Which is the most coveted King book?

[stroppygoblin]

So my recent acquisition got me thinking, what do the members here really covet? What is considered THE most desired SK book? I have posted a poll with what I think are the likely contenders but feel free to discuss others.

A few guidelines (My Poll, My rules :))

1. Market Value should not be the main consideration, the fact that it is worth $1000's does not make it desirable, only re-sellable.
2. I am not distinguishing between Lettered and Numbered, unless the book is majorly different
3. Base your vote on the book, and the things that makes it special.

[Randall Flagg]

Simple one choice poll? Not a flag or greatest Sci-Fi movie ranked choice?

I guess it's "My Poll, My rules :)".
Should be over very soon.

[Merlin1958]

Simple one choice poll? Not a flag or greatest Sci-Fi movie ranked choice?

I guess it's "My Poll, My rules :)".
Should be over very soon.


:wtf:

[jhanic]

I voted for The Stand Limited. Although a relatively large number were done (1250 copies) I think it remains the Holy Grail of King collectors.

John

[Papaseraphim]

I also voted for The Stand Limited for the same reasons John stated. I will also add that a lot of collectors (me included) hope to one day acquire one. The same can't be said for books like the Asbestos Firestarter.

Plus it is such a beautiful book.

Nick


I voted for The Stand Limited. Although a relatively large number were done (1250 copies) I think it remains the Holy Grail of King collectors.

John

[Merlin1958]

For me, even though I ahve zero chance of ever owning one, "Firestarter" is the book I most "covet". I love the story and the edition is just marvelous!!! Beyond compare. The others are perhaps more obtainable, but even if I had one or two I would still "covet" the "Firestarter".

[needfulthings]

What is missing from this equation?
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger 1/500 The KEY to any Dark Tower Collection.
http://imageshack.com/a/img10/5340/dscn5756k.jpg

[RC65]

For me, the answer couldn't be easier: THE STAND S/L. One of my favorite books and certainly my favorite King novel.

[biomieg]

I am not a collector or even a big fan of signed/limited editions but if I had to choose one it would be the Asbestos Firestarter (with The Plant as a runner-up) in the Unaffordable Category, or the Centipede 'Salem's Lot (with EOTD as runner-up) in the Semi-Affordable Category. So I voted Asbestos Firestarter.

[stroppygoblin]

What is missing from this equation?
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger 1/500 The KEY to any Dark Tower Collection.
http://imageshack.com/a/img10/5340/dscn5756k.jpg

Correct! This should have been included. My Bad.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

Well you cannot "covet" something you already own, so I voted for Asbestos Firestarter, as this is the only thing on that list I do not have.

[herbertwest]

I am not a collector, but yes the two items from the list that seem the more intriguing to me would be : the firestarter asbestos & then the bulletted Regulators lettered.

[stroppygoblin]

Well you cannot "covet" something you already own, so I voted for Asbestos Firestarter, as this is the only thing on that list I do not have.

And if you could only have one of them?

[The Library Policeman]

Lettered Regulators for me.

[dnemec]

Had to go with the Asbestos Firestarter as my most coveted book. I used to represent clients with asbestos-related diseases, so both that one and the Fahrenheit 451 Asbestos Edition are on my "When I win the lottery" list. Hmmm...perhaps if I find a job working in that area again, I could buy both as a tax write-off?! But to be honest, I have nothing on this list and would gladly accept any as a gift (FYI guys: my birthday is in November). :coo3l:

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

Well you cannot "covet" something you already own, so I voted for Asbestos Firestarter, as this is the only thing on that list I do not have.

And if you could only have one of them?

From that list, it would be Skeleton Crew Lettered. I just like the zipper. :)
2nd choice would be The Plant. That set feels great.
IMO. The Asbestos Firestarter is an ugly, small book, not worth what the asking price is.

[frik]

Lettered Regulators for me.

