The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Collector's Edition - The 100 Greatest Books Ever Written)
The Easton Press · Books & Media > Antiquarian & Collectible
Era / Decade
1980s-1990s (Likely 1981 first printing or subsequent reprint from that series)
Material
Genuine leather binding with 22kt gold accents, archival-quality acid-neutral paper, gilded page edges, and a sewn-in silk ribbon bookmark.
Condition
Excellent. The interior pages visible are crisp and white with no foxing or highlighting. Assuming the exterior (not pictured) matches this quality, it appears very well-maintained.
Demand Level
Strong. Easton Press collectors are very active, and Sherlock Holmes remains one of the most consistently searched literary figures.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $45.00 | Mid: $65.00 | High: $85.00
Estimated Retail Value
$80.00 - $110.00 (Current direct purchase price from Easton Press for similar volumes)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for this specific title in excellent condition range from $55 to $78 plus shipping. Copies with significant gilding wear or owner bookplates usually sell closer to $40.
Description
A stunning Collector's Edition of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' published by The Easton Press. Part of 'The 100 Greatest Books Ever Written' series, this volume is bound in premium genuine leather with ornate gold-stamped designs. Features include the definitive text edited by Edgar W. Smith, an introduction by Vincent Starrett, and classic illustrations by Frederic Dorr Steele and Sidney Paget. The book boasts gilded edges on all three sides of the text block and an integrated satin ribbon marker.
Key Features
High brand recognition (Easton Press), leather-bound collectible status, 22kt gold gilding, classic illustrations, and timeless Sherlock Holmes appeal.
Authenticity Indicators
Distinctive Easton Press logo and typography on the title page; 'Norwalk, Connecticut' location. Quality of leather and gold leaf is a hallmark. High confidence (95%+).
Flaws to Note
Common issues to check for include 'shelf wear' (rubbing on the bottom leather edges), scratches or 'scuffing' to the gold gilding on page edges, and whether the previous owner's bookplate is attached to the inside front cover.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching book collectors via auction or fixed price), Etsy (excellent for vintage/aesthetic decor buyers), or specialized used book platforms like AbeBooks.
Selling Tips
Always photograph the exterior covers, spine, and all three sides of the gilded page edges to show any scratches. Use keywords like 'Leather Bound', 'Gilded', '22kt Gold', and 'Easton Press'. Mention if it includes the 'Notes from the Archives' booklet or the unused bookplate, as these increase value.