We talk about canonical literature as having literary value, or worth, in a scholastic environment, and more importantly, having a resounding impact on society. I like to consider myself a bit of a rare book collector, having a small library of first editions. So I started to look up book values on the internet for first editions of some of my favorite childrens literature. These prices are usually dictated by the condition of the book, it's popularity and importance, however, are what makes it worth collecting. For instance, the Magna Carta sold at auction this year for 38 million dollars. In the Auction business, most emphatically with art and collectibles, an items appraised and fair market value are heavily influenced by provenance, or where the item has been and where its going. What cultural significance does it import, and what will its significance presumably be sixty years down the road when you want to sell it for a profit. So what of childrens literature? Here are some values for first editions. We can ascertain from some of the prices that art makes its value and everlasting importance (like aurauchs and durable pigments)that much greater.
Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White, $2500.00
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roahl Dahl, $17,000
Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak, $35,000
The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss, $14,500
The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien, $118,800
Beatrix Potter watercolors, $80,000 to $120,000 at auction
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