+1

sk

[racerx45]

I went with FireStarter Lettered for the following reasons:

• It was the first lettered SK book
• It is a great design
• It is the only SK book that if not handled with respect could kill you!

The Stand S/L was a close second and The Regulators Lettered would be next on my list.

[Lookwhoitis]

Simple one choice poll? Not a flag or greatest Sci-Fi movie ranked choice?


Thank Goodness! :rock:

[needfulthings]

A VIEW THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD HAVE SEEN.
http://imageshack.com/a/img825/7115/dscn5596c.jpg

[T-Dogz_AK47]

Well you cannot "covet" something you already own, so I voted for Asbestos Firestarter, as this is the only thing on that list I do not have.

You have a copy of the true first edition ($8.95 price and "Father Cody" error) of Salem's Lot?

There were only about 4 of these ever published.

[Robert Fulman]

Oh yes, it's very nice.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a80/Donut13/HolyGrail059.jpg

[stroppygoblin]

Damn- I need to spread some rep so can't give you any for that. Still +Rep from me in the bank!

"Go away you stupid electronic donkey bum biters!, I fart in your general direction!"

[webstar1000]

Lettered Regulators for me:)

[stroppygoblin]

it's a little late to change the poll, but I wonder how many people have voted for a book that they don't have (and not for a book that they do have)? I was kinda thinking along the lines of if you had to pick just one or if you had them all, which one would you rate the highest?
(I appreciate that may be like choosing which one of your kids was your favourite....)

Take the Asbestos Firestarter. If I had that and The Stand next to each other and was told "Pick One, but you can never sell it" - I would not hesitate in picking The Stand.

[T-Dogz_AK47]

it's a little late to change the poll, but I wonder how many people have voted for a book that they don't have (and not for a book that they do have)? I was kinda thinking along the lines of if you had to pick just one or if you had them all, which one would you rate the highest?
(I appreciate that may be like choosing which one of your kids was your favourite....)

Take the Asbestos Firestarter. If I had that and The Stand next to each other and was told "Pick One, but you can never sell it" - I would not hesitate in picking The Stand.


I was looking at the list and thinking the same thing. I definitely wouldn't choose the Asbestos Firestarter.

If I had to choose just one book it would be either The Stand (super rare LETTERED coffin edition not the S/L).

Or

The Centipede Press deluxe "Owner's copy" of Salem's Lot that Jerad Walters made for himself. It was even more luxurious in design than the regular Roman-Numeraled edition and was strictly the only copy made. See the attached link below...

http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?9267-Salem-s-Lot-Centipede-Owner-s-signed-and-deluxe-editions-for-sale!

For a collection, I would probably think that a complete matching S/L set of The Dark Tower vols. I - VII, numbered #19 and each remarqued by Michael Whelan, would be the most coveted item ever.

[CyberGhostface]

Voted for Eyes of the Dragon as it's one of my faves and the LE comes with exclusive illustrations not found in the trade.

[shaq]

I voted The Stand. want want want it! One day. Win the lottery or present to me for my 50 in a few years time.

[Patrick]

If the S/L of THE GUNSLINGER were on the list, it would have my vote.

Of those on the list that I do not own, I would choose the Lettered edition of THE REGULATORS.

[webstar1000]

I would say a matching Dark Tower set... This list is incomplete!!! I demand a re-do!

[Ben Mears]

it's a little late to change the poll, but I wonder how many people have voted for a book that they don't have (and not for a book that they do have)? I was kinda thinking along the lines of if you had to pick just one or if you had them all, which one would you rate the highest?
(I appreciate that may be like choosing which one of your kids was your favourite....)

Take the Asbestos Firestarter. If I had that and The Stand next to each other and was told "Pick One, but you can never sell it" - I would not hesitate in picking The Stand.


Covet implies something wanted or desired so by definition the poll is asking voters to choose one of the listed items they don't already have.

[Br!an]

Covet implies something wanted or desired so by definition the poll is asking voters to choose one of the listed items they don't already have.

That's the way I understood it.

[RichardX]

I have the oversized s/l of Salem's Lot. I don't have a clue though how I found out about it or ordered it from them. I may have opened it once. Always thought it would be interesting to get real people who are mentioned in a book to sign it. The closest I've come is to get Clint Hill (the secret service agent who climbed into JFKs car via the trunk) and Buell Frazier who drove Oswald to work on the morning of the assassination to sign my copy of 11.22.63.

[jhanic]

I find this entire discussion VERY interesting--all the different viewpoints, etc.

John

[Merlin1958]

You can make up all the "Hypothetical" situations you want, but the truth is if you can afford the "Firestarter", you probably bought, "The Stand" with your walking around money. Plus, "Firestarter is no slouch indeed. I believe it is extremely comparable to "The Stand" in production values from what I have had the chance to see, but that's just MHO. I may get "booed" for this, but a $20k book as compared to a $2k book? Factoring in the limitation, no comparison. However, that is just this man' opinion in the end and I own neither.

[Robert Fulman]

In terms of "coveting", I don't think I have ever once wished I had a copy of either Firestarter or The Stand S/Ls. Other than for the re-sale value, if you offered to sell me either for $500, I would pass. The King books I spend the most time coveting are:

Little Sisters of Eluria S/L: It's the only Grant "Black Leather Traycase" book that I don't have. Prime Evil, Desperation, and The Crow: Shattered Lives and Broken Dreams are among my favorite books to look at. Back before TWTTK was a twinkle in SK's eye, LSOE was selling around $200, and I wish I had grabbed one then because it doesn't seem like the price is ever going to get back down there.
Plume Gunslinger "Dark Tower" variant ARC: I read about this book on this site, pretty much on my first time here, and then I found it in a random lot on eBay that day. I turned around and sold it for a quick profit, thinking that Stephen King flipping was the easiest way to make money. I have regretted selling that book for almost three years, and I have never seen another one for sale again.
Prime Evil S/L, Bantam Edition: I consider this to be published by Grant even though it says Bantam on the side. I want/need one on my shelf, but I want to spend < $250 for it.
The Grant brochure/catalog advertising the Gunslinger as "the most important small press book ever published" (or something to that extent). Actually, I want all of the Grant brochures, but that one in particular is the one I covet.

[Ben Mears]

Coveting an item, in this case an SK book of rarity and stature, likely comes down to how and why an individual collects. Is it for pleasure? Passion? Investment? The need to own very single item possible? What makes this message board so interesting is the variety of the collectors who share their different perspectives. There are no right answers, just enlightening and informed ones.

[biomieg]

This is turning into an interesting discussion. If we deviate from the selection included in the poll and if we focus on what we covet most for our own collection rather than what we covet most from the poll options, my choice would definitely be a 'Salem's Lot or The Stand Doubleday proof (I can't choose between those two).

But if we stay with the original poll it's still fun to discuss. It seems that some collectors are mostly interested in production values (The Stand, lettered IT) and others are more interested in the 'lore' surrounding the book (lettered Firestarter, The Plant). I'm definitely one of the latter.

[Randall Flagg]

The Grant brochure/catalog advertising the Gunslinger as "the most important small press book ever published" (or something to that extent). Actually, I want all of the Grant brochures, but that one in particular is the one I covet.
[/LIST]

I have quite a few Grant Brochures. I'll have to see if I have that one.

EDIT:
Found it:

http://www.thedarktower.org/custom/images/1413382246-Gunslinger%20brochure_634x846.jpg

[RC65]

$60.00 was the cover price for the S/L GUNSLINGER...? Man, those where the days...

[stroppygoblin]

60 bucks - those were the days eh?

EDIT: lol - great minds...

[Robert Fulman]

What an audacious claim! And yet, 30+ years later, it seems to be correct; has there been a more important small-press fantasy book published since then?

[neo_trinity]

For me, I would say that the Lettered Regulators is the finest example of a King S/L Edition that could be produced. Even after 18 years, the smell of the leather when the tray case is opened, is like you are walking through a tannery. The feel of the 30-30 cartridges, and the cattle branding on the spine are magnificent. Asbestos Firestarter, albeit a more valuable book to acquire, does not contain the same production materials as Charnel House used. The Numbered Firestarter with Whelan's famous dust jacket, is by far a more beautiful copy. The Lettered edition employs the same text, and with the exception of the boards, there is no difference. However, the smell of the Lettered is unique, and the aluminium wrapping is very soft to the touch (although fingerprints remain). You need to get an acrylic case made for it, as it was issued without any protection, as that way it will allow you to enjoy seeing it.

[zelig]

For me, I would say that the Lettered Regulators is the finest example of a King S/L Edition that could be produced. Even after 18 years, the smell of the leather when the tray case is opened, is like you are walking through a tannery. The feel of the 30-30 cartridges, and the cattle branding on the spine are magnificent. Asbestos Firestarter, albeit a more valuable book to acquire, does not contain the same production materials as Charnel House used. The Numbered Firestarter with Whelan's famous dust jacket, is by far a more beautiful copy. The Lettered edition employs the same text, and with the exception of the boards, there is no difference. However, the smell of the Lettered is unique, and the aluminium wrapping is very soft to the touch (although fingerprints remain). You need to get an acrylic case made for it, as it was issued without any protection, as that way it will allow you to enjoy seeing it.

That's an interesting point. I was one of the few who voted for the 1st state 'Salem's jacket, but it kind of makes sense that if you had an opportunity to hold one of the rarer items in your hands, it could sway your decision.

[neo_trinity]

A close second for me would be The Stand S/L. The quality of the workmanship on the case, the leather engraving details, gold edging, end-paper designs, and the quality of the paper used for the text, has no equal today. When you compare it to the Tom Gordon Pop-Up book, or any of the new wave of multi-thousand dollar limited's, these 1990s publishers definitely did not overcharge their loyal customers, and gave them real quality books for their hard-earned money.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

I might be totally wrong on this, but I thought the "1st State" Salem's Lot dust jackets were folded in the middle. If this is correct, that is quite a flaw.

Maybe the few owners on here can set the record straight.

[Cook]

All things Stephen King lead to Roland's quest for the dark tower, this is the ultimate journey.

Gunslinger Signed/Limited is "my" choice for "Most Coveted"

[neo_trinity]

I might be totally wrong on this, but I thought the "1st State" Salem's Lot dust jackets were folded in the middle. If this is correct, that is quite a flaw.

Maybe the few owners on here can set the record straight.

Yes they were folded, because they could not be stored inside an A4 filing cabinet otherwise. However, the 'flaw' you mention is not that major. All considering, as the past cannot be rewritten, it is better to have them found, than lost, in my opinion.

http://www.geraldwinters.com/king/salems/Lot-A.jpg
http://www.geraldwinters.com/king/salems/Lot-B.jpg
http://www.geraldwinters.com/king/salems/Lot-C.jpg

[Ben Mears]

A close second for me would be The Stand S/L. The quality of the workmanship on the case, the leather engraving details, gold edging, end-paper designs, and the quality of the paper used for the text, has no equal today. When you compare it to the Tom Gordon Pop-Up book, or any of the new wave of multi-thousand dollar limited's, these 1990s publishers definitely did not overcharge their loyal customers, and gave them real quality books for their hard-earned money.


I would venture to guess that the materials and craftsmanship of Centipede limited 'Salem's Lot are of a similar caliber to The Stand limited. In terms of value 'Salem's Lot 380 copies issued for $450 in 2004 while The Stand 1250 copies went for $325 fourteen years earlier. Given inflation over that time SL was a very good deal. I'm not familiar with the lettered version of The Stand so don't know if the only differentiation is the limitation page. If that is the case the deluxe SL offers much more in a smaller print run.
I haven't seen the 52 copy lettered Regulators either but I can't imagine the materials used for it are of higher quality than the 25 copy SL roman numeral edition.

[webstar1000]

What is one of these Salems worth guys... I really have no idea.

[biomieg]

'Street value'. I think you will only see one of them for sale once every decade or so on average and the price will be whatever the buyer and seller agree on. But it's probably fair to say >$10,000. Or maybe I should say: I don't think any of the current owners would sell it for less.

[carlosdetweiller]

I might be totally wrong on this, but I thought the "1st State" Salem's Lot dust jackets were folded in the middle. If this is correct, that is quite a flaw.

Maybe the few owners on here can set the record straight.

Yes they were folded, because they could not be stored inside an A4 filing cabinet otherwise. However, the 'flaw' you mention is not that major. All considering, as the past cannot be rewritten, it is better to have them found, than lost, in my opinion.
]

Mine is not folded down the center of the spine but is folded where the spine meets the rear panel (where the black color meets the white). When I first bought it I thought it was not folded at all but when I took it out of the BroDart cover I noticed it. Not sure why it should be different but I have heard of at least one other copy with the fold in the same place as mine.

[Lot guy]

What is one of these Salems worth guys... I really have no idea.

A PC copy went for $4,500.00 a year or so ago that changed hands for under $6,000.00 4 months ago to a private buyer.

[biomieg]

I think he's referring to the 1st state SL dust jacket (or am I wrong?).

[webstar1000]

I think he's referring to the 1st state SL dust jacket (or am I wrong?).

no your right

[Johnny007]

'Street value'. I think you will only see one of them for sale once every decade or so on average and the price will be whatever the buyer and seller agree on. But it's probably fair to say >$10,000. Or maybe I should say: I don't think any of the current owners would sell it for less.

My best guess on the 1st/1st SL DJ would be $20K-30K unless one of the owners is really in a pinch.

A black Roman numeral SL sold for $12K on ABE within the last year. There are only 8 red numeral SLs available so I'd guess that the price for one of those would be at least in that ballpark.

[Johnny007]

My most coveted SK item is a lettered EOTD -- one red and one black. I know of 3 of the 52 but I've only seen 1 for sale -- and that one was already spoken for.

[carlosdetweiller]

My most coveted SK item is a lettered EOTD -- one red and one black. I know of 3 of the 52 but I've only seen 1 for sale -- and that one was already spoken for.

All of the Philtrum Press lettered editions seem scarce. Both The Plant and EOTD. I have always wondered for whom they were intended. Rarely are they ever up for sale that I see. I too have a red numbered and black numbered EOTD. Haven't seen one for sale in years.

[Lot guy]

'Street value'. I think you will only see one of them for sale once every decade or so on average and the price will be whatever the buyer and seller agree on. But it's probably fair to say >$10,000. Or maybe I should say: I don't think any of the current owners would sell it for less.

My best guess on the 1st/1st SL DJ would be $20K-30K unless one of the owners is really in a pinch.

A black Roman numeral SL sold for $12K on ABE within the last year. There are only 8 red numeral SLs available so I'd guess that the price for one of those would be at least in that ballpark.

The one on Abebooks was on there for quite a while, as for the PC/unnumbered copy I was referring to my offer of $6,000.00 was said to be very generous & had already sold(for less). Betts had one of these as well which Grant bought in the last year or so, I believe he paid under $5,000.00 as well. It has since been sold when he had the initial push of books.
I know one collector that said $40,000.00 is what he'd consider letting his 1st state go for. That's a lot of money

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

My most coveted SK item is a lettered EOTD -- one red and one black. I know of 3 of the 52 but I've only seen 1 for sale -- and that one was already spoken for.

All of the Philtrum Press lettered editions seem scarce. Both The Plant and EOTD. I have always wondered for whom they were intended. Rarely are they ever up for sale that I see. I too have a red numbered and black numbered EOTD. Haven't seen one for sale in years.

Yes these are rare. I have been trying to buy these for years without success. They have never come on the market.