The Five Most Valuable Virginia Woolf Books
Discover the top five most valuable Virginia Woolf books ever sold at Sotheby's, from rare first editions to Woolf's handwritten manuscripts.
When Virginia Woolf published her first novel, The Voyage Out, in 1915, she set the stage for a literary career that would redefine modernist fiction. As a founding member of the Bloomsbury Group, Woolf's experimental narratives, stream-of-consciousness prose, and feminist themes have made her one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Collectors and literary enthusiasts alike continue to seek rare and valuable editions of her works, with first editions, annotated copies, and manuscripts commanding impressive prices at auction. Below are five of the most expensive Virginia Woolf books and manuscripts ever sold at Sotheby's.
5 Most Valuable Virginia Woolf Books
The Voyage Out, First Edition, 91,250 GBP
Virginia Woolf’s debut novel, The Voyage Out, introduced many of the themes that would come to define her literary career. In November 2001, a first edition featuring extensive typescript and manuscript corrections in Woolf’s own hand sold for an astounding £91,250 at a Sotheby's London auction. The novel follows Rachel Vinrace as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, a motif Woolf would revisit throughout her career. The presence of Woolf’s own revisions makes this particular copy a unique artifact, offering rare insight into her writing process.
Pocket Engagement Diaries, (1930-1941), 73,250 GBP
Between 1930 and 1941, Woolf meticulously recorded her thoughts, appointments, and daily life in a series of pocket engagement diaries. These diaries, which offer an intimate glimpse into the mind of one of literature’s greatest modernists, sold in December 2012 for £73,250. Woolf’s personal writings provide an invaluable record of her intellectual pursuits, her relationships with key literary figures, and the struggles she faced leading up to her tragic death in 1941.
Orlando, Typescript with Autograph Revisions, 69,250 GBP
In November 2001, a typescript of Orlando featuring Woolf’s handwritten revisions achieved a sale price of £69,250. This groundbreaking novel, inspired by Woolf’s relationship with Vita Sackville-West, defied conventional notions of gender and time, following the life of a protagonist who lives for centuries while transitioning from male to female. Woolf’s own handwritten alterations to the text highlight the novel’s evolution and offer collectors an unparalleled look at her creative process.
Night and Day (First Edition, Rare Dust Jacket), 37,050 GBP
Woolf’s second novel, Night and Day, explores themes of love, marriage, and women’s roles in Edwardian society. A first edition of the book, complete with its very rare dust-jacket, sold for £37,050 in November 2001. The survival of the dust-jacket significantly increases a book’s value, as many early 20th-century jackets were discarded or significantly damaged. This particular edition is a testament to the enduring appeal of Woolf’s early works and the meticulous care taken by collectors in preserving literary history.
Mrs. Dalloway (First Edition, Inscribed Presentation Copy), 30,000 GPB
One of Woolf’s most famous and beloved novels, Mrs. Dalloway, follows a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a party in post-World War I London. A first edition of Mrs. Dalloway, featuring a rare dust-jacket and a personal inscription by Woolf to Vita Sackville-West, sold for £30,000 in July 2006. The deep connection between Woolf and Sackville-West adds a layer of historical and emotional significance to this already valuable book, making it a prized possession for any collector.
From personally annotated manuscripts to inscribed first editions, these valuable Virginia Woolf books serve as lasting tributes to one of literature’s most innovative voices. As demand for Woolf’s works continues to grow, collectors and enthusiasts turn to trusted auction houses like Sotheby’s to acquire these rare pieces of literary history. Whether driven by a love of modernist literature, an appreciation for Woolf’s feminist legacy, or the thrill of owning a piece of literary heritage, the pursuit of Virginia Woolf collectibles ensures that her influence endures for generations to come.
Advantages to Buying Rare Books on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby’s offers exclusive access to a curated selection of rare books and manuscripts from its global network of trusted sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers exceptional works, from manuscripts and first editions to signed pieces by legendary authors, that span centuries of literary and intellectual history. Our book specialists are always seeking the rarest and finest items from collectors worldwide, curating remarkable collections that define the art of book collecting.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to acquire rare books including online and at auctions in New York, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service to help facilitate private sales tailored to your unique collecting interests or assist in sourcing specific titles or editions that may not be available at auction or online.
3. Value
Sotheby’s presents a carefully curated selection of rare books and manuscripts, including first editions, author-signed copies, and landmark historical documents.. Sotheby's provides access to authenticated works that have been vetted by our global team of specialists to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and quality, providing collectors complete confidence in their acquisitions.
4. Discovery
Books have been at the heart of Sotheby’s since our founding in 1774 by bookseller Samuel Baker. One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering rare and remarkable works that have shaped cultural and intellectual history. Sotheby’s ever-evolving selection, ranging from early printed books to modern first editions, offers collectors a unique opportunity to uncover something new.
Buy and Sell Rare Books with Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the world's rarest books and manuscripts available for immediate purchase. Sotheby’s also sells rare books and manuscripts at auctions in New York, London, and Paris. Expect to find important first editions, signed copies, and landmark historical documents in every sale in addition to other highly sought-after works in pristine condition. Sotheby’s books and manuscripts sales feature rare first edition and limited edition books.
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