The Most Expensive Charles Dickens Books Sold in the Last Decade
From inscribed copies to rare first editions, these are the most expensive Charles Dickens books that captivated collectors and broke auction records.
Charles Dickens stands as one of the most influential and widely read novelists in the English language. A master of both sentiment and satire, Dickens's storytelling shaped the development of the modern novel. His global popularity and enduring literary significance make his first editions, especially those with inscriptions or personal provenance, some of the most sought-after books among collectors. In the past decade, Sotheby’s has brought several extraordinary examples to market. Below, we explore the most expensive Charles Dickens books sold in recent years, each one a tangible connection to one of literature’s greatest minds.
5 Most Expensive Charles Dickens Books
A Christmas Carol Presentation Copy of the Author's Best-Loved Book, 228,000 USD
Topping the list is a rare and historically important presentation copy of A Christmas Carol, published by Chapman & Hall in 1843, sold for 228,000 USD in June 2024. This particular volume is a pre-publication presentation copy, inscribed warmly by Dickens to his friend and the godfather of his son, the writer and political thinker Walter Savage Landor. As a first edition, first issue, first state, and one of only ten such copies, it represents one of the most elusive and significant examples of this beloved novella. Notably, it is one of just a few copies inscribed on December 17th, two days before its official release—adding further rarity and allure to an already iconic title.
Great Expectations First Edition, First Impression State, 175,000 GPB
Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations takes the next three places on this list, reflecting the scarcity and collector appeal of this late-career masterpiece. This example, a first edition, first issue in three volumes published by Chapman & Hall in 1861 sold for 175,000 GPB in September 2019, standing out for its format alone. Unlike Dickens’s other works, Great Expectations was not serialized before its release in book form, making this edition especially notable.The rarity of first issues stems from their limited original production and heavy library use, making surviving examples in excellent condition exceptionally rare.
Great Expectations First Edition, First Impression State Autographed copy,165,100 USD
Another exceptional copy of Great Expectations is this first edition, first impression, which sold for $165,100 in December 2023. What sets it apart is a rare presentation inscription—one of only a handful known. Of the approximately 1,000 copies printed in the first state, signed examples by Dickens are extraordinarily scarce. This particular copy, inscribed just two days before publication, further underscores its singular significance. According to Rare Book Hub, only three other presentation copies have appeared at auction in the past century, highlighting the remarkable rarity of this sale.
Great Expectations First Edition, First Impression State,137,500 USD
Completing the trio of Great Expectations highlights is another first edition, first impression in three volumes, which sold for $137,500 in June 2015. This copy stands out for its remarkable textual integrity: of the nearly 120 issue points identified in the Clarendon edition, it preserves nearly all in their earliest state. Its completeness and fidelity to the original printing make it one of the finest surviving examples.
The Personal History of David Copperfield Inscribed Presentation Copy, 137,500 GBP
Next is a cherished first edition presentation copy of The Personal History of David Copperfield, which sold for £137,500 in September 2019. Published in 1850 by Bradbury and Evans, this copy is inscribed to "Brookes of Sheffield"—a name that appears in the novel and is believed to reference the real-life John Brookes. This personal inscription creates a rare and poignant link between Dickens’s fictional world and his own life. Only two other inscribed copies of David Copperfield have appeared at auction since 1975, making this an extraordinary example of what Dickens famously described as his "favourite child" among his works.
These exceptional sales of Charles Dickens books from the past decade illustrate the enduring power and cultural significance of his work. Each book represents not just literary greatness, but a tangible connection to the author himself—through inscriptions, publication timing, or historical associations. Dickens's novels continue to inspire generations of readers, and the demand for his rarest editions shows no signs of slowing. As collectors pursue these remarkable volumes, they help to preserve and celebrate the legacy of a writer whose vision of society remains deeply relevant. In both the auction room and the wider world of literature, Charles Dickens's voice continues to resonate.
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.
- Browse Books & Manuscripts available for immediate delivery
- Explore upcoming Books & Manuscripts auctions in New York, London and Paris.
- Contact our Book Specialists about selling a rare book or manuscript or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading book specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
