Traditionally, collectors setting out to collect a single author start with that author's major works and work their way down to the minor ones. If they have sufficient funds, they may start with the rarest works first, since those are the titles least likely to make multiple appearances in the marketplace and one cannot afford to pass on them should they become available, because it may be years--decades even--before another copy becomes available. This is especially true if you collect first edition, first printings in the original dustjacket. And even more true if, in addition to all that, you are seeking a signed or inscribed copy.
When an author's output is as prodigious as that of Dame Agatha, these collecting approaches immediately pose several problems. Much of her early work rarely appears in the marketplace, least of all as first edition, first printing, signed or inscribed copies. When such works do appear in the marketplace, they command substantial prices. If you have the funds and the patience to pursue such works, more power to you. If not, there are alternatives.
Instead of collecting everything Dame Agatha wrote, you could collect only the Miss Marple stories or only the Hercule Poirot stories. Many of these titles, especially the more popular ones, have been reprinted numerous times and are readily available in both hardback and paperback. If you prefer something more graphic, several of Dame Agatha's works also have been published as manga and graphic novels:
Both the Miss Marple titles and the Hercule Poirot titles have been published several times as stand-alone collections, such as Hercule Poirot Classics...
If you want something more upscale (but less pricey than first edition, first printing signed or inscribed copies), Agatha Christie Limited (the folks responsible for Dame Agatha's estate) have recently released The Complete Miss Marple, which contains all 12 novels and 20 short stories. A masterpiece of book production, the foot long book, which contains 252 signatures of 16 pages each (4032 pages total), is cased in leather and comes with its own carrying case. Only 500 copies were printed:
Tomorrow, we will look at collecting Dame Agatha's works for the stage....
Recent Comments