Titles catching my eye lately:
The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi.
First true edition is the UK version (Gollancz, London, 2010) listing on abebooks for over $800 (signed) or $400+ (unsigned). According to one seller on ABE, the absolute first UK printing was "quickly withdrawn as [the] true first printing had no dedication page at the front and no acknowledgements page at the rear. This was quickly corrected except for those few from that very small print run which had already been released." The second printing was also low.
The US edition (Tor Books, 2011) has a low print run as well - reported as 25,000.
This is Rajaniemi's debut novel - a part of a proposed trilogy.
The Map of Time by Felix Palma
The first true, English language edition is the US edition (Atria Books, June 28, 2011). So far there's not a lot of information on collectibility. The good news is, that the book can be found for less than $20, and has gotten a lot of stellar reviews. Most collectors are hoping this will be similar to Carlos Ruiz Zafon's Shadow of the Wind, which is highly collectible.
Red on Red by Edward Conlon
This is Conlon's second book, but first novel; a mystery/crime novel (published by Spiegel & Grau, 2011). Highly anticipated, but not well advertised. The first printing is reported at 50,000 (so not too high). Signed editions list up to $100, but can be gotten for around $40. Unsigned editions are reasonably priced as well, settling around the cover price ($20-$26).
Upcoming books to watch out for:
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Knopf, October 25, 2011)
Being published in the UK by Harvill Secker a week earlier. UK editions are being published in a two book set; The first book published on October 18, the second being released a week later when the US edition is released. (Japanese and Chinese editions were published in a three book set).
The Submission by Amy Waldman (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, August 16, 2011)
This one is getting starred reviews from everyone: Booklist, Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly.... First printing is high, at 100,000, so you want to look for a signed copy (& she is on a book signing tour). Demand is also supposed to be high for this one, so don't pass up a copy just because you think you'll be able to find a first/first later.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Doubleday, September 13, 2011)
Another one getting starred reviews from everyone (Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Library Journal, Booklist). No print run numbers on this one, but it's sure to be high
Labels: 2011, Conlon, Crime, fall, Hypermodern collectible, Map of Time, mystery, Palma, Quantum Thief, Rajaniemi, Red on Red, sci-fi, Signed editions, watch list
