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1st-edition ‘Frankenstein’ commands $1.1M, sets world auction record

Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Sheila Gibson Stoodley
First edition of Mary Shelley’s novel, ‘Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus,’ which sold for $1.1 million against an estimate of $200,000-$300,000. Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd
First edition of Mary Shelley’s novel, ‘Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus,’ which sold for $1.1 million against an estimate of $200,000-$300,000. Image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd

NEW YORK — A new world auction record for a printed work by a woman was established at Christie’s New York for the first edition of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which sold for $1,170,000, above an estimate of $200,000-$300,000.  Auctioneer Gemma Sudlow fielded bids from Christie’s phone bidders, who participated from around the world.

The book was offered in the live sale of The Exceptional Literature Collection of Theodore B. Baum, which totaled $6,703,375.  Another auction record was set by an inscribed first edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which realized $275,000. The online portion of The Exceptional Literature Collection of Theodore B. Baum, Part Two: The Twentieth Century is open for bidding through September 17.

Frankenstein