. Copies of the 1894 version have been listed for almost £2,500 online.
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1914)
The story of Alice’s erratic adventure in Wonderland is worth a small fortune for those with a Riccardi Press Edition with prices reaching almost £2,000.
Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle (1902)
The Sherlock Holmes series sold in its thousands so there are plenty of copies out there on bookshelves.
If you find one gathering dust it is worth looking inside to see if you have an early edition or a rare copy. If so it could be worth around the £5,000 mark.
Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997)
It is no surprise that the Harry Potter series is a staple on many family’s shelves but if you’re one of the holders of first-print, first-edition copies then you could be looking to rake in around £5,000. Signed copies have been known to change hands for much more – you could be looking at six figures if you’re lucky enough to own one of those.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (1998)
The second instalment in the famous wizardry series is also worth a hefty amount, with the books being sold online for just short of £2,000 for a first edition, first impression copy.
N or M? By Agatha Christie (1941)
A copy of the crime thriller novel could be worth up to £2,000 for a first British edition, first impression version. The book has a striking red cloth cover with the spine littered in black.
Dilip Sinha, Director of All Top Books, said: “Most households possess at least a few books here and there with many of us holding on to our favourites for many years.
“But most people fail to realise how valuable books can be with many making excellent investments.
“Perhaps unsurprisingly it is our best known authors and series that are the most valuable with collectors willing to hand over serious cash for rare early copies.
“The good news is that there are thousands of these books still out there undiscovered on bookshelves so it is definitely worth dusting down that old collection and turning the pages to see if you have an early edition.
“It might also be a good idea to comb the charity shops or to ask elderly relatives if they have any old books you could take a look at. Although be always honest with them if you do find something with potential value.
“Hunting for valuable old books can be a fun hobby and one which can definitely be rewarding.”
