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Divia Harilela

Contributing writer for Style by SCMP, specialising in fashion, beauty and lifestyle


Rare books are having a moment in the spotlight. In the past year, major auction houses have seen record-breaking sales for first editions, landmark historical texts and medieval manuscripts, including the almost £2.25 million (HK$23.7 million) realised by Christie’s in July for the Clermont-Tonnerre Grail, one of the earliest documents narrating the legend of King Arthur and his search for the Holy Grail.
Antiquarian booksellers and bibliophiles are trending across social media while more celebrities are joining the likes of seasoned collectors Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates and actresses Sarah Michelle Gellar and Whoopi Goldberg. A first edition of Edith Wharton’s classic novel The House of Mirth even became a storyline on the hit Apple TV series Your Friends & Neighbors.

“As more of our lives become digital, physical books have become more desirable as objects in their own right. People are increasingly drawn to things that feel tangible, authentic and that endure,” says Pom Harrington, second-generation owner of rare book dealer Peter Harrington, which has stores in London and New York.
Collecting rare books isn’t exactly a modern pursuit – it can be traced back to the 15th century, when royalty, scholars and aristocracy began amassing classical works and illuminated manuscripts.
In modern times, the market has been primarily driven by wealthy educational institutions seeking to acquire prestigious titles and build auction-worthy catalogues. Now the industry is undergoing a shift as a new generation of collectors has come to the fore.

“What’s particularly noticeable is the number of younger collectors entering the market. A decade ago, rare books were often associated with older, established collectors. Today, we’re seeing buyers in their twenties and thirties who have grown up in a digital world and are discovering the appeal of owning something physical with history, craftsmanship and permanence,” explains Harrington.
Traditionally, first editions – the initial commercial printing of a title released by a publisher – are the most sought after. Their value is determined by several factors – in particular the item’s condition. For example, two copies of the same first edition can have vastly different values, depending on how well they have been maintained.
“Condition and quality can vary. If there’s something wrong with one page in that book, or if there’s been any restoration done, it will affect the price,” explains Lorence Johnston, founder of Lok Man Rare Books in Hong Kong.

“The binding can also make a difference as it is considered a craft in itself. In contrast, the value of modern books – typically from the 1920s and 30s onwards – is in the dust jacket, many of which feature vibrant artwork on the wrappers,” he says.
Provenance also plays a vital role. A book owned, inscribed or gifted by a significant historical figure, or presented to someone famous or influential, can be considered a unique artefact. An author’s inscription or an original artwork can further elevate its value. Buyers should ultimately look for the right edition in the best condition, with the strongest story attached to it.
“We have a book right now that was gifted by Salvador Dalí to his friend, Jack Warner, the co-founder of Warner Bros Studios. Dalí has also doodled a little sketch as part of the inscription. It’s that original artwork that makes that book desirable,” says Dan Whitmore, proprietor of Whitmore Rare Books in California.

While iconic books and literary classics are still in demand, experts note that other categories are gaining popularity. Whitmore has noticed a growing interest in science fiction and fantasy, while Johnston highlights subjects including wine, food, coffee, finance and economics.
“The strongest areas tend to be books that continue to resonate culturally. Modern literary first editions remain extremely popular, particularly titles that have shaped a generation of readers. We saw a big burst of interest in Frankenstein last year with the new film release. The interest in sci-fi peaks with each blockbuster release,” adds Harrington.

This generation of book collectors is also being driven by emotional connections or personal sentiments. Unlike earlier generations, who bought books more often, today’s customers are seeking specific and meaningful titles as gifts for themselves or others.
“It’s hard to highlight any market trend because customers are looking for books that are important to them. For example, it could be a title that inspired them to become a judge, or something that their mother used to read them when they were growing up. It’s about an emotional connection more than anything,” says Johnston.
Booksellers anticipate continued growth in interest as aspiring bibliophiles can scour a variety of sources, including private collections, book fairs and auctions. While the latter can bring fresh material to the market, they often require independent expertise. Forgeries also exist, so finding a trusted dealer is crucial before making significant investments in a collection.

“Collectors benefit from guidance and from building a long-term relationship with someone who understands their interests and collecting goals, and offers them material that they may not have considered or encountered elsewhere. Most importantly, dealers offer guarantees on what you buy,” says Harrington.
Much like fine art, wine, or watches, the benefit of collecting rare books goes beyond personal enjoyment. Many even regard it as a potential asset class. While the industry has historically shown steady rather than speculative growth, there are rare occasions when a book’s price will increase exponentially, providing a lucrative opportunity for new investors.
“There are examples of books – like the first printing of Harry Potter – that are something of an anomaly. It has experienced a meteoric rise in value from the time it was published until today,” says Whitmore.

5 tips for budding collectors
1. Start with books that have influenced your life, career or interests.
2. Don’t be limited by one subject or topic.
3. Choose first editions and buy the best condition you can afford.
4. Think about the story your collection is telling. The most memorable libraries reflect the personality and passions of the person who built them.
5. Find a trusted dealer. They are great resources and can help you vet potential purchases.


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Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg are among today’s collectors of rare books, as buyers seek meaningful, tangible literary treasures


Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg are among today’s collectors of rare books, as buyers seek meaningful, tangible literary treasures.


Why rare books, like Harry Potter first editions, are trending as investments

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg are among today’s collectors of rare books, as buyers seek meaningful, tangible literary treasures

Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg are among today’s collectors of rare books, as buyers seek meaningful, tangible literary treasures