Get This Book: The Autobiography of Mark Twain

The Autobiography of Mark Twain, Mark Twain, Harriet E. Smith, Benjamin Griffin, Victor Fischer, Michael B. Frank, Sharon K. Goetz, Leslie Diane Myrick
Hardcover: 760 pages
Publisher: University of California Press; First edition (November 15, 2010)
Language: English


Bob over at Fiction Prediction noted last week that The Autobiography of Mark Twain, released only a couple of weeks ago (& believed to have a first run of 75,000) is already showing up on eBay and AbeBooks. The eBay copy sold for $400, and the listings on AbeBooks are in the $200 - $300 range.


He also noted that Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Amazon are all sold out (post Black Friday). I just checked Amazon and they're listing 2 collectibles from $400, 3 used from $59.99, and 9 new from $39.99.


Barnes & Noble is listing 11 copies, 2 collectibles from $200, and 9 new from $23.85. Since the second printing hasn't hit stores yet, I'm guessing those "new" copies are first runs (although don't hold me to that).


Initially, the first run was thought to be 7,500 (current thinking, however, is that this was a typo, since so many major stores were carrying the title). This potential misunderstanding could explain why these first edition copies are listing for such a high price so quickly, but I'm guessing even at a first run of 75,000 the value of the book is going to be high.


Addendum: My mom tried to purchase the book through BN.com and just got a notice that it wouldn't be shipping until December 20th, so I'm guessing that's when the 2nd printing will become available.


I also went to Books-a-Million and they said that the whole state of North Carolina is sold out of this book. The store clerk was bemoaning the fact that the Greensboro store never even got their shipment of the first run.

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