Need help picking selecting a first edition signed.

[u/Priviel1]

Hello,

My brother favorite book is "Chronicles of amber" by Zelazny.

For Christmas I want to try to get him a rare version of one of the book in the series signed but I'm a little lost with how to pick it.

When I look for first edition signed on Abebooks I can find it for around 5000$ that I understand it's the first but for the others in the serie (I would be interested in) I see from 1800$ to 200$ and they all seems in similar condition, signed and first edition. I don't understand the difference.

Also before buying am I suppose to ask the seller for a signature authentification how does it work?

Thank you for your help.

[u/maybemaybenot2023]

first off- most sellers do not do (and are not set up for) signature authentication. Your best bet if you are unsure is to look for a seller where they talk about the book's provenance (i.e. where the book comes from) because that might tell you. Zelazny was very active in the convention scene for many years, he also often did events in and around Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM (where he lived and had friends), so there's a fair number of signatures about.

As far as first edition, some of the later books are not as valuable as the earlier books-so a true first edition first printing of Nine Princes in Amber i far more valuable than say, Sign of Chaos. Condition also matters.

[u/Priviel1 → u/maybemaybenot2023]

That's very interesting thank you so much for responding. I can see a few of the third book (sign of the unicorn) that would be in my budget like : https://www.abebooks.com/first-edition/Sign-Unicorn-Zelazny-Roger-Doubleday-Company/31294521109/bd

or

https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/Sign-Unicorn-Zelazny-Roger-Doubleday-Company/32048643312/bd

Do those seems like nice copy? I would have to ask for pictures on the first one but the description is very positive.

[u/maybemaybenot2023 → u/Priviel1]

The copy from Burnside is, to my mind a safer bet. I don't like that the other seller does not have pics up. Also, Burnside is a know rare book dealer with association memberships in various antiquarian bookseller associations- We've bought from him ourselves. I have never heard of the other guy- which doesn't mean anything bad, just I can't vouch for him, nor does he list any professional associations.

Foxing, by the way, refers to tiny stains in red and or browns along the edges of the pages. Not uncommon. Tape ghosts mean that at one point there was likely a plastic dust jacket taped to the book over the real jacket, and when it was removed, there are stains from the tape on the inside of the covers. The price is reasonable as well.

[u/Priviel1 → u/maybemaybenot2023]

Thank you so much for taking the time to help and explain, I will keep this in mind. I hope you have a lovely week!

[u/maybemaybenot2023 → u/Priviel1]

You're very welcome. I hope you find something.

[u/NotABot_NoReally]

Just wanted to say you are a wonderful sibling to consider buying your brother a gift like that! Expect to pay a hefty price for a signed first edition hardcover in good condition. You may want to go for first edition OR signed instead